ICYMI, Binibining Pilipinas 2022 took place last Sunday evening, July 31, crowning Miss Cebu Nicole Borromeo as this year’s Miss International representative! As always, the pageant delivered, from stellar fashion moments onstage to controversies off-stage, such as celebrity judges allegedly throwing shade in the Q&A portion.
But if you think all drama and festivities are over, think again. Just recently, Miss Iloilo representative Karen Laurrie Mendoza, who made it to the Top 12, took to Instagram to take a subtle swipe at BBP through a series of cryptic Instagram stories.
It all started when she posted an answer to a question asked by a pageant page. She wrote, “I was asked [sic] by a pageant page. If there is one girl you would like to win the international crown aside from yourself, who would it be and why?
“My co-repeater Gabbie Basiano. Please watch @theqrownph for proof. And take a good look at the next photo.”
Instagram/karenlaurriee
The aforementioned photo quickly went viral, fueling speculations of anomalies during the winner’s announcement. In a clearer version posted on another page, it shows Bb. 17 as Bb. Pilipinas-Globe, while Bb. 23 and Bb. 28 are Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental and Bb. Pilipinas-International, respectively.
If the photo is of any indication, Gabbie should’ve been crowned the highest title rather than Nicole.
Instagram/karenlaurriee
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Rumors of a possible glitch circulated after the minutes-long delay during the winner's announcement portion, hosted by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Bb. Pilipinas Grand-Intercontinental 2016 Nicole Cordoves.
On Twitter, Cat already broke her silence on the issue.
In a lengthy statement, she wrote, "As the hosts of last night’s Binibining Pilipinas 2022, @binibiningnicolecordoves and I announced the winners accordingly based on the titles printed on the individual title cards as these were handed over by SGV & Co. partner and representative, Mr. Ocho.
"As a member of the overseeing committee during the deliberations (as pictured on slide 4 by BPCI Execom member @laraquigaman), Mr. Ocho later rechecked the cards and confirmed that the results previously announced were correct, which became the decisive factor in moving forward with the announcement.
"As former candidates ourselves, we understand what the girls go through and would, therefore—without a second thought—correct any errors, if any were made. But as already explained, SGV & Co. partner and representative Mr. Ocho himself confirmed the validity of the results."
This story originally appeared on Cosmo.ph.
* Minor edits have been made by the Female Network editors.
