Binibining Pilipinas 2022 Candidates: Family Reminders and Being an Ate

We talked to six Binibining Pilipinas 2022 candidates about sibling bonding and some reminders from their parents in their pageant journey.

Competing in a national pageant like Binibining Pilipinas can be physically and emotionally draining. But the candidates are grateful that their families have been behind their backs as they chase their dreams to represent the country in an international competition. With the coronation night fast approaching on July 31, Modern Parenting caught up with six Binibining Pilipinas 2022 candidates during one of their activities and asked about being a sister to their siblings, and the constant reminder from their parents as they compete.

Binibining Pilipinas 2022 Candidates

Yllana “Yana”Marie Aduana: Representing Laguna

“My family really plays a big role in this Binibining Pilipinas 2022 journey,” Yana starts. “The best advice they have given me perhaps would be to focus and always be committed. That’s why I consider myself as a very committed woman—a very committed Binibini in this journey.”

As an older sister, Yana shares one of her favorite moments as an Ate. “My brother turned nine last June 4 and I would consider that one of the best experiences. Because we gathered our family members all the way from Laguna to Manila just to celebrate my very cute brother’s 9th birthday!”

Joanna Day: Representing Bulacan

“My family always told me even before that I should have fun and enjoy every moment,” says Joanna. “Because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I learn as I go. And these experiences shape you into what you become in the future. It’s important that you be present.”

Joanna reveals that she and her sister are very close. “We have a lot of experience when it comes to pageants. But right now, we’ve been bonding while doing our hair, makeup, and nails. When we do that, I feel that we connect on a different level and I can feel that she’s supportive of me and there to help me.”

Joanna “Jojo” Rabe: Representing Iba, Zambales

For Jojo, her family reminds her never to forget praying. “Because they are not with me and they are in the province. They support me, of course, but physically they are not here and it’s hard. They always tell me to just pray even though we are far from each other.”

“I am the Ate in the family but I act like a mom. So my brothers and sisters are kind of scared sometimes because I get mad when they do things that I don’t like. But I always support them.”

Jasmine Omay: Representing Tarlac Province

Jasmine shares that the biggest reminder her family has given is to always be careful. “When I was a kid, they’d always say it. And right now, my family is in Tarlac while I’m here in Manila. So it’s very applicable. Nowadays, it feels comforting to hear those words coming from my parents.”

When it comes to her favorite ‘older sister’ moment, she tells us that she’s an only child but lives in a compound together with seven cousins. “We’re very close to each other and my very Ate moment is whenever they go to graduation or even have prom, I would do their makeup. And it’s very nice to be part of their events as a makeup artist.”

Nicole Borromeo: Representing Cebu

For Nicole Borromeo, crown or no crown she is her dad’s princess. “My dad always says that to me. He always says, ‘I am proud of you no matter what. You have nothing to prove, you are enough for me.'”

As a younger sister, Nicole opens up that she and her Ate are close. “My sister and I are four years apart. She’s older than me and we would ride together going to school. Every morning, it would be the same routine. And we would just laugh all the time. Even if it’s the smallest thing—it’s like we’re two crazy people laughing and joking about these things that may not be funny to others. It was a great start to the day.”

Leslie Avila: Representing Sultan Kudarat

“The biggest advice from my family is to pray,” Leslie tells us. “Every time there are activities, exposures, or challenges that I go through, always pray lang daw, give my heart, and put God first.”

Leslie also reveals that because her father was a soldier, she and her siblings loved playing around and wanted to try the firing range. “Nagtutuksuhan kami kasi yung brother ko, hindi niya gusto yung mga baril pero ako gusto ko. Kaya doon kami nag-bonding.”

Check out more stories from beauty queens on family life and bonding:

The Protective Dad According to Binibining Pilipinas Queens Hannah Arnold and Maureen Montagne

Lessons From My Father According to Miss World Philippines 2022 Candidates

The Women Who Serve ‘Moms’ and ‘Sisters’ to Reigning Beauty Queens