Manila Bulletin’s Readers Choice crowned 2010 Bb. Pilipinas-World

Source: Manila Bulletin
A 19-year-old student who was also the Manila Bulletin’s Readers Choice will represent the country to the Miss World beauty pageant later this year after she was named Bb. Pilipinas-World 2010 during the Binibining Pilipinas coronation night last Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Two other candidates were crowned in the same pageant, earning them the right to represent the country in the Miss Universe and Miss International contests also later this year.

Czarina Catherine Gatbont on, a Hotel and Restaurant Management sophomore, was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-World during the pageant which was broadcast on national television on a slightly delayed live telecast.

Gatbonton was also the recipient of the Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice special award which was awarded earlier and which was presented by Badette Cunanan of the Manila Bulletin’s corporate affairs department.

Gatbonton impressed the judges with her answer when asked, “Given another life, what would you like to be and why?’’ She answered in Filipino.

“Gusto ko pong sagutin ang katanungan sa ating Wikang Pambansa. Kung ako po ay bibigyan ng pangalawang buhay, gusto ko maging puno na nagbibigay hininga at buhay. Salamat po.’’ (I would like to answer the question in our national language. Given another life, I would like to be a tree that allows us to breathe and live. Thank you).

Standing 5 feet 10½ inches tall and weighing 116.6 lbs, Gatbonton has a body measurement of 34-23-34½. She also enjoys basketball, volleyball and acting, and has dreamt of becoming a beauty queen.

Maria Venus Raj, 21, of Bato, Camarines Sur, was crowned 2010 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe and will represent the country in the Miss Universe beauty contest.

A judge asked her how far she would go to achieve her dreams. Raj said: “I will really do my best, and do everything that I can do to achieve what I really want in life. It is also important to have God in me so that I can achieve my dreams.’’

Raj stands 5’9 tall, weighs 110 lbs and measures 35-22-35. Before joining the contest, Raj worked as an Information Assistant at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IV. She has a Bachelor in Communication Arts degree, major in journalism.

She also won Best in Long Gown, Best in Regional Terno and Miss Friendship, a special award which she shared with semifinalist Kate Princess Alimurong. Aside from playing volleyball and basketball, Raj is also into singing.

Krista Mae Kleiner, 20, was crowned 2010 Bb. Pilipinas International. Kleiner, who stands 5’10 tall, is a TV personality and a psychology graduate. She also won Best in Swimsuit and Best Talent.

During the interview portion, her question was: “If you’ll have the chance to meet President Obama, what would you talk about?’’ Kleiner said: “President Obama did so much charity work and really dedicated his life to other people. I would also ask his advice on how I can follow his footsteps and how I can help the Filipino people.’’

Diane Necio, 17, was named first runner up while Helen Nicollete Henson won second runner-up honors. All the winners received cash prizes and other products from this year’s sponsors.

So far, the Philippines has won the Miss Universe and Miss International crowns several times.

However, the country has yet to produce a titlist in the Miss World contest.

Other winners of special awards were Laureen Ann Caparas, Texter’s Choice; Henson, Miss Fit and Right, Miss PAL and Miss Photogenic; and Selena Alexis Antonio, Shoppers’ Choice.

The others who made it to the semifinals were Mariella Castillo, Gwendoline Ruais, Maryanne Ross Misa, and Rose Ann Aguilar.

Members of the board of judges were French Ambassador Thierry Borja de Mozota, Ambassador Ivan J. Crespo, GMA 7 television newscaster Mike Enriquez, artist Juvenal Sanso, actress Claudine Barretto, former Miss International Aurora Pijuan, boxing champion Nonito Donaire, basketball star Gabe Norwood, PAL Director Jaime Bautista, Sofitel Philippine Plaza general manager Goran Aleksandrovski, and Navy Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez.