Binibining Pilipinas Myrna Esguerra is in high spirits and full of positivity as the final gala of the 2025 Miss International pageant approaches.
‘I feel so fulfilled with everything that has happened, sobrang grateful ko sa lahat ng taong tumulong sa akin [I’m very grateful to everyone who helped me] from the start,’ she told Inquirer Entertainment at the sidelines of the preliminary evaluation held earlier in Yokohama, Japan.
The event was held three days ahead of the final competition on Thursday evening, Nov. 27, at the Yoyogi National 2nd Gymnasium in Tokyo.
Esguerra waited for more than a year to get to Japan for her Miss International competition. She earned her national title at the 60th Bb. Pilipinas pageant in June last year.
‘I really set my expectation on Miss International that it’s gonna be a very great experience for me, and a fun one. And I’m so happy that my expectations were exceeded in a most meaningful way,’ she said.
‘Now that the [final competition] is nearing, I hope that you’ll continue to support me po. Para sa Pilipinas, lalaban po tayo [For the Philippines, we will fight],’ Esguerra declared.
The beauty queen flew to Tokyo earlier this month, ahead of the other delegates, to spend time with the Filipino community in Japan.
‘Here in Japan they taught us how to be kind despite everything that’s happening, despite the competition, the pressure, the nerves,’ Esguerra shared.
‘It’s not expensive to be kind to one another. And I think that’s the most valuable lesson that I learned,’ she continued.
Esguerra shared that she was happy with everything that has happened during the course of the pageant’s activities.
‘I’m really grateful. I feel very blessed. And this is more than what I prayed for, and I’m so happy to be here,’ she said.
Esguerra is hoping to post the Philippines’ seventh Miss International victory, following Gemma Cruz, Aurora Pijuan, Melanie Marquez, Precious Lara Quigaman, Bea Rose Santiago, and Kylie Verzosa