MANILA – Fifteen candidates took part in the question and answer round of Binibining Pilipinas 2018 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

Below are the videos and the full transcript of the Q&A segment of the pageant:

CANDIDATE NO. 35 SANDRA LEMONON

Question (from judge Edgar Saavedra): What are your insights on the government’s Build, Build, Build program?

Answer: Actually you know what, I studied so much for this Q&A, but sadly that’s something that I don't know really much about. But at least I’m here trying to answer a good question. Thank you.

CANDIDATE NO. 11 MARIA ANDREA ABESAMIS

Question (from judge Mike Brown): Boracay and its hazardous environmental situation, what is your view on this issue?

Answer: My view on this issue is that it’s a big matter right now, and that we need to conserve our natural habitat and our islands as a Filipino and a Filipina. Because we live here, we live in the country. There are locals there, and we are supposed to take care of it. Thank you.

CANDIDATE NO. 14 SAMANTHA MAE BERNARDO (SECOND RUNNER-UP)

Question (from judge Gerald Anderson): What do you think is the biggest misconception about beauty pageant contestants?

Answer: I think the biggest misconception of beauty pageants today is that we’re just beautiful, but we are not. We are confidently beautiful, we are compassionate, and we are very competent. We are in an era where we are past the stereotypes about women. And we continue to prove ourselves in our society where we can be at home raising a family or at the office having a career, or just like me here, joining pageants, celebrating our femininity. Thank you.

CANDIDATE NO. 24 EDJELYN JOY GAMBOA

Question (from judge Alyssa Valdez): If inner beauty is emphasized in beauty pageants, then why are there physical requirements upon joining it?

Answer: Honestly speaking, there is no requirement or beauty requirement in a competition like this. Everyone is accepted as long as you have a good heart. As long as you are confident with your looks, you’ll be part of Binibining Pilipinas.

CANDIDATE NO. 3 MURIEL ADRIENNE ORAIS

Question (from judge Martin Lopez): This year marks the graduation of the first ever batch of K-12 students. What is your message to them?

Answer: My message to the students is that you have to focus on your studies because their parents are working very hard for their good education. I believe that education will give you knowledge and experience, and it will give them a better future. Thank you.

CANDIDATE NO. 1 VICKIE RUSHTON (FIRST RUNNER-UP)

Question (from judge Thirdy Ravena): Do you believe that hazing in fraternities has its own good? Why or why not?

Answer: I believe any violence is no good because one person alone can stand up for himself or herself. And as a Bb. Pilipinas [candidate], I can be that influence to spread the word that violence is not acceptable. Thank you.

CANDIDATE NO. 32 EVA PSYCHEE PATALINJUG (BB. PILIPINAS GRAND INTERNATIONAL 2018)

Question (from judge ambassador Victor Echiverri): What is the role of beauty queens in the pursuit of our country’s economic success, if any?

Answer: A role of a beauty queen is to be a voice. I am here to make a message to all of you. In these times of uncertainty and fear that have seemingly taken over in our country, we have remained steadfast and unfazed amid all the challenges. As a united nation, what we should do is set aside our political differences, forget our economic and social preferences, and let love and loyalty for our country rise above all so we can march toward the future in the hopes of making a peaceful country. Thank you.

CANDIDATE NO. 17 MARIA AHTISA MANALO (BB. PILIPINAS INTERNATIONAL 2018)

Question (from judge Precious Lara Quigaman): How should a beauty queen respond to ruthless criticism?

Answer: A beauty queen should always respond to criticisms constructively. We beauty queens are public figures and we put ourselves in the position to be judged. But nonetheless, we should always filter which comments we should accept and what we should not. Thank you.

CANDIDATE NO. 19 MICHELE TERESA GUMABAO (BB. PILIPINAS GLOBE 2018)

Question (from judge Ces Drilon): What can you do to fight fake news?

Answer: I know that fake news is very rampant nowadays. But in order to fight this, we must first know what we are reporting, know what we are reading, and at the same time be accountable for what we say, especially online. And I hope that media always filter the news, their resources, so that they always deliver truth and authentic news. Thank you.

CANDIDATE NO. 31 JEHZA MAE HUELAR (BB. PILIPINAS SUPRANATIONAL 2018)

Question (from judge ambassador Sung Kim): What do you think is the most important quality of a millennial woman?

Answer: I think the most important quality that a millennial woman has is to have a vision. And with her vision, she should have this attitude and perseverance so she can achieve her goals. And through that vision, she would be able to express herself freely. So I would hope that all the millennials out here would really adhere to our culture and our traditions so that we can inspire others to make an impact on people. Thank you.

CANDIDATE NO. 26 WYNONAH BUOT

Question (from judge Gerald Anderson): Name one great Filipino artist you truly admire and why.

Answer: One great Filipino artist I truly admire would probably be Toni Gonzaga. Although she is a celebrity and we have a stereotype when it comes to celebrities, I truly admire her because she follows a certain path when it comes to her life. She actually has a successful career, a family, and she did this all by following her parents. And that’s one important thing that we millennials must learn. You will never fail in life when you follow your parents. Thank you.

CANDIDATE NO. 21 ANJAME MAGBITANG

Question (from judge Martin Lopez): When is the right time to listen, and when is the right time to speak?

Answer: It’s time to listen if you respect the people who talk. And you will try to speak after the people who talk to you speak.

CANDIDATE NO. 38 KAREN GALLMAN (BB. PILIPINAS INTERCONTINENTAL 2018)

Question (from judge Precious Lara Quigaman): Do you agree that a third restroom should be built for transgenders? Why or why not?

Answer: I definitely agree that there should be a third restroom for transgenders because as women, we would also want our privacy, and also with men. We have a separate room for the transgenders. It just serves as equality, privatization. Thank you.

CANDIDATE NO. 15 JULIANA KAPEUNDL

Question (from judge Ces Drilon): Misogyny or bias against women has been very prevalent lately. How should this be addressed?

Answer: I think this should be addressed by empowering women. We women, we have to think that we are not just women. We don't need labels as mother, daughter, sister. We have our own individuality and we have to use it to our advantage and we have to [let] our strength shine. So as a woman, we have to empower our co-women to achieve equality with men in the future. Thank you.

CANDIDATE NO. 20 CATRIONA ELIZA GRAY (MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES 2018)

Question (from judge ambassador Sung Kim): After the devastating war, Marawi is now on its way to recovery. What is your message to the young women of Marawi?

Answer: Thank you for that question. My answer and my message to the women were to be strong. As women, we’re the head of the household and we have amazing influence not only in our own families as mothers, sisters, and friends, but also in our community. If we could get the women to stay strong and be that image of strength for the children and the people around them, then once the rebuilding is complete and is underway, the morale of the community will stay strong and high. Thank you.