TRADITIONAL Binibining Pilipinas activities kicked off with a Grand Santacruzan parade on May 14 around Araneta City in Quezon City. The Santacruzan saw 40 Bb. Pilipinas 2022 candidates, the Binibining Pilipinas 2021 queens, and Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman in a colorful religious procession. A tradition held every May, the Santacruzan tells the story of how Queen Helena, the mother of Eastern Roman Emperor Constantine, found the Holy Cross during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The procession depicts Queen Helena (or Reina Elena) holding a crucifix and accompanied by her young son. They are joined in the procession by other women who represent other important biblical characters like Queen Esther, Veronica, Mary Magdalene, and others. The procession is also a way for fashion designers to show both their chops and their religious devotion. Among the many designers who dressed the Bb. Pilipinas contestants in elaborate Filipiniana-inspired gowns for the event were Eric Pineda and Renee Salud.

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