The Binibining Pilipinas 2021 Winners And Their Complete Q&A Transcripts

Binibining Pilipinas 2021's new queens and runners-up

From left: Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne, Bibinining Pilipinas Intercontinental Cinderella Obenita, Bibinining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold, Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2021 Samantha Panlilio, First Runner-Up Gabrielle Basiano, and Second Runner-Up Meiji Cruz

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Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold

Her advocacy: Children's education | She also won the Jag Denim Queen 2021 special award

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Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold

Her Q&A question: Given the reach and power of social media, do you believe that genuine freedom of speech exists in the Philippines nowadays? Why or why not?

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Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold

Her Q&A answer: "First of all, freedom of speech is a basic human right that we all must remember. It is important for a democracy. With our upcoming election, we definitely need free speech. For example, on Twitter, we are limited to a few characters, and what I have seen in these Tweets has been powerful and has helped me think about who I'd like to vote for in the upcoming election."

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Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2021 Samantha Panlilio

Her interests: Food and fitness

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Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2021 Samantha Panlilio

Her Q&A question: YOLO. You only live once. Name something you learned and did for the first time during the pandemic which you consider as the most life changing of all.

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Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2021 Samantha Panlilio

Her Q&A answer: "The one thing that I did during the pandemic was actually cook food for frontliners, because I love to cook. I also have a food vlog that I do in my spare time. It was such a fulfilling and humbling experience, helping these people and helping contribute to the people who are actually at the front lines helping us Filipinos. And so, I hope that what I did inspired other women too to also help out one another, because the only way we can survive and heal and recover from this pandemic is if we help one another."

Photo Credit: @bbpilipinasofficial

Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Obenita

Her advocacy: Cervical cancer awareness/prevention, and press freedom | She also won the Fan Vote Award 2021 special award

Photo Credit: @cindyobenita

Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Obenita

Her Q&A question: How important are luxury items like bags, clothes, and jewelry for a woman when the national economy is down and struggling?

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Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Obenita

Her Q&A answer: "In life, we always find ourselves at a crossroad of choices. Women always have a choice, whether to prioritize luxury items while we are facing a pandemic. And also, we also have a choice to embrace the concept of a new beautiful, which is responsive to the needs of the time[s], and adaptive to the change of times. And I think I would choose to be that woman, the one who understands the problems of the Philippines, the problems of my community, so that we may be able to uplift each other. And I would be that kind of woman, to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable."

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Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne

Her advocacy: HIV/AIDS awareness | She was also named Miss Cream Silk 2021 and Miss Ever Bilena 2021

Photo Credit: @maureenmontagne

Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne

Her Q&A question: Now that compassion is needed more than ever, what is your most recent act of kindness and how did this affect others?

Photo Credit: @bbpilipinasofficial

Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne

Her Q&A answer: "During the pandemic, I was in Siargao. And together, friends and I created the Siargao community kitchen. It was a trying time and everyone felt how hard it was. Our hearts were heavy, but together, we rose. Together we supported our communities and provided our hot meals and assistance to everyone on the island and helped as much as we could. And for me, it proved that together, community conquers all."

Photo Credit: @bbpilipinasofficial

First Runner-Up Gabrielle Basiano

Her advocacy: Mental health care | She also won the Best in Long Gown special award

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First Runner-Up Gabrielle Basiano

Her Q&A question: In what ways can a female public servant or politician be more effective than a male politician?

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First Runner-Up Gabrielle Basiano

Her Q&A answer: "I really understand that all of us are doing our best to give the best service to everyone. And I can say that men servants are very strong when it comes to making decisions, and with women they are very passionate when it comes to the things that they are doing and they are very sensitive with the feeling[s] of the other people, and that’s what makes women servants different from men."

Photo Credit: @bbpilipinasofficial

Second Runner-Up Meiji Cruz

Her advocacy: Gender equality | She also won the Best in Swimsuit special award

Photo Credit: @bb.meijicruz

Second Runner-Up Meiji Cruz

Her Q&A question: These days beauty queens are also considered as beauty athletes with all the training we undergo. What is your message of inspiration to all Filipino athletes who are competing in the forthcoming Olympics in Japan given the pandemic situation?

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Second Runner-Up Meiji Cruz

Her Q&A answer: "As a candidate myself, I understand and I completely agree that we are like athletes, because we are required to be disciplined. We are required to give our 100 percent passion and focus to what we will do. To our athletes, I know that you also waited for this to happen again, and this will happen again in Japan and it’s a good sign. And it means that there’s hope we are [going] back to normal."

Photo Credit: @bbpilipinasofficial

Special Award: Dr. Ruth Quin - Best in National Costume

First a doctor, and now, winner of a special award at the Binibining Pilipinas 2021 competition. Dr. Ruth Quin came home with the Best in National Costume award; she represented agriculture in her outfit.

Photo Credit: @dra.quinruth

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