BACOOR CITY – Felicia Aldana. The last Caviteña to make the cut wore this city’s sash, and that lady was none other than Victoria Velasquez Vincent. This year, the gateway to the province sadly occupies the rear of the Evening Gown round, with not much buzz to assure a Wild Card nod. 

DASMARIÑAS CITY – Tyra Jane Godino. At the minimum, we can celebrate Cavite’s Industrial Giant making its debut, even if this one was benched early. 

ILOILO PROVINCE – Nicklyn Jutay. It was already a steep climb for this Bb. Pilipinas alumna from the get-go, but that early ouster still feels harsh – especially after shining in Evening Gown. There are, however, reasons to believe she still rally back, with her gracious reaction (on social media) earning her praise and her National Costume nod giving her extra mileage. The question is: How far can that extra push take her? 

LAS PIÑAS (FIL. SOCIETY OF FLORIDA) – Avegail Kultsar. This Orlando native exudes a dignified presence as the eldest of the lot at 35. Sadly, that distinction still couldn’t earn her a pass to the next round, and the committee might have other Wild Card shoo-ins in mind.  

LEYTE – Kareyl May Cabahug. Her Evening Gown presentation was among the least polished, hence, the early boot. Aggravating matters is that she isn’t among the public vote contenders either. 

PARAÑAQUE (FIL. SOCIETY OF LOS ANGELES) – Aria Pauline Galvez. It’s bittersweet seeing the city’s first ever representative back in action, albeit under a neighboring city. But while this Los Angeles native is benched for now, her Playtime Vote standings might just be her ticket back. Granted, of course, she tops that. 

SARANGANI (FIL. SOCIETY OF WEST ASIA) – Nicole Cruz. She’s based in Saudi Arabia, and it’s worth noting that they refer to her region of residence as “West Asia”, as opposed to the more popular (but Western-leaning) “Middle East”. Much as her early ouster marks a shaky start for her debuting province, the Piña Beauty Fan Vote might just provide a lifeline. 

SOUTHERN LEYTE – Renee Rose Patual. Clearly, the noise generated by her near-withdrawal didn’t bolster the buzz that much, as she was booted early. Still, there’s comfort seeing her back in the fray, now that she and her local organization have made amends. She looks great, but it’s her Wild Card prospects that remain uncertain.  

TAAL, BATANGAS (FIL. SOCIETY OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA) – Juliana Hope Aquino. Batangas may have lost their entrant to Bohol (more on that later), but in comes this NorCal native marking the historic municipality’s debut. Sure, she’s benched, but she’s since received huge sentimental acclaim, thanks to her DIY ballet-themed National Costume. Whether or not that helps her rally back, she at least put on a show.

TUGUEGARAO CITY – Janica Aquino. Unfortunately, the alphabetically last delegate also currently occupies the bottom tier, though her exotic looks might just earn her Wild Card mileage.