By Mariela Angella Oladive
In search of Ilongga with the most “kinang,” Natasha Jie Ayroso, a native of Balasan, Iloilo, emerged as the Binibining Silka 2023 Western Visayas, outshining nine other Ilongga beauties who vied for the title during the preliminary pageant on September 2, 2023, at Robinsons Place Iloilo.
Bea Summer Tolati from Tigbauan, Iloilo, won 1st Runner-up, while Nicole Marie Dormido from Iloilo City secured the 2nd Runner-up spot.
The competition featured three segments: a production number, evening gown, and question and answer portion.
The esteemed panel of judges for Binibining Silka Western Visayas 2023 included Regi Adosto, Media and Digital Communications Manager of Iloilo City Government; Vanessa Tse Wing, Miss Universe-Guimaras 2023 and a distinguished professor in environmental management; Tata Blas Pinuela, Award-Winning Designer and National Costume Designer of Rabiya Mateo; Timothy Chuongco, VP for Corporate Sales and Development of Cosmetique Asia Corporation; and Eunice De Belen, Senior Brand Manager of Silka.
Other than the prestigious title, Ayroso received a PHP30,000 cash prize, a sash, a bouquet, Silka products, and an all-expense-paid trip to Manila for the Binibining Silka 2023 grand coronation night on October 29.
Binibining Silka 2023 pageant is looking for a Filipina who shines. “So what we are looking for is a Pilipinang may natatanging kinang. Kinang na physical appearance or stunning looks, confidence, but along with that, syempre kumikinang na inner beauty and kumikinang na ability to actually contribute to the community,” explained De Belen.
Ayroso is now gearing up for the highly anticipated Binibining Silka 2023 grand coronation night, set to take place at a soon-to-be-announced venue.
The grand winner of the nationwide pageant will receive a substantial cash prize of P500,000, a one-year ambassador contract with Silka, and an acting and guesting contract with ABS-CBN, among others. Runners-up will also be named, each receiving corresponding prizes.
The forthcoming beauty pageant is presented by Silka in partnership with ABS-CBN.
Twelve candidates from various parts of the country will be brought to Manila to compete. Binibining Silka 2023 Western Visayas is one of the regional legs of the pageant, which commenced in Bicol on August 5, showcasing the rich diversity of Filipina beauty from different parts of the country.
