Miss International Catalina Duque vows yearly PH visits after Bb. Pilipinas stint

Colombian queens unite as Duque calls Araneta home welcome “surreal,” eyes annual return after heartfelt Binibining Pilipinas trip.

The reigning Miss International, Catalina Duque of Colombia, found one of the most meaningful moments of her visit to the Philippines when she met fellow Colombian and the first-ever Miss International, Stella Marquez Araneta.

Their meeting brought together two generations of Miss International queens whose journeys began under the same Colombian flag, more than six decades apart.

Stella Marquez-Araneta made history after representing Colombia and becoming the first-ever Miss International in 1960. She later became one of the Philippines’ most influential pageant personalities through Binibining Pilipinas.

Beyond her official engagements in the country, Duque was welcomed into the Araneta family’s home for a private dinner, an experience she described as one of the highlights of her trip.

“As I write this caption I’d like to start thanking this beautiful family for opening their doors to me in such a profound way,” Duque shared. “I’m the second queen (Stella is the first obviously) to have a space like this with the whole family, and I loved every second of it. Gracias. Salamat po. Thank you.”

For Duque, meeting Marquez-Araneta was a surreal full-circle moment.

“Surreal to tell you this, but I got to meet the first Miss International ever. She is from Colombia, her name is María Stella Márquez Zawadzky Araneta, and won the crown in 1960,” she wrote. “She is also one of the most classy, elegant and charming women I’ve ever met. Such a privilege to meet a powerful, intelligent and kind woman who has lived through the same experiences as me, each in its own way.”

The Colombian queen also thanked Stella and Jorge Araneta for welcoming her into their home, where the evening was filled with heartfelt conversations, laughter and a taste of home. She even shared that one of the family’s favorite Colombian dishes is sancocho.

“Madame and Mister Araneta were so kind to invite me to a private family dinner. We shared stories, delicious food, jokes, and let’s just say I’m officially part of the family now,” she said.

Duque was equally moved by the couple’s enduring love and the close bond they share with their family.

“My heart is so full to witness their unwavering love, how they call each other ‘Mi Amor,’ how much they take care of their family, and how they genuinely adore each other,” she wrote. “They have created an incredible legacy in the Philippines for Binibining Pilipinas with a purpose-driven pageant that changes the lives of all of their queens.”

The reigning Miss International said the experience made such an impact that she hopes to make the Philippines a regular destination.

“Coming once a year to the Philippines will become a tradition now,” she shared.

The Araneta family also expressed their appreciation for Duque, writing, “You are truly such a warm and lovely woman. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to see you again soon.”

Although her official visit coincided with the recently concluded Binibining Pilipinas pageant, Duque said the memories she created went far beyond the competition.

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