The Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) has decided to recognize and honor four former contestants, including Vickie Rushton, Hazel Ortiz, Gila Salvador and Ana Thea Cenarosa, during the coronation night of Binibining Pilipinas 2021. The former Binibinis will be honored with a video citation since they were unable to stay on in the ongoing competition after a year-long delay.
Rushton, Ortiz, Salvador, and Cenarosa were part of the original top 40 Binibini finalists in 2020 but due to the several postponements of the finals night amid the pandemic, these four divas has to withdraw their participation. Gines Enriques, the top BPCI official said, “We want to acknowledge their loyalty and sacrifice as Binibining Pilipinas candidates.”
Vickie Marie Rushton was a pageant favourite and is currently working as an actress. She along with athlete, Thea Cenarosa had to step out of the league due to age eligibility as they turned 29. Meanwhile, model and fitness coach Hazel Ortis and businesswoman Gila Salvador had to fulfill their business and financial obligations outside the pageant.
Looking back at her stretch, Ortiz shared, “I did my best to stay and see the pageantry through, but I also had tons of responsibilities outside of my candidacy, especially with what was happening at the time because of the pandemic, so I had no choice but to withdraw from my position as Bb. Pilipinas Pasig.”
Hazel also hinted at rejoining the national pageant as she added, “For sure, if I were given another chance to do it again, I would. The beautiful friendships that I formed within the organization, the amazing women, and the mentors that I’ve met, will always have a place in my heart.”
Rushton’s was the most recent withdrawal, talking about which she wrote, “It finally sunk in that I am no longer part of it. Today, I found myself crying because I am still not ready to let go of this dream but I know I have to and I know God has better plans. I never imagined this journey would end this way but maybe it’s time to dream a new dream.” Vickie also continues to advocate for the care of special children along with her acting career.
Gila who established herself as the boss woman has been focusing on expanding her Quezon City based Madcafe coffee shop franchise and construction business. Cherishing her journey as far she said, “God has a plan and He is there to bless and not to destroy, see you prosper and not fail.”
Meanwhile, Thea continues to work towards athletics as she is now an advocate for sports awareness through the Philippines Netball Federation Inc. “The impact that sports can give to our lives is very different. I apply it to myself, I try to encourage youth to play sports since it can help anyone grow as a disciplined and mentally tough individual to face reality.” the Ilongga team captain for the Philippine national netball team told in an interview.
These former Binibinis may have fallen off the run towards the national crown, but continue to rise as they unfold new chapters in their lives, making the organization proud.