Int'l Pageants
Persistence pays off for pageant winners
By Marinel Cruz
Mar 7, 2004, 16:38

CAREER pageant contestants Maricar Balagtas, Mary Ann Bayot and Ma. Karla Bautista, dominated last Saturday's Binibining Pilipinas beauty search, proving that trying and trying can lead to success.

Balagtas was crowned Bb. Pilipinas Universe, Bayot won the Bb. Pilipinas International title, while Bautista copped the Bb. Pilipinas World title.

All three candidates had competed, and won, in other national and international pageants in the past.

Third time

"This is my third time to join the Binibining Pilipinas," Balagtas told the Inquirer shortly after the ceremony at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

Balagtas was 17 when she first made it to the pageant, and 19 the second time. "I hope to bring home the Miss Universe crown this time," added the professional model from Bulacan.

"I wasn't disheartened by losing," she said. "I was very young and náve then. It doesn't matter how many times you fall. What matters is how well you stand after that fall."

Balagtas, 21, won the Bb. Pilipinas second runner-up title in 2001 and was crowned Miss Globe 2001 in Turkey.

Ready

"I really prepared for this one," said Bayot. "The pressure in on because this is my second time. I made sure that I was at my very best. All the hard work paid off."

Bayot, 21, was last year's Bb. Pilipinas first runner-up. She eventually landed second in the Miss Internet WWW search in Turkey.

Bautista, 19, is a first-time contestant in Bb. Pilipinas. She, however, is the reigning Miss Cebu. She also won this year's Best in Long Gown title.

She said she was very happy that she won over "more experienced" candidates. "I was so nervous," she said. "I didn't know what to think. It was tough out there."

Crucial question

Candidate No. 1 Princess Jasmine Tiongson won the second runner-up title, while Tracy Ann Javelona, candidate No. 20, was proclaimed first runner-up.

Balagtas earned the judges' nod when she confidently answered a crucial question by GMA 7 newscaster Rhea Santos, saying she would work on improving education in the country if given the chance to lead.

"Education is the key to this country's success. I will pass a bill that would give equal... and nice education to children," said Balagtas, who also won the Best in Swimsuit title.

Included in this year's 10 finalists were Honeylet Gascon and Gemma Gatdula, who both finished fifth in their respective batches at the Miss Philippines-Earth pageant. Other finalists were Christy del Rosario, Liwayway Baterna and Margaux Mitz Flores.

1999 Miss Universe first runner-up Miriam Quiambao, Dingdong Dantes and Ariel Rivera hosted the show.

Candidate Jeanne Harn won the Miss Talent title, while Stephanie Anne Balagtas bagged the Miss Friendship award.

Bayot was heralded Miss Lux Super Rich that night, while Balagtas won the Miss Philippine Airlines and Miss Internet awards.

Tiongson brought home the Miss Avon Color award, while Javelona, the Miss Close-Up Smile award.

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