ALBAY – Alexandra Oriño. This psychology major may still be awaiting her fate, but it’s easy to assume the outcome. She strongly held her own as Bicol’s lone bet, with her breathtaking Evening Gown performance and poignant Closed Door interview. Four years since Julia Saubier’s Top 10 finish, the placement drought may be due an end. 

BAGUIO CITY – Roxanne Allison Baeyens. Lest we forget, she was the first Pinay to see pageant action this decade, albeit virtually, in Miss Earth 2020. But much as she’s since gained showbiz traction as Roxie Smith, this second wind hardly surprises. For one, she’s finally outside the confines of Zoom. And there’s a fair chance she’ll earn another global shot, even if it won’t necessarily be through the plum prize.  

CABANATUAN CITY (FIL. SOCIETY OF ALBERTA, CANADA) – Princess Ryla Hernandez. A fun fact is that she was actually supposed to compete last year, but deferred to this year instead. While it’s great to see her still in the mix, the imminent final night shake-up might cost her a slot. 

CAMIGUIN – Erica Jane Cadayday. Presentation-wise, she ticks all the boxes. Plus, she exudes a quietly commanding presence in interview. With her two immediate strong predecessors ignored, it may be time for her island’s big break. Being named one of the Five Gems of Misamis Occidental, as Ambassadress of Health, also bodes well. 

CEBU CITY – Apriel Smith. On a piquant note, she now represents the city and not the province. And she’s certainly come a long way since the inaugural year, more so Bb. Pilipinas 2016. There are tell-tale signs her third try in nationals will finally be the charm. And while the top crown’s seemingly pegged for someone else, she’s bound to be a lock for the Winners’ Circle – just like her fellow 2020 alumna. 

CEBU PROVINCE – Nicole Borromeo. There were always murmurs that she’d try again. It was just a matter of which pageant and when. Still, seeing her here feels like a leap of faith, given her lofty track record and how she’d just brought us honor as Miss International 2023’s 3rd Runner-Up. Yet a repeat triumph still feels far from assured, given the presence of other esteemed veterans. Safe to say, she’ll join her fellow Cebuana on top, if not pull another Bb. Pilipinas shocker. 

COTABATO PROVINCE – Clarissa Westram. Technically, this isn’t the province’s debut since it did pre-qualify in 2021. Now, this polyglot stands to secure a breakthrough, or even beyond, as she’s one of the interview standouts.

ILOILO CITY – Zestah Espinosa. She’s striking – think Katrina Llegado, but even more morena. And, while her closed door interview wasn’t particularly her highlight, she delivers the goods in all other areas. She’s bound to uphold her city’s track record. 

LA UNION – Bea Millan-Windorski. Just like Roxie Baeyens, she was Miss Earth-Water, except she earned that accolade as an American. Little did everyone know, that this was going to be one offshoot of her move to her mother’s homeland – that she’d give representing the archipelago a shot. Well, to this Wisconsin stunner’s credit, she’s more immersed than most would think and she even studied Filipino culture and history extensively in school. Still, it’s hard to blame those who raise concerns on her residency, even if she’s arguably the most Puerto Rico-ready. Then again, it’s still too close to call, as we’ve seen dark horses prevail over pre-pageant favorites several times before. Nothing’s cast in stone just yet.

LAGUNA – Ysabel Prats. If the Miss Eco Teen representative would still come from this franchise, this Sta. Rosa stunner would be the undisputed pick. But, even without that possibility, she’s been slowly gathering steam. With luck, she might even steal a Top Seven slot. 

LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA – Scarlett Anne de Mesa. There’s comfort seeing this half-German in the race, given how the aforementioned teen beat her by a hair. Well, obviously, the field is much wider now, so a shot at another international stint feels more far-fetched. Best she can pull is to make the cut along with Ysabel Prats.