RIYADH, 28 November 2005 — Junifer Chris Manuel and Liezl Ann Santiago bagged the Ginoo and Binibining Pilipinas Riyadh 2005 titles, respectively, in a pageant produced by SE Productions at the Liwasang Bonifacio in the Philippine Embassy.
Manuel and Santiago bested 17 other candidates based on intelligence, appeal, attire and special talents. They were crowned by Michael Quiambao and Peach Meg Tanael, last year’s Ginoo and Binibining Pilipinas Riyadh winners.
“I did not expect to win because the other candidates stood out equally well during the pageant,” said Manuel, an IT Technician at the Mayes Medical Center.
The 23-year-old said his is his first year to work overseas and also his first experience in such a contest.
The new Binibining Pilipinas Riyadh, the daughter of Ed and Luisa Santiago, gave a lot of credit to her manager for her victory.
“I would like to thank John Esplanada who stood as my manager,” the 16-year old student said. “He spent his money to ensure I get stunning outfit.”
Both winners each received SR1,500 cash, round-trip Riyadh-Manila-Riyadh tickets courtesy of Kuwait Airlines, a Mediacom Karaoke Set plus gift certificates courtesy of Sky Freight Forwarders, Ion Shine Hair Dryer courtesy of Con-Air, Printer from Canon, Gift Certificate from Steakhouse, and complimentary gifts from Al-Rabie.
Named first runners-up were Michael Gene Taneco (GPR -Luzon) of International Philippine School in Riyadh, and Honeyleah J. Batuigas (BPR-Luzon) from Al-Habib Medical Center.
The second runners-up were Kristopher Edward Mendoz (GPR-Visayas) from International Philippine School in Riyadh, and Michelle Leslie Rondilla (BPR-Visayas) from Nour Al Maaref International School.
Voted third runners-up were Gerome Ifurung (GPR -Mindanao) from Arnada Catering Company, and Sarah Lee Bangit (BPR -Mindanao) from National Medical Care Company.
Special awards went to Jeffrey Gulle and Liezl Ann Santiago (Mr. & Ms. Photogenic), Kristopher Edward Mendoza and Amira Ann Fernandez (Mr. & Ms. Congeniality), Michael Gene Taneco and Honeyleah Batuigas (Mr. & Ms. Talent), Jeffrey Gulle and Sarah Lee Bangit (Best in Ethnic Attire), Michael Gene Taneco and Amira Ann Fernancez (Best in Casual Wear), Gerome Ifurung and Amira Ann Fernandez (Best in Tropicana), Liezl Ann Santiago (Best in Gown), Junifer Chris Manuel (Best in Formal Wear), and Sarah Lee Bangit (Gerico Canlapan Photographer’s Choice).
The major sponsors were The Filipino Channel, Con-Air Personal Care, Steak House and Kuwait Airlines.
The other sponsors were Western Union, Dunkin Donut, Al Safi Danone Co. Ltd., Cash n’ Carry Restaurant, Foreverliving Products, Mr. & Mrs. Ricardo Abdulrahman Cetro, Abdulaziz Digital Imaging Studio, Giordano, Peking Restaurant, Canon, Sky Freight Forwarders and Mediacom, Al Rabie Products, McDonalds, Manila Plaza and Subway — in cooperation with Send Inc. (the official tabulator of the computerized judging), Cameraderie Club (official photographer), Gerico Canlapan Photography.
Comsofil, Philippine Guardians Brotherhood, Elite International School, Al Taj International School, International Philippine School in Riyadh, Millennium International School, Crepe-a-Way and the Philippine Embassy.