Fil-Am beauty, poise, talent showcased in Bb. Pilipinas USA ‘15

Bb. Pilipinas USA ’15 top five from left: 2nd Runner-up Angelica Concepcion Alberto; Bb. Pilipinas USA 2015 Juanne Elisha Aquino; 3rd Runner-up Eriel Uy; Bb. Pilipinas USA Tourism Megan Lago Culp; 1st Runner-up #1 Heather Prejillana Casignia. PHOTOS BY MARC M. PIJUAN

LONG BEACH, California – A star-studded panel of judges and evening entertainment gave even more sparkle to the coronation night of Binibining Pilipinas USA on August 15 at Long Beach’s Carpenter Performing Arts Center.

Bb. Pilipinas USA 2015 Juanne Elisha Aquino did not think she would make it to the Top 2, but she said ambition and determination eventually contributed to her success.

“It took ambition and determination through this journey to the crown. I did face a few health issues. I was in Vegas last week and my feet were getting numb. Today, I’m in complete shock and I almost fainted on the red carpet,” said Aquino, “I definitely made a lot of friends and learned a lot of leadership skills, also confidence, I lack in that, so this pageant definitely helped me gain confidence.”

Excitement as Bb. Pilipinas USA 15 is announced.

The other pageant winners are Bb. Pilipinas USA Tourism #18 Megan Lago Culp; 1st Runner-up #1 Heather Prejillana Casignia; 2nd Runner-up #17 Angelica Concepcion Alberto; 3rd Runner-up #13 Eriel Uy.

Doing emcee duties were Filipino actor, director, singer-songwriter Gabby Concepcion, and actress, model, TV host and beauty pageant titleholder Venus Raj, with Special Correspondent Dr. Tess Mauricio, “America’s Favorite Dermatologist.”

Hollywood actress Tia Carrere highlighted the panel of judges comprised of talk show host Marc Anthony Nicolas, Fritz Friedman, Ariella Arida, Manny Ilagan, Marie Jemma Saranillo, Amadeo Leandro, Eliza Chung, Larry Potter, Jo Ann P. Kyle, Allen Hsiang and Fides Herrera-Lim.

The evening included special performances by Apl.de.ap, “The Voice Philippines” finalist Jessica Reynoso, singer-songwriter Daniel Hunter Jones, Pac Modern dance group of Cal State University Long Beach and comedian Rembrandt Sabelis.

The other 2015 Bb. Pilipinas USA candidates were #1 Heather Prejillana Casignia, #2 Michelle Charlotte Thorlund, #3 Nyomy Obcemea, #4 Terri May Grell, #5 Armalen Flores-Hernandez, #6 Ivy Gabrielle Nalo, #7 Nicole Frances Garchitorena, #8 Pauline Marantan, #9 Zeleen Santos, #10 Sidette San Agustin, #11 Betty Davis, #12 Jill Marucut, #13 Eriel Uy, #14 Rochelle Fajardo, #15 Jennalyn Raquel Lopez, #16 Juanne Elisha Aquino, #17 Angelica Concepcion Alberto, #18 Megan Lago Culp, #19 Krystal Von Seyfried and #20 Alyssa Monique Yuson.

“Enjoy the moment that they are there, especially the moment that they are on stage because they just only have how many seconds that they could impress everyone,” advised Panel Judge Ariella Arida in an interview with special correspondent Dr. Tess Mauricio.

Judge Tia Carrera said the question-and-answer portion “holds the most weight” for her. I think it’s important that if a girl is going to be representing an entire country then she should be able to express herself properly and to explain herself with tact, dignity and poise.”

“It’s not just beauty, it’s really the whole package we are looking for,” explained judge Jo Ann P. Kyle.

Titas, titos, lolas and lolos, mamas and papas held gigantic banners and screamed from their seats: “That’s right!” “Very good!” “That’s my daughter!”

“I just want to tell them don’t let anyone put a ceiling over your sky. You can do it, follow your dreams and make your mark,” stated judge Marc Anthony Nicolas.

Emcees Gabby Concepcion and Venus Raj leading the question-and-answer portion.

Before coronation night some candidates made it onto the Social Media portion of “The Talk” aired on CBS.

Special awards went to the following:

Bb. Friendship #12 Jill Marucut

Bb. Best in Talent #16 Juanne Elisha Aquino

Bb. Photogenic #17 Angelica Concepcion Alberto

Bb. Philippine Airlines # 16 Juanne Elisha Aquino

Bb. FilAm Insider #17 Angelica Concepcion Alberto

Bb. Popularity #1 Heather Prejillana Casignia

Bb. Social Media #17 Angelica Concepcion Alberto

Bb. Best in Swimsuit #17 Angelica Concepcion Alberto by Malibu Design Group

Bb. Best in Gown #16 Juanne Elisha Aquino by mother Dindin Aquino

Bb. People’s Choice Award #15 Jennalyn Raquel Lopez

Bb. Best in National Costume #3 Nyomy Obcemea by Alexis Bong Monsanto

The team behind Binibining Pilipinas USA included President/CEO Mildred Deang; Sr. Vice President Norberto F. Reyes III; Associate Producer Joey Galon; Choreographer Sam Sergio Loyola; Stage Director Ted Benito; TV Director RD Alba; Co-executive Producer Philip Anthony; Co-executive Producer Anthony Buncio, Stage Manager Jack Ross Campano, Production Manager Julian Atienza, Events Director Joanna Caballero.

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