Rachel Peters takes top crown at Bb. Pilipinas, but shock snubs had netizens abuzz

Philippines, meet your new Miss Philippines Universe: Rachel Peters from Camarines Sur.

Rachel Peters is the new Bb. PIlipinas - Universe. Photo: Owen Reyes

Peters, 25, is an event organizer who has worked with international artists such as Katy Perry and Christina Aguilera. She was previously crowned 4th Princess in the Miss World Philippines pageant in 2014.

Fans have noted her resemblance to Kapuso actress Solenn Heusaff.

She is currently in a relationship with Camarines Sur Governor Migz Villafuerte.

The other winners are:

• Binibining Pilipinas International: Maria Angelica De Leon
• Binibining Pilipinas Supranational: Chanel Olive Thomas
• Binibining Pilipinas Grand International: Elizabeth Durado Clenci
• Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental: Katarina Rodriguez
• Binibining Pilipinas Globe: Nelda Ibe

The runners-up are:

• First runner up: Charmaine Elima
• Second runner up: Kristel Guelos

Snubs, new format, and awkward silence

Although favorites among pageant fans, Binibini 12 Angelique Celine De Leon and Binibini 24 Dindi Pajares did not make it to the top 25—especially disappointing in this year's new format, where only the top 25 walked the stage in their swimwear and evening gown.

Binibining Pilipinas 2017's new format made room for judges to get to know the women better by having a Question and Answer segment for the top 15 candidates.

Nerves got the better of Binibini 13 Sirene Sutton in the Q&A portion. The strong contender missed the mark and failed to place after fumbling her answer and leaving awkward silence in her wake.

In another shocking twist, front-runner Charmaine Elima failed to win a crown and only placed first runner up.

The full list of placers follows:

Top 15:

• Binibini 39 Elizabeth Durado Clenci
• Binibini 15 Maria Angelica De Leon
• Binibini 22 Chanel Olive Thomas
• Binibini 31 Katarina Rodriguez
• Binibini 10 Jehza Huelar
• Binibini 13 Sirene Sutton
• Binibini 40 Kristel Guelos
• Binibini 18 Nelda Ibe
• Binibini 32 Charmaine Elima
• Binibini 20 Christagale Borja
• Binibini 17 Camille Manalo
• Binibini 34 Gabriela Ortega
• Binibini 16 Larah Grace Lacap
• Binibini 19 Rachel Peters
• Binibini 28 Juliana Kapeundl (People's Choice)

Top 25:

• Binibini 2 Arienne Louise Calingo
• Binibini 27 Beatrice Valente
• Binibini 1 Dane Felisse Marasigan
• Binibini 37 Sammie Anne Legaspi
• Binibini 6 Ma. Bejieleen Nama
• Binibini 7 Jennyline Carla Malpaya
• Binibini 9 Vanessa Saliba
• Binibini 33 Kristi Rose Cequeña
• Binibini 26 Ruffa Nava
• Binibini 38 Ana Patricia Asturias

with reporting by Jessica Bartolome and Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/GMA News