Stefanowitz Out From Binibining Pilipinas 2017 Final 40 Candidates

Just a few minutes after news broke that former Miss Earth Air 2012 Stephanie Stefanowitz made it to the Top 55 of this year's Binibining Pilipinas 2017 screening, a lot of pageant fans got excited about the idea of another successful back-to-back-crossover win from Miss Earth Philippines to Binibining Pilipinas title. The last time it happened was in 2001 courtesy of Carlene Aguilar.

However, in the next twenty-four-hours, pageant fans' excitement turned into disappointment upon not seeing Stefanowitz' name in the list of Final 40 candidates. How did that happen? What are the underlying reasons why Stefanowitz' sure-win Binibining Pilipinas 2017 crown-bid ended that early. Pageant fans thought of the politics going on inside Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc., the organization behind the Binibining Pilipinas pageant as the main reason. Why? Stefanowitz and most of Miss Earth Philippines beauties are from Kagandahang Flores (KF) camp. On the other hand, it's arch-rival beauty camp Aces and Queens led by Jonas Gaffud is behind Megan Young's Miss World 2013, Pia Wurtzbach's Miss Universe 2015, and Kylie Versoza's Miss International 2016 win. Some of these Aces and Queens beauties sat as members of the Binibining Pilipinas 2017 screening committee. Oh, did I say I smell politics during the deliberation?

Well, anyways, here's the list of the Final 40 candidates of this year's Binibining Pilipinas pageant.

1. Ana Patricia Asturias

2. Leitz Camyll M. Ang

3. Jessica M. Ramirez

4. Dane Felisse R. Marasigan

5. Mae Lanie Chan

6. Arienne Louise Braga Calingo

7. Maria Gail Devora Tobes

8. Gabriela Patricia M. Ortega

9. Katarina Sonja A. Rodriguez

10. Joselle S. Mariano

11. Kristi Rose D. Cequeña

12. Rachel Peters

13. Maria Camille P. Manalo

14. Jennyline Carla F. Malpaya

15. Vanessa N. Saliba

16. Juliana M. Kapeundl

17. Ma. Bejieleen T. Nama

18. Thoreen D. Halvosen

19. Sarah Jireh C. Asido

20. Arah A. Salientes

21. Beatrice O. Valente

22. Mae Liezel J. Ramos

23. Larah Grace Lacap

24. Clarice Marion E. Villareal

25. Chanel Olive V. Thomas

26. Nelda C. Ibe

27. Christagale Borja

28. Ruffa Nava

29. Angelique Celine L. De Leon

30. Jamaica Elysse D. Ambal

31. Karla May R. Manongsong

32. Dindi Joy Pajares

33. Kimberly L. Pajares

34. Maria Angelica A. De Leon

35. Sirene Sutton

36. Charmaine F. Elima

37. Jehza Mae Huelar

38. Elizabeth Durado Clenci

39. Kristel N. Guelos

40. Sammie Anne L. Legaspi

It seems that controversy always hounds the Binibining Pilipinas pageant every year. There's no way of knowing what else will shock or excite the pageant fans as the events unfold in this year's edition of the pageant.