TRANSCRIPT: Binibining Pilipinas 2019 Q and A segment

MANILA, Philippines – The top 15 candidates of Binibining Pilipinas 2019 shared their thoughts on various issues as they participated in the pageant’s Q&A segment.

In what may be the most nerve-wracking part of the pageant, the women answered questions on topics ranging from press freedom to mental health.

Here’s how each of the candidates answered:

PART 1

Joahnna Carla Saad, Dumaguete City

James Reid: In this day and age of gender equality can you say that Filipino men still practice chivalry or courtesy towards women? Why or why not?

Answer: I have a trust for Filipino people, that we Filipinos, women and men, are able to show the capabilities of a heart of a Filipino, that we are able to show to the people that we are not just Filipinos with ordinary capabilities, but we are Filipinos with extraordinary capabilities

Gazini Christiana Ganados, Talisay, Cebu

Bobby Barreiro: If you win the crown tonight, what can you do to get more women in the workplace?

Answer: If I win the crown tonight, what I will do is to promote my advocacy. My advocacy is for us women to fight for our rights and for the elderly care and for us to be able to know that someone is loving and someone is pushing us to whatever ambitions that we have. We will be able to rise from our decisions to whatever dreams that we have, goals that we have, and we will achieve it because of those values, those wisdoms that they gave us. Thank you.

Resham Ramirez Saeed, Maguindanao

Brian Cu: Recently migration and migrating became the most searched words on Google. What would you like to say to those disheartened Filipinos who seem to have lost hope for our country?

Answer: I would say that history has shown us that Filipinos are very good at remaining steadfast despite any hardships or any violent shown towards us. We do not stand for discrimination and I would say that if you’ve lost your way, turn back to God and walk towards him. Thank you.

Maria Andrea “Aya” Abesamis, Pasig

Nadine Lustre: What advice would you give a 16 year old girl for her to become more socially aware and become an empowered young lady?

Answer: What advice that I could give to a 16 year old girl is that for her to read more and to also understand life because in the future if you do not read more or understand life, you wouldn’t know what’s really happening and that would be a hard thing for you, and that’s it. Thank you.

Emma Mary Tiglao, Pampanga

Giorgio Guglielmino: Is free press important in a democratic society?

Answer: Yes it’s important because with the press we are able to be aware not only in our country Philippines but also around the world of what’s happening and as a press we should be responsible, and also as a citizen we should be responsible on the credible sites that we should look for. Thank you.

Samantha Ashley Lo, Cebu City

Christian Standhardinger: What is your best non-physical asset and why do you say so?

Answer: I believe the best non-physical asset could be your spirit. I believe that when we have a strong spirit, a strong aura, we shine from within, we spread it. It’s a beautiful butterfly effect and I continue to encourage everyone to have positivity and show love. There’s no need for negativity, there’s nothing productive about it. Let’s continue to shine and show love [inaudible] thank you.

Bea Patricia Magtanong, Bataan

Reinerio Borja: If you could have the opportunity to meet somebody globally influential, who would that be and why?

I really idolize Angelina Jolie because she was blessed with such a thriving career in Hollywood but then as a woman she was able to use that influence, that voice, and that audience, to advocate for the causes that she believes in, like world hunger with the UN, and someday, if I am given the chance, I would like to be just like her. Thank you.

PART 2

Jessica Marasigan, Malabon

Gloria Diaz: The Philippines has the most beautiful beaches in the world, but we are also ranked one of the top 3 most polluted oceans. We’re full of plastics. If you win Binibining Pilipinas, how could you make a difference to help clean up our oceans?

If I win Binibining Pilipinas, I would use this platform to make a voice that we need to segregate our trash, get rid of our plastics, and help conserve our national tourist locations. This is what we are known for, and what makes the Philippines beautiful. I would use this platform and my voice to help make a difference for our nation. Thank you.

Vickie Rushton, Negros Occidental

Daniel Padilla: Why is mental health as important as physical health?

Mental health is as important as physical health, because of our inner being. Having self-love is important. As a woman, I can inspire and empower the people to take care of themselves, to take care of their mind as well as their health. They will be as effective.

Marianne Marquez, Marikina

Ambassador Jorge Moragas: Last year, Spain sent the first ever transgender woman to Miss Universe pageant. Do you think the Philippines should welcome and allow a transgender woman in a beauty pageant?

I think the Philippines should definitely welcome transgender women, because it shows inclusivity and that we are just as well as beautiful as the women around us. It shows that we are ready for change and equality. Thank you.

Hannah Arnold, Masbate 

Joy Belmonte: What is your message to the young and new breed of politicians that won the recent elections, like Pasig City mayor Vico Sotto?

I would like to say that I am so proud to be a millennial right now. The youth is building our nation. We’re on the road to a better nation, a better world, and it’s thanks to these new politicians. Thank you.

Maria Isabela Galeria, Sorsogon

Bobby Barreiro: There is a saying, ‘High risk equals high reward.’ May I ask, what have you risked to get the crown?

I grew up having a lot of insecurities and fears and self-doubt. For me to be able to stand here confidently, representing not only myself but the 800,000 Sorsoganians is something that speaks courage, empowerment, and confidence. Thank you.

Samantha Mae Bernardo, Palawan

Nadine Lustre: How do you react to rape jokes?

It’s so sad that people are making jokes of this, about rape. It is not normal for us Filipinos. We should all stand up as women to use our voice for sexual harassment. I think it is nice of our government to do the Safe Spaces bill, so that women around the world, especially here in the Philippines, can have a safe environment in school, in economy, and in everything.

April May Short, Zamboanga City

Joy Belmonte: If you had to give a talk to hundreds of teachers in a high-profile gathering, what topic would you want to discuss with them and why?

The topic I want to discuss with them is my verse, ‘Let your faith be bigger than your fear.’ Even if you’re inferior or a commoner, you should believe in yourself and whatever the situation is, you should look up to yourself, heads up, and believe in yourself, with the society and the community.

Leren Mae Bautista, Laguna

Gloria Diaz: How do you define success?

My definition of success is raising my flag of bravery against bullying. It’s because I experienced hurtful words, heard so many things that hurt my feelings, but the 10-year-old girl fights for her rights, fights for what she believes in, and she believes in herself and trusts herself.

– Rappler.com