Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7) Newly crowned Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental Cinderella Obeñita’s reply went viral after she was asked about the value of luxury items during the Q&A segment of the pageant held over the weekend.
During the Q&A portion of Binibining Pilipinas 2021 competition held at Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Sunday, renowned fashion designer Michael Cinco asked the 25-year-old beauty of Cagayan de Oro – Misamis Oriental: “How important are luxury items like bags, clothes, and jewelry for a woman when the national economy is down and struggling?”
Obeñita answered by saying that women always have different choices.
“In life, we always find ourselves in a crossroad of choices. Women always have a choice – whether to prioritize luxury items while we are facing a pandemic, and we also have a choice to embrace the concept of a New Beautiful, which is responsive to the needs of the times, and adaptive to the change of times. I think I would choose to be that woman, the one who understands the problems of the Philippines, the problems of my community, so that we may be able to uplift each other. I would be that kind of woman, to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable,” she said.
Pageant fans and netizens lauded Obeñita for her answer.
“Ms. Intercontinental PH Cinderella Obeñita answered the question not only in a manner that respects women’s choice, but also being steadfast with her stance that is called upon her as a true spokesperson, which is to be the woman of change and action. #BinibiningPilipinas2021” Twitter user @jadee_arr said.
Ms. Intercontinental PH Cinderella Obeñita answered the question not only in a manner that respects women’s choice, but also being steadfast with her stance that is called upon her as a true spokesperson, which is to be the woman of change and action. #BinibiningPilipinas2021
— Jades | 6IDLE OT6 ERA | Fire Flower (@jaedee_arr) July 12, 2021
“Of all the [Binibini], Cinderella Obenita is my favorite who really nailed the QandA portion. ” said @ceo_fren.
of all the Bb. Cinderella Obenita is my favorite who really nailed the QandA portion.
— lucifrxn (@ceo_fren) July 11, 2021
However, some slammed the question for being “misogynistic.”
“Smh. A lot of men buy luxury brands but you don’t see them getting asked with these questions,” said @SofiaiDragon.
Prior to the Q&A round, Obeñita was named the wildcard finalist, rounding out the Top 13 candidates in the pageant.
She was eventually crowned alongside three other queens who will represent the Philippines in upcoming international competitions: Samantha Panlilio of Cavite won Binibining Pilipinas Grand International, Maureen Montagne of Batangas was hailed Binibining Pilipinas Globe, while Hannah Arnold of Masbate won Binibining Pilipinas International.
READ: Masbate’s Hannah Arnold crowned Bb. Pilipinas International 2021
