Binibining Pilipinas Myrna Esguerra already felt something special about Catalina Duque even before the Colombian beauty got crowned as Miss International 2025.
The new queen bested 79 other aspirants for the title at the finals held at the Yoyogi National Stadium’s 2nd Gymnasium here on Nov. 27, while the Filipino contender finished as fourth runner-up
‘You know, the first time I saw Catalina, I know that she’s a real queen. And I’m just so proud of her,’ Esguerra told Inquirer Entertainment after the final ceremonies.
‘She’s so kind, and we talked a lot about our own cultures that are very similar to each other. And I know that she will be a great Miss International,’ continued the Filipino queen.
Esguerra’s Miss International journey in Japan has been a period of learning and self-discovery. And how she and the other delegates cheered whenever someone got called to the front clearly showed how women from different backgrounds can foster harmony
‘We really build everything here with love. And I’m so happy that each and evyone of us supports one another. It doesn’t feel like a competition, honestly,’ she shared.
The Filipino beauty said she always looked forward to having breakfast with her fellow delegates. ‘We’re gonna tell stories of each other about our countries, cultures, and own personal stories. Miss International encouraged everyone to build friendships,’ she said.
Esguerra may have fallen short of her mission to bring home the Philippines’ seventh Miss International victory, but she’s delighted with her accomplishment nonetheless.
Not only was she able to redeem the Philippines from last year’s outcome when the delegate missed the first call, she also brought the country back to the Top 5. Before her, Nicole Borromeo was third runner-up in the 2023 contest.
‘I’m very happy,’ Esguerra said of her placement, and for asserting the Philippines’ stellar reputation in the Miss International pageant as the most successful Asian nation.
‘I hope I made the Filipinos happy for tonight. Thank you so much,’ continued the Miss International runner-up, whose cheering squad in Tokyo comprised family members from different parts of the world, their friends, and the Filipino community in Japan