Welcome to the world of Queen B!

Bessie Badilla, an international model and TV personality originally from the Philippines, triumphed as the First Filipina ever to become Queen at the 2008 Sao Paulo Carnaval. Bessie represented Escola Vai Vai which emerged as 2008 Champions in the 2-day competition.

Updates from Brazil (February 10, 2009): Queen bessie arrived in Sao Paulo today!

She is getting ready for the Carnaval with 5-hour ensaios in the Cuadras of Escola de Samba Nene de Vila Matilde (desfile February 20) and 2008 Carnaval Champions - Escola de Samba Vaivai (desfile February 21)

Bessie was "Rainha do Pantanal" for Escola Nene de Vila Matilde, one of the 3 Escolas de Samba she represented in Sao Paulo. She was a "Deusa de Agricultura" in a Japanese-inspired costume for Escola Unidos de Vila Maria. And on the final night of competition, she was stunning in white as she rode on the first float for Escola Vai Vai and helped them score a perfect 10 for their fantasia..

Bessie's journey has been in turns exciting, colorful, fun-filled and heartbreaking. Her story moves from Manila to Paris to Singapore to the US, and finally to Brazil. Join us as her story unfolds in our search for Queen B.

Bessie's participation at the 2008 Sao Paulo Carnaval was made possible by Renato Freitas of Winner Publicidade.