My SHOWBIZ SOSYAL Column

FASHION PLUS
By: Rowel Canlas

DANIELE CASTANO, our country's “MISS WORLD” bet

Last week, yours truly was invited to the send-off party for Daniel Kirsten Muriel Castaño, our official candidate to this year’s “Miss World 2008” search.

It was held at the posh Mandarin Oriental Suites in Gateway Mall and graced by selected media people, corporate sponsors and former Binibining Pilipinas titleholders. I also spotted Madam Stella Marquez de Araneta exchanging pleasantries with her elite guests while waiting for the “queens” to arrive.

The “by-invitation-only“ event marked the formal announcement of Castaño as official replacement of Janina San Miguel who allegedly resigned from her post due to conflicting statements that baffled pageant aficionados to this day.

Some people say Danielle is far better than her predecessor when it comes to speaking English. With her American accent alone, that would be an edge over other candidates in the coming global pageant.

Before appearing on stage, Danielle was welcomed by her two other “sisters” to give her much-needed moral support, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Jennifer Barrientos and Bb. Pilipinas-International Patricia Fernandez. Incidentally, Fernandez made a strong impact in the recently-concluded Miss international 2008 search when she landed as semi-finalist.

According to Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI), Danielle is the right choice for Miss World competition due to her charming demeanor, comely face and innate intelligence. Her confidence is another factor that can make her clinch the crown. In fact during the presscon’s one-on-one interview, a TV reporter asked if she’s nervous and Danielle’s answer was a resounding “No!”

This 19-year-old charmer is a cross between Hollywood celebrity Vanessa Minillo and former Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera. During the Binibining Pilipinas 2008 coronation night, she was one of crowd favorites and went home with five special awards from generous sponsors.

But how is she preparing for the pageant? According to the press kit distributed by BPCI, Danielle is currently undergoing a series of rigorous training in catwalk and personality development. By the time she leaves for South Africa, Danielle is ready to compete with 106 delegates from the same number of countries.

Castano’s strong faith in God plus immense support from Filipino people will help her win (hopefully) the elusive Miss World crown. “I know that God won’t be with me during the entire pageant, but I know He’ll guide me through” was her touching explanation.

Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Incorporated (BPCI) is a non-stock, non-profit organization whose primary vision is to help less-fortunate individuals through organizing beauty pageants. Apart from producing world-class beauty queens, BPCI has been a key partner in nation-building and donates all its earnings to orphanages and other humanitarian endeavors.

MISS WORLD 2008 will be held at Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg, South Africa.