Santacruzan, the Binibining Pilipinas way

ARANETA City kicks off the much-awaited return of the traditional Binibining Pilipinas activities at the City of Firsts with a Grand Santacruzan.

This year’s event featured the 40 Binibining Pilipinas 2022 candidates, the Binibining Pilipinas 2021 queens, and Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman in a colorful procession of religio-historical titles.

Rev. Father Ronnie Santos (from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish) led the blessing and opening of the Grand Santacruzan with a Holy Mass at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. It was followed by a solemn procession of beauties who donned elaborate Filipiniana-inspired gowns in their corresponding religious titles and procession order.

Besides Quigaman who was this year’s Reyna Emperatiz, among the Binibining Pilipinas 2021 queens who joined the activity were Binibining Pilipinas 2021 Runner-up Meiji Cruz as Reyna de los Santos; Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2021 Samantha

Panlilio as Reyna del Cielo; Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne as Reyna de las Virgines; Miss Intercontinental 2021 Cindy Obenita as Reyna de las Flores; and Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold as Reyna Elena.

Faithful and spectators watched the Grand Santacruzan that plied along General Aguinaldo Avenue, General MacArthur Avenue, General Romulo Avenue, P. Tuazon Street, and Times Square Avenue in Araneta City.

A significant Philippine tradition held every May, the Santacruzan tells the story of how Queen Helena, the mother of Eastern Roman Emperor Constantine, found the Holy Cross during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The procession depicts Queen Helena (or Reina Elena) holding a crucifix and accompanied by her young son. They are joined in the procession by other women who represent other important biblical characters like Queen Esther, Veronica, Mary Magdalene, and others.