In the Filipino tradition for the festivities of May, the Santacruzan is one of the most colorful (and beautiful) heritage. Araneta Center in collaboration with the parish church celebrated Flores de Mayo with this Grand Santacruzan.
Here is my coverage of the event:
ARANETA CENTER MARKS FIESTA MONTH WITH GRAND SANTACRUZAN
The winners of Binibining Pilipinas 2013 lead the line up of the much-awaited Araneta Center Grand Santacruzan that reels off on Saturday, May 18. Joining the queens are the candidates of the recently concluded Binibining Pilipinas pageant.
The Santacruzan is an iconic Filipino tradition that commemorates the search of the Holy Cross by Reyna Elena and her son, Emperor Constantine. The festive mode of thanksgiving of finding the Holy Cross in Jerusalem is replicated many times over in several parts of the country during the fiesta month of May. However, none compares to the pageantry and the overload of beautiful Binibinis of the Araneta Center Grand Santacruzan. The event has become a staple in the celebration of Flores de Mayo in the metropolis.
The joyful celebration is made more spectacular because of the ladies that are clad in gowns designed by leading Filipino couturiers. This year is even more special as the country’s premier beauty pageant celebrates its golden year. Some of the exquisite creations of these designers were worn by the Binibinis during the National Costume Competition of the Binibining Pilipinas Gold. Miss Universe 2012 1st runner up Janine Tugonon adds star value to the proceedings as this year’s Reyna Elena. 1981 Binibining Pilipinas International Peachy Sacasas-Veneracion is the Emperatriz.
A new highlight of this year’s Grand Santacruzan at the Araneta Center will be the “living rosary” that will be participated in by the Binibinis and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish’s pamayanan sagalas. This will serve as a fitting culmination to this majestic cultural activity featuring the fairest maidens of the land in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Children and members of the media were among that enjoyed balloons and treats from Krispy Kreme.
The Grand Santacruzan at the Araneta Center reels off at 4pm from the Gateway Park beside the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
List of Binibini Sagalas for the
Araneta Center Grand Santacruzan
Ria Rabajante Reyna Banderada
Ma. Bencelle Bianzon Reyna Mora
Zandra Flores Reyna Esther
Nicole Kim Donesa Reyna Fe
Maria Sofia Mustonen Reyna Esperanza
Abbygale Monderin Reyna Caridad
Ivy Gonzales Reyna Abogada
Katherine Enriquez Reyna Sentenciada
Anna Carmela Aquino Reyna Justicia
Paula Bernasor Ruth
Mary Rose Pujanes Naomi
Hannah Ruth Sison Infanta Judith
Lourenz Remetillo Reyna Sheba
Leona Paula Santicruz Samaritana
Cassandra Naidas Veronica
Anna Fernandina Buquid Mary of Magdala
Mercegrace Raquel Mary, Mother of Christ
Pauline Quintas Mary, Mother of James
Ma. Theresa Gorgonio Corazon de Maria
Cindy Abundabar Seat of Wisdom
KC Cajandig Key of Heaven
Alaine Baccay Reyna Luna
Jacqueline Mayoralgo Divina Pastora
Herlie Kim Artugue Reyna de los Martires
Camille Carla Nazar Reyna del Santisimo Rosario
Ellore Noelle Punzalan Reyna de los Confesores
Merry Joyce Respicio Reyna de los Patriarcas
Grace Yann Apuad Reyna Candelaria
Rhea Nakpil Reyna de los Profetas
Imelda Schweighart Reyna de la Paz
Annalie Forbes Reyna de las Estrellas
Elaine Kay Moll Reyna de los Angeles
Katrina Dimaranan Reyna de los Santos
Pia Wurtzbach Rosa Mystica
Mutya Datul Reyna del Cielo
Cindy Miranda Reyna de las Virgines
Bea Rose Santiago Reyna de las Flores
Janine Tugonon Reyna Elena
Peachy Sacasas Reyna Emperatriz
PHOTOS
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| Nicole Kim Donesa as Reyna Fe |
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| Ria Rabajante as Reyna Banderada |
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| Leona Paula Santicruz as Samaritana |
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| Bb. Pilipinas 2nd Runner Up 2012 Annalie Forbes as Reyna de las Estrellas |
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| Bb. Pilipinas – Supranational 2012 Elaine Kay Moll as Reyna de los Angeles |
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| Bb. Pililipinas Tourism 2012 Katrina Dimaranan as Reyna de los Santos |
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| Bb. Pilipinas 1st Runner Up 2013 Pia Wurtzbach as Rosa Mystica |
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| Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2013 Cindy Miranda as Reyna de las Virgines |
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| Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2013 Mutya Datul as Reyna del Cielo |
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| Ms. Universe 1st Runner Up Janine Tugonon as Reyna Elena |
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| 1981 Bb. Pilipinas – International Peachy Sacasas as Reyna Emperatriz |
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| Bb.Pilipinas 1st Runner Up 2013 Pia Wurtzbach as Rosa Mystica |
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| Human Rosary formation with Bb. Pilipinas 2012 & 2013 beauties |
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| 1981 Bb. Pilipinas – International Peachy Sacasas at the Human Rosary formation with Bb. Pilipinas 2012 & 2013 beauties |
VIDEOS
Various Sagalas at the Araneta Center’s Grand Santacruzan
Annalie Forbes as Reyna de las Estrellas and Elaine Kay Moll as Reyna de los Angeles
Bb. Pilipinas 1st Runner Up 2013 Pia Wurtzbach as Rosa Mystica
Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2013 Mutya Datul as Reyna del Cielo
Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2013 Cindy Miranda as Reyna de las Virgines
Bb. Pilipinas International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago – Reyna de las Flores
Ms. Universe 1st Runner Up Janine Tugonon as Reyna Elena
1981 Bb. Pilipinas – International Peachy Sacasas as Reyna Emperatriz
Interview of Ms. Universe 1st Runner Up Janine Tugonon after the Santacruzan
