After finishing 1st runner-up in last year’s edition, Gabrielle “Gabby” Basiano finally won a crown as Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2022.

The win was a sweet one for Gabby who not only got the title but also won two of the special awards – Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown, which normally give pageant fans clues that a candidate will likely get a good placement.

The model and businesswoman’s win is also a big one for her province of Eastern Samar, which finally got a top crown, and also for her trainer RL Lacanieta, who has been training potential ladies in pageants for the past years including the recent Miss Universe Thailand 2022 winner Anna Suengam-iam.

One more try

Gabby has been vocal that she would give Binibini another try but some were surprised that she decided to do it this year despite knowing how cutthroat the competition was. After all, fellow batchmates Karen Laurrie Mendoza, Graciella Lehmann, and Jashmin Dimaculangan were also taking another shot.

Once she got into the Top 40, Gabby knew that she had a lot of pressure. She to prove that she could compete in a sea of pretty ladies who were fresh in the eyes of the pageant fans. At one point, a lot of fans felt she was already missing the mark while other ladies were glowing.

But Gabby rose to the challenge as she worked behind the scenes with fellow RL’s Angels Jane Genobisa and Patricia Ann Tan to show that they have what it takes to be part of this year’s batch of ladies.

In it to win it

As a 1st runner-up, Gabby had the advantage of knowing what the organization wants. Despite having this advantage, she still worked hard to show that she could get a crown, showing good performances at the press presentation and the fashion show.

She also had fun at the annual Parade of Beauties.

The Qrown Philippines also had the opportunity to interview Gabby last July where she talked about her experience in joining for the second time.

Peaking at the right time

During the finals night, Gabby showed what they call the pageant glow. She was called on stage as part of the Top 12 wherein she spoke about looking forward to the changes 6 years from now.

Gabby also did well during the swimsuit and evening gown rounds and got the special awards.

The final question and winning Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental

For her final question, Gabby was asked by senator Risa Hontiveros how she will deal with fakes news and criticism. Gabby said that she has been the subject of many comments especially in a beauty pageant.

“I’ve been receiving a lot of opinions from other people, and I’m not complaining about it, because people are entitled to their own opinion. As for me, I will always remind women that we are strong, independent, and courageous. Because these are the traits that are very critical to the complicated roles that us women play in today’s society.”

And the stars aligned for Gabby because with the two awards and a good answer to her Q and A, she was a shoo-in for a crown. She was given the Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental and no less than her good friend Cindy Obeñita crowned her. It was clear Cindy was happy for her friend and 2020-2021 batchmate.

Her win was also a big one for Borongan, Easter Samar. Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda shared his message for the beauty queen via the Borongan Information Office Facebook page hours after she won.

TV host Boy Abunda and his sisters, Eastern Samar representative Maria Fe bunda congratulated Gabby for giving the province its first Binibini crown.

Gabby now has the daunting task of doing a back-to-back win in Egypt this October. But after waiting for her time, she will definitely fight for a third Intercontinental crown for the Philippines.