IT’S THAT TIME of year again when we get to judge the contestants of the annual Binibining Pilipinas search, at least from the comfort of our abode.

We’ve made this a tradition, and we almost always get our predictions right. Given this year’s tight schedule, we fell far behind, so we sprinted today to give you our list of the most likely winners of the six crowns of the 2016 edition of Binibining Pilipinas.

To set things straight, we only have 10 names to choose from despite the many beauties to consider this year. Standards have definitely gone higher after the successful win of our very own Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, who will crown her successor, Miss Universe Philippines 2016.

Losing our ultimate favorite, Kim Ross delos Santos, whom we believed could give the Philippines a back-to-back win, didn’t help at all. She’s the prettiest and among the tallest ladies in this batch, so her disqualification over a sexy photo shoot was a huge loss for the country. Of course, we don’t discount the power of the 40 ladies vying for the sashes to represent the Philippines in international competitions, and things could change in our favor, right?

If we had the power of BPCI (Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc.), which chooses winners based on “winnability” in the six international competitions under its belt, we’d choose our winners from among these ladies. Their placements would depend, of course, on their performance tonight, which involves many things, among them beauty, intellect, personality, and dedication to win.

Kylie Verzosa

The most popular choice for the Miss Universe Philippines 2016 crown is the returnee, Kylie Verzosa. She’s the lady netizens want to win, but she has a lot to prove tonight. I wouldn’t mind her winning the crown, as she could definitely pull it off given the training she’d undergo after tonight. What matters is the gems she already has that she must put to her advantage. Beauty, body, and intellect-wise, I’m giving it to Kylie. If not Miss Universe, she should be sent to Miss International to get the crown Janicel Lubina failed to bring home last year. But I think her chances are better at Miss Supranational, where she should be able to win a second crown for the Philippines after the one Mutya Datul first brought home.

Nicole Cordoves

My second option for Miss Universe Philippines 2016 is Nicole Cordoves. She reminds me of Shamcey Supsup (Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner-Up), who started almost unnoticed only to win the most prestigious title in the Bb. Pilipinas 2011 edition. Cordoves is very elegant and beautiful on stage, was regal in the National Costume competition, and came on stronger in the days after. Her win tonight wouldn’t be a surprise at all. If not Miss Universe, Supranational or Intercontinental would be the best fit for her kind of beauty.

Maria Maxine Medina

Maria Maxine Medina’s beauty has started capturing pageant fans. She could pull a surprise tonight and win the Miss Universe sash, but I’d be content giving her any of the other titles.

Nichole Manalo

Her performance this year makes Nichole Manalo a beauty to consider for the Miss Universe Philippines crown, but given the recent format change in the international competition, she might need a lot of training for the Philippines to place. With that in mind, even her physical improvement might not give her a chance at the local crown. Her chances for the other crowns are high, though, because whether we like it or not, hers is a beauty worthy of a crown. A Miss Supranational or Miss Globe, maybe? Why not?

Maria Gigante

Maria Gigante easily made our Top 6 of ladies most likely to win. Her Asian beauty, coupled with amazing performances in the past weeks, makes her a name to consider. Given that we don’t send a similar form of beauty to the Miss Universe competition, a Miss Universe Philippines sash could be just moments away for her. Will she make it? Let’s find out tonight. Nevertheless, she’d also best represent the country at the Miss International contest.

Dindi Joy Pajares

Completing our Top 6 with a sure crown is Dindi Pajares. She’s fierce and super sexy, and we can’t get enough of her. A flight attendant pursuing her studies to become a pilot, Pajares might just fly really high tonight. This entrepreneur knows her business, and one of her biggest ROIs might be tonight’s crown.

The Dark Horses

The other four ladies to consider are Anjelica Alita, Anjelica Lopez, Angela Fernando, and Jheza Huelar. Then add the possible dark horses, and we say it’s a competition: exotic beauty Apriel Smith and the pretty Jennifer Hammond, who could outperform the other early favorites tonight.

The contest isn’t over yet. The final competition starts tonight. Who are your favorites? Let us know in the comments.