Digital Reporter

The beauty contest that traditionally ranks women by physical attributes doesn’t necessarily require a minimum IQ, but intellect (or the seeming lack thereof) is so often used to criticize Binibining Pilipinas candidates. Business acumen doesn’t necessarily mean intelligence—as much as beauty or brains isn’t a measure of a person’s value—but it’s fascinating to find beauty queens who have also heard the call of entrepreneurship.

A business student‑turned‑fashion designer, a certified public accountant, and a restaurateur—three of the 40 candidates of this year’s Binibining Pilipinas have more than just a pretty face in the country’s biggest beauty derby. Check them out:

Dana Marasigan a Binibining Pilipinas Candidate with clothing business

Art Erka Capili Inciong

DANE FELISSE MARASIGAN

Armed with an entrepreneurship degree from De La Salle University, she moved to the US to study fashion design at Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising where she finished magna cum laude. According to her profile on the Bb. Pilipinas official website, she’s been involved in the family’s clothing business since she came back home last year. Her LinkedIn profile says she worked as Assistant Designer at THML clothing, a brand that can be seen on the shelves of big name North American stores like Nordstrom and Dillards.

Leitz Ang a Binibining Pilipinas Candidate who owns an Auditing Firm

Art Erka Capili Inciong

LEITZ CAMYLL ANG

Business runs in the blood of this Filipino‑Chinese candidate. Her profile video says that as a certified public accountant, Ms. Ang, 24, worked for almost two years at SGV & Co. Philippines as an assurance associate. In an interview, she told SparkUp that she now manages her family’s own auditing firm, Topskill Consultancy Services. Topskill currently provides accounting, tax compliance and consultancy services to industries such as real estate, merchandising, and services. Ms. Ang also revealed that being able to sashay on the runway while practicing her accounting profession is her greatest achievement so far.

Anna Assturias a Binibining Pilipinas Candidate who is also a Restoraeur

Art Erka Capili Inciong

ANNA PATRICIA ASTURIAS

Aside from being a licensed interior designer, Ms. Asturias, 24, discloses through her official binibini profile that she is a restaurateur. She confirmed to SparkUp that she is behind Jose Karlo’s Coffee, a café located in Tacloban City, Leyte. It serves desserts that complement the caffeinated beverages. How she manages to be surrounded by sweets—including testing the products, and rechecking quality regularly—while maintaining a pageant‑worthy waist is another story.