MANILA, Philippines -- The official candidates for the Binibining Pilipinas pageant have finally been selected.

The candidates underwent rigorous screenings and scrunity from Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc.'s chairperson Stella Marquez Araneta, as well as corporate and media partners.

Current and past beauty queens including Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup, Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman, Bb. Pilipinas World 2009 Marie Ann Umali and Miss Universe 1999 first runner-up Miriam Quiambao also helped select the candidates.

This year's aspiring beauty queens now face greater pressure after the remarkable top five finishes of Supsup and Miss Universe 2010 fourth runner up Venus Raj.

The candidates will formally face the media on February 13.

The Binibining Pilipinas coronation night will be held at the Araneta Coliseum on April 15 and broadcast live on ABS-CBN.

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