Rodgil Flores: 'We have a strong batch of KF girls'

Pageant guru Rodgil Flores, head of the Kagandahang Flores (KF) beauty camp, has said that he is excited about this year's Binibining Pilipinas contest because of the 16 KF girls who made it in the official roster of candidates.

"I'm super proud of them. I believe we have a strong batch. The girls come from different backgrounds and they are prepared," said Flores, during an exclusive interview at Kia Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.

"We are constantly training them, for them to have their best performance in the finals night and other pre-pageant activities," he added.

Asked what he told them when he met his 16 successful candidates, Flores said: "This is it! There's no way to do it but to do it now!"

Flores said that the Binibining Pilipinas is now the training the 40 official candidates. But he said that "the camp still has its duties to really get them motivated and train them more."

The pageant expert described the selection of the 16 girls as a blessing. "Its a blessing! We got 16."

Flores also said that he is not playing favorites to any of the 16 KF girls in Binibining Pilipinas 2017. "Sa akin lahat strong candidates. In joining pageants, you may consider it as a life-changing experience. The preparations itself will really mould them into becoming the best persons of themselves."

The camp is also praying for more crowns this time as compared to last year. Some of his wards who have successfully clinched international titles include  Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago, Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman, Miss Earth 2015 Angelia Ong, Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrel, Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry, etc.

* Pageant preps

Flores recalled what's it like in his beauty camp few days before the finals of a pageant.

"If you belong to KF camp, we all go to Baclaran church. Regular yan. Yung tutoo hindi na kami nakakatulog. I have to attend to so many details. For example, as the head of KF, I have to see to it that everyone will have good seats, what to wear, how to mobilize everyone, food. It's not just the tasks for the girls but the people around us," he added.

"Pati banners, cheerers. If we're dealing with 16 girls, were dealing with 16 groups and get them organized hanggang coronation time. The logistics lahat. Akala nila, I just distribute the duties to the staff. No! I really maintain and manage the camp," Flores said.

For those who did not make it in this year's batch of Binibinis, Flores said: "May options. There are always options in life. Join another national pageant or wait next year and join Bb. Pilipinas if the age is still eligible."

Flores admits that national pageants are getting more competitive.

"Actually, pahirap na ng pahirap ang national pageants. Our queens would tell us mas mahirap pa ang national pageants kesa sa mga international pageants. Pag makakapag-Binibini ka na, madali na ang international pageant sa kanila," he said. Robert Requintina/TEMPO