Jasmin Bungay, representing Pampanga, stood out at the ongoing preliminaries of Binibining Pilipinas. The 26-year-old contestant showcased two remarkable outfits during the pre-pageant events.
In the pre-pageant evening gown competition, Jasmin wore a stunning purple gown designed by Dubai’s rising stars. The gown featured intricate flower details symbolizing the resilience and beauty of Filipinos worldwide. Jasmin proudly represented the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), spreading Pinoy pride through her graceful walk and captivating presence.
For the national costume segment, Jasmin donned a white gown that paid homage to Pampanga’s rich cultural heritage. The costume, designed by Carl John Miranda, highlighted the craftsmanship and livelihood traditions of Kapampangans, such as metal-hammering and sawali weaving. The gown’s tail was inspired by the Sampaguita flower, abundant in Lubao, Pampanga, where an annual festival celebrates its beauty. The headdress and accessories were reminiscent of the famous parol lanterns, symbolizing Pampanga’s title as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines. An additional ring accessory paid tribute to the legendary folksong “Atin Cu Pung Singsing.”
In an interview in March, Jasmin shared her passion for pageantry and her decision to leave Dubai to pursue her childhood dream. “Growing up, joining pageants year after year when I was a teenager, pageantry had become a major plot in my story,” she revealed. Jasmin moved to Dubai at 21, transitioning from her profession as a licensed teacher to a career in the logistics and freight forwarding industry, where she also explored opportunities in modeling.
The Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) recently revealed the new crowns and larger prizes for the reigning queens’ successors. Forty candidates displayed their pasarela skills in swimsuits during the press presentation held at the New Frontier Theater on June 7. The grand coronation night, scheduled for July 7 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, will feature performances by P-pop group SB19, Gary Valenciano, and Martin Nievera. Former Binibini queens Catriona Gray, Nicole Cordovez, MJ Lastimosa, and Kylie Versoza will host the event.
The new Bb. Pilipinas International and Bb. Pilipinas Globe titleholders will each receive P1 million, while the two runners-up will receive P400,000 each. The new crowns, created by jeweler Manny Halasan, feature ethical diamonds and are based on the iconic Bb. Pilipinas logo.
