Binibining Pilipinas ends Miss Grand International franchise
Binibining Pilipinas Charitis, Inc. (BPCI) has withdrawn its franchise from Miss Grand International.
In a Facebook post today, Nov. 7, BCPI head and spokesperson Gines Enriquez said the organization will "no longer renew its franchise" in the Thailand-based international pageant.
"With that said, we remain committed to delighting our followers and sponsors through the productions of world-class pageants that help propel Filipinos to reach their fullest potential and achieve greatness in an international stage," Enriquez wrote.
The organization then reinstated its commitment to "producing a stellar roster of international winners," which it has been achieving "for almost 60 years" with "immense support" from its fans.
"We will forever be grateful for their dedication, passion, and love for Bb. Pilipinas and our Queens," Enriquez concluded.
Founded in 2013 by Thai media personality and businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil, Miss Grand International follows the format of other global competitions wherein contestants are selected by licenses in every country. Its first three competitions were sponsored by the Thai government and held in its home country and were later held overseas.
This year's competition concluded on Oct. 25, with Brazil's Isabella Menin crowned as the new queen. She competed against over 30 candidates, including Roberta Tamandong of the Philippines.
The Pinay actress and model, meanwhile, finished her race among the Top 20 but was later appointed one of the pageant's fifth runners-up following the resignation of Mauritius' Yuvna Rinishta.