March 21: Gionna Cabrera, 22, has been crowned as Bb. Pilipinas Universe, who will represent Philippines in the upcoming Miss Universe 2005 pageant in Bangkok, Thailand on May 31. Carlene Aguilar, 22, Bb. PilipinasWorld and and Precious Lara Quigaman, 22, Bb. Pilipinas-International were declared the runners-up at the televised show held at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines.

The Bb. Pilipinas Tourism crown went to Wendy Valdez, 22, who was first runner-up for the three major titles. the second runner-up was Melanie Ediza.

Aguilar will participate in the at the Miss World competition in Sanya, China and Quigaman, will vie for the Miss International pageant in Beijing, China.

As is the practice with all national-level Miss Universe competitions, the three winners were chosen from 23 candidates, who were later narrowed down to 11 semifinalists, from whom five finalists were selected. Each of the Miss Universe Philippines winners get crowns, cash and prizes worth P3 million.

Bb. Pilipinas Universe Gionna Cabrera says that it is dream come true for her. She says it will give her an opportunity to be an ambassador of goodwill to the UN. Gionna Cabrera is expected to graduate next month from the University of Asia and the Pacific, in integrated marketing communications.

Special prizes were also awarded during the pageant, featuring a fantasy/fairytale- inspired theme. Gionna Cabrera also won Miss Photogenic, Best in Swimsuit, and Best in Long Gown; Aguilar, Miss PAL and Bb. Avon Color; Ma. Micaela Isabel Padilla, Miss Friendship; Lois Montes, Best in Talent, and Ricamarie Ann Taylor, Smart Texter’s Choice and Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, chairman of the panel, Britain’s new Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Beckingham, Shopwise President Donnie Tantoco III, Ginebra basketball player Erik Menk, movie-TV actress Angel Locsin, and business leaders were among the panel tat judged the beauties.

The Bb. Pilipinas 2005 pageant is still the country's s most renowned and most-awaited pageant. It is is a continuing project of the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI), an organization founded by beauty queen and civic leader Mrs. Stella Marquez de Araneta.