Filipinos make their mark both onstage and behind the scenes with Esguerra’s strong showing and Stephen Diaz and Chico Estiva Atelier contributing to the global event.
A new queen has emerged in Tokyo as Colombia’s Catalina Duque was crowned Miss International 2025 on Thursday, Nov. 27. She succeeded Vietnam’s Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy, triumphing over a competitive field of 79 international delegates.
Joining Duque on the court were Yollanda Chimbarami of Zimbabwe as first runner-up, Paola Guzmán Sanchez of Bolivia as second runner-up, and Melliza Xaviera Yulian of Indonesia as third runner-up.
Meanwhile, Philippines representative Myrna Esguerra delivered an outstanding performance that earned her the title of fourth runner-up, keeping the country’s strong Miss International streak alive.
She was vying to bring home the Philippines’ seventh crown, after wins from Kylie Verzosa (2016), Bea Rose Santiago (2013), Precious Lara Quigaman (2005), Melanie Marquez (1979), Aurora Pijuan (1970), and Gemma Cruz (1964).
As part of the pageant’s long-standing advocacy highlighting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Top 10 finalists each presented a speech reflecting their chosen goals. Esguerra passionately spoke about SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through her youth literacy initiative, “Project Dream Readers.”
“Being the only one among my 16 siblings to finish college is one of the proudest and grateful moments in my life,” she shared. She added that her advocacy is her way of giving back: “I hope to see every child stand tall like Mt. Fuji and to ensure that no child will ever suffer the same way that I do.”
When the competition narrowed to the Top 5, the finalists were asked how they would describe their Miss International experience to their loved ones. Esguerra responded with heartfelt sincerity, saying she felt as if she had gained “79 more siblings” and emphasizing that her journey taught her compassion, friendship, and service.
“Above all, it made me a better person… a human that cares,” she said, dedicating her work to the people who supported her.
Aside from Esguerra, two other Filipinas joined this year’s competition under different national banners: Allyson Eee for Malaysia and Bella dela Cruz for Australia. Both concluded their journeys in the preliminary round.
Filipinos also held key roles behind the scenes. Japan-based Filipino Stephen Diaz served as the pageant’s executive director, while the official competition wardrobe was crafted by Chico Estiva Atelier, adding a touch of Filipino artistry to the global stage.
Esguerra, who earned her right to compete internationally after winning Binibining Pilipinas International 2024, had over a year to prepare. A favorite among pageant observers, she made a strong impression throughout the competition, which introduced a more streamlined format this year. The evening opened with all 80 contestants showcasing their national costumes, with Ghana taking home the special award.
With a new titleholder and a standout showing from the Philippines, Miss International 2025 concluded with powerful messages of advocacy, unity, and purpose.
Being the only one among my 16 siblings to finish college is one of the proudest and grateful moments in my life. I hope to see every child stand tall like Mt. Fuji and to ensure that no child will ever suffer the same way that I do.
Catalina Duque
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