Maria Mika Maxine Medina Binibini 29 has been crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2016 (Bb Pilipinas 2016) at the culmination of the grand finale of the national pageant held on April 17’ 2016 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines. Maxine Medina was crowned by her predecessor Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Miss Universe Philippines 2015. Maria will now represent Philippines at the Miss Universe 2016 pageant.
The Pinay queen hails from Quezon City and is an interior designer who graduated from the Philippine School of Interior Design with experience in designing residential condominiums.
The 25-years-old beauty is also an ace in the field of modeling. Standing tall at an incredible height of 5’7 ¼”, the beauty queen is elated about representing Philippines at the Miss Universe 2016 pageant.
Read more about Maria Mika Mexine Medina here
At the same event, Kylie Verzosa (Binibini 31) was crowned Bb Pilipinas International 2016, and will now represent Philippines at the Miss International 2016 pageant. Jennifer Hammond (Binibini 26) was crowned Bb Pilipinas Intercontinental 2016 and will represent Philippines at Miss Intercontinental 2016. Joanna Eden (Binibini 13) was crowned Bb Pilipinas Supranational 2016 and will be representing Philippines at the Miss Supranational 2016. Nicole Cordoves (Binibini 11) was crowned Bb Pilipinas Grand International 2016 and will now represent Philippines at the Miss Grand International 2016. While Bb. 28 Nichole Marie Manalo was crowned Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2016, she will now represent her country at the Miss Globe 2016 pageant.
The Runners-up at the finals were -
Binibini 38 Angelica Alita finished as the first Runner Up
Binibini 37 Jehza Mae S. Huelar was adjudged as the Second Runner Up
As the striking gala night of Bb Pilipinas 2016 commenced, after a string of special awards and two tier preliminary competitions (swimsuit and evening gown), it was time to announce the Top 15.
Top 15 semi-finalists were - Top 15
Binibini 31 Kylie Verzosa
Binibini 16 Vina Openiano
Binibini 5 Riana Pangindian
Binibini 38 Angelica Alita
Binibini 22 Apriel Smith
Binibini 9 Roshiela Tobias
Binibini 4 Kimberle Mae Penchon
Binibini 13 Joanna Eden
Binibini 29 Maxine Medina
Binibini 27 Dindi Pajares
Binibini 26 Jennifer Hammond
Binibini 11 Nicole Cordoves
Binibini 37 Jehza Mae Huelar
Binibini 28 Nichole Manalo
Binibini 12 Edjelyn Joy Gamboa
The Top 15 semifinalists further were scrutinized under the radar of Question and Answer session. TheQ&A round this year came with a twist, as the judges picked the Binibini, instead of the Binibinis picking the judge.
See all the winners of Bb Pilipinas 2016
On the basis of the Q&A round, the winners for the night were announced.
Before the crowning moment, the outgoing queens of Binbining Pilipinas 2015 took their final walk on the stage, and Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2015, gave a heartwarming speech and word of advice to the contestants. “To my successor, just remember to give your best. Behind that beautiful gown, your knees may be trembling. I'm still not used to it. Being in front of millions of people is nerve-wracking but we have to remember that you are proudly wearing our sash that says 'Philippines.' Believe me in your moments of doubt, you just have to remember that you have the whole country cheering you on. Tonight, I feel like I'm graduating. Tonight is the beginning of a journey for a confidently beautiful Pilipina. Mabuhay anggandangPilipina.Mabuhay angPilipina.Mabuhay tayonglahat!”
She further added, “We should have a strong heart and a prepared mind to strong that into reality. In this moment, I'd like to express my sincerest gratitude to the people who have helped me win Miss Universe.You should never give up on your dreams. We should never waiver in our perseverance.”
The gala final of the Bb. Pilipinas 2016 was hosted by Xian Lim and KC Concepcion. Their commentary stole the hearts of the audiences as well as juries.
In addition to annoucning the winners, a series of Special Awards were also awarded to the follwoing contestants under the categories -
Miss Friendship - Bb 16 VinaOpeniano
Miss Talent - Bb 16 VinaOpeniano
Best in National Costume - Bb 3 Angela Fernando
Miss Photogenic - Bb 31 Kylie Verzosa
Miss Philippine Airlines - Binibini 29 Maxine Medina
Best in Swimsuit - Binibini 13 Joanna Eden
Best in Evening Gown - Binibini 26 Jennifer Hammond
Miss Creamsilk -Binibini 28 Nichole Manalo
Miss Manila Bulletin -Binibini 31 Kylie Verzosa