VERA Corrine Dickinson, a 20-year old fashion model who is taking up Bachelor of Science in Accountancy was crowned the 2023 Binibining Kanlahi grand winner in a lavish Coronation Night held at the historic Maria Cristina park, March 9.
The Municipality of Concepcion pride, Dickinson bested 17 other candidates to clinch the title previously held by Tarlac City’s Jasmine Omay.
Placing first runner-up is the lass from Capas, Jan Nissa Sicat. Rounding up Dickinson’s court of honor are second runner-up Mary Joy Cabusao from Victoria, third runner-up Krizia Iya Santos from Bamban and fourth runner-up Pearly Joy Biala from Tarlac City.
By winning the title, Dickinson received a cash price of P100,000, P100,000 worth of JCI Skin Clinic products and services, P50,000 worth of products from Beauty Derm, P20,000 worth of Infinity salon services and P10,000 worth of gift checks.
Sicat received P50,000 cash and P50,000 worth of JCI Skin Care products and services, Cabusao got a cash price of P40,000 and P30,000 worth of JCI Skin Care products and services while Santos and Biala received P30,000 and P20,000 cash respectively.
In Governor Susan Yap’s message, she said that the previous two Binibining Kanlahi pageant were done virtually because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Dalawang taon din tayong hindi nagkasama-sama. 2020 was our last face-to-face Binibining Kanlahi here at the Maria Cristina Park as we did the previous two virtually,” she said.
Gov. Yap likewise congratulated Dickinson for winning the pageant and all the participants.
“Congratulations to Vera and her court of honor for bringing pride to our province. Thank you also to the huge support of our provincial officials, mayors, vice mayors and councilors who came here cheering for their respective candidates,” Gov. Yap said.
Special Awards
Aside from being crowned Binibining Kanlahi 2023, Dickinson was also named Best in Evening Gown, Binibining RCS and Binibining I-Style.
Miss Photogenic went to Cabusao and was likewise named Binibining Rustica Restaurant, Binibining Araboo and Miss City Walk; Biala received the awards Binibining Hey Brew, Binibining BHF and Miss Cruz-Mejia Dental Clinic; Paniqui’s Jeannielyn De Vera is Best in Swimsuit and was named Miss Smart Texter’s Choice LTE Pocket Wi-Fi; Sta. Ignacia’s Valerie Guillermo was named Binibining Kart City and Binibining L-Square; San Manuel’s Stella Cabanting got the Designer’s Choice Award; Gerona’s Beryl Martinez is Miss Friendship; La Paz’ Kathleen Mayled is Miss Wild Spicy Café; San Jose’s Khriezaira Capitulo was adjudged as Best in Municipal Costume; Ramos’ Allison Tangonan is the Binibining Face of the Night and Mayantoc’s Elaise Abat is Miss Personality.
Other candidates for the Binibining Kanlahi 2023 were San Clemente’s Christine Rodillas, Pura’s Pamela Cariazo, Camiling’s Thea Manaloto, Anao’s Apple Malicay and Moncada’s Unaizah Obillo.
Judges and VIPs
Pageant night judges include Chairperson and president of RCS Eastern Inter-Trade Corporation Lailyn Zhue, Department of Tourism Region III Director Richard Deanos, COO of Balingit Home Furnishing Bea Araneta, Psychologist and entrepreneur Amanda Gay Escanlar, Intergrated Bar of the Philippines President and NFA Deputy Administrator Atty. Raul Canon, Businesswoman Ballerie Amber, TV ad Model Daniel Lauchengco, GMA7 Artist and Mister Model Worldwide Philippines 2022 Derick Allen Lauchengco, Mister World Philippines Kirk Bondad and Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2022 Gabrielle Basiano.
Local government officials who attended the coronation night were Tarlac second district Congressman Christian Tell Yap, Vice Governor Carlito “Casada” David, Board Members Joy Gilbert Lamorena, Cristine Dizon, Christopher delos Reyes, Joselito Capitulo, Danilo Asiaten, Harmes Sembrano and Henry Cruz.
Mayors Estelita Aquino, Nora Modomo, Elma Macadamia, Rex Villa Agustin, Jappy de Dios, Celso Banag, Donya Tesoro, Alice Guo, Iluminado Pobre, Venus Jordan and Romeo Capitulo. Vice Mayors Bong Tan, Tani Guiam, Epoy Balmores and Alex Espinosa.
The pageant was hosted by celebrity couple Miss World 2013 Megan Young and Mikael Daez.
Last year’s Binibining Kanlahi queen, Omay landed in the top 12 of the Binibining Pilipinas 2022 pageant. Second runner-up Camiling’s Zeah Nestle Pala was crowned Miss Bikini Philippines 2022 while third runner-up Jenny Ramp represented the Philippines in the 2022Miss Earth pageant.—Arvin F. M. Cabalu
