LOOK: Top 55 bets for Bb. Pilipinas 2017 pageant; to be pared down to final 40 on Feb 28. pic.twitter.com/olLbwjWmuM | via @mariovdumaual

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) February 27, 2017

MANILA – Out of 95 hopefuls, the Binibining Pilipinas 2017 pageant initially selected 55 bets late Monday evening in a tight race among pageant repeaters, fresh faces, and cross-over beauties from other national competitions.

Leading the pack of the new Binibining Pilipinas batch are pageant repeaters Mariel de Leon, daughter of Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong, and Binibining Pilipinas 2016 2nd runner-up Jehza Huelar.

Also included are pageant title holders Miss Earth 2012 Stephanie Stefanowitz, Miss Philippines Air 2015 Chanel Olive Thomas, Miss World Philippines 4th Princess Rachel Peters and Miss Global Philippines 2014 runner-up Siren Sutton.
The other ladies who will join them are:

Gabriella Ortega
Sarah Joson
Leitz Ang
Sarah Bona
Rufa Nava
Ana Asturias
Benjieleen Nama
Joselle Mariano
Paulyn Cordero
Sammie Legaspi
Arienne Calingo
Mae Ramos
Jessica Ramirez
Vanessa Saliba
Carla Manongson
Angelique de Leon
Beatrice Valente
Henna Cajandig
Nelda Ibe
Angelika de la Cruz
Michelle Guia Nan
Gail Tobes
Charmaine Elima
Jamaica Ambal
Hena Santos
Thoreen Halvorsem
Felisse Marasigan
Sarah Asido
Kimberly Pajares
Christa Borja
Kristi Rose Cequena
Larah Lacap
Mae Lani Chan
Jannie Alipoon
Joanna Intal
Camille Manalo
Jaenena Rafer
Katarina Rodriguez
Elizabeth Clenci
Mia Howell
Jennylinr Malpaya
Jean Tumang
Kristen Guelos
Clarice Villareal
Gillian Colcol
Arah Salientes
Dindi Pajares
Juliana Kapeunall

Among those who served as judges in selecting the initial 55 beauties were reigning Miss International Kylie Verzosa and outgoing Binibining Pilipinas queens Maxine Medina and Nicole Cordoves.

The selection committee, also composed of ABS-CBN and Binibining Pilipinas Charities officials, are expected to prune down the bets further to 40 official candidates on Tuesday after a rigorous question and answer challenge.