RIYADH, 14 December 2006 — The winners in the first kingdomwide search for Binibini at Ginoong Saudi Arabia 2006 will be known tomorrow in a spectacle dedicated to a village hardest hit by Typhoon Reming in the Philippines.
Organized by the Special Events Productions (SEP), this year’s pageant will showcase Filipino students and workers “with stunning personality, charm and intelligence,” not just from the capital but from the Western and Eastern regions.
The event will be held tomorrow, starting 7 p.m., at the Philippine Embassy’s Liwasang Bonifacio, with 11 ladies and nine gentlemen vying for the title, said Rani Basanta, SEP’s chief operating officer.
To make the event more meaningful, Basanta said the SEP will send proceeds of the event to the survivors of a mudslide that killed hundreds of people in barangay Padang in Legazpi City.
Padang was one of the villages swept by mudslides unleashed from the slopes of Mayon Volcano by Reming, a supertyphoon internationally known as Durian last month.
Basanta said the SEP has far collected used clothing and canned goods from the candidates and SEP officers under its “Tabang Albay! (Help Albay!)” project.
He said the donations will be shipped to Legazpi immediately after the pageant.
He said SEP has coordinated the campaign with the city government of Legazpi.
“Padang was chosen to be the major beneficiary, aside from other minor humanitarian services at hand, because of the necessity and urgent call for help from our fellow Bicolanos,” Basanta said.
Tomorrow’s pageant will also feature barong, evening gown and other Filipiniana-inspired creations by selected Filipino fashion designers from Riyadh Filipino Fashion Designers Association (Riffda).
Last year’s Ginoong Riyadh was Junifer Christ Manuel, while Liezl Ann Santiago was named Binibining Pilipinas Riyadh.
Ron Jacobe, a champion Toastmaster in the Gulf region, will direct the show.
Basanta said the show’s main sponsors are Speed Cash, Western Union, and The Filipino Channel (TFC) are the main sponsors. The other sponsors are Zee Noodle and Steak House, Planet Express Cargo, Al Yusr Installment, Al Mira Magic Cream, Hyundai Digital Technology (HDT), Giordano, Lacoste, Abdulaziz Studio, Avene, Le Eve Medical Spa and Beauty Salon.
For details, the following can be contacted: Basanta at 05607-33135 or Erwin Serrano at 05694-09532.
Birit Bulilit
In a sort of preview for tomorrow’s event, the SEP is also inviting the public to the grand finals of Birit Bulilit 2006 singing contest today at the embassy.
Starting at 4 p.m., the show will feature nine youngsters, aged 8-10, who will compete in the first-ever singing competition of aspiring young Filipino singers in the whole kingdom.
Riyadh will be represented by Pia Marie Paulican and Seannine Ann dela Cruz of Al-Danah International School (ADIS) and Christelle Marie Aliasas of the International Philippine School in Riyadh (IPSR).
Jeddah is sending Fern Roshan Castro of Al-Hekma International School (AHIS), Collen Fernandez and Ianna Monique Fernandez of Sunrise International School (SIS).
Aljon Llobrera Indefenso of the Philippine School in Dammam (PSD), Charmine Kay Concepcion Celestino and Angelica Resuello Aranas of the International Philippine School in Alkhobar (IPSA) will represent the Eastern Region.
The event is supported by Mediacom, Future Generation School, Cameraderie, Filpop Music Center, SEND4, Al-Taj International School and Subway.
Organizers said Kimverlie Molina, TFC Popstar 2006 grand winner, has been invited as special guest.
