TRANSCRIPT: Miss International 2025 Top 5 Q&A
The spotlight shifted from gowns to grit as the Miss International 2025 candidates faced their toughest challenge yet: the question-and-answer portion.
During the coronation night on Nov. 27 in Tokyo, Japan, the top five contenders were pushed to think fast and showcase their authenticity as they were asked the question: "If you were to describe your entire Miss International experience to your family and loved ones, what would you tell them?"
Here’s how each candidate answered and reflected on her pageant journey:
Miss International Philippines – Myrna Esguerra
I will tell to my mama that I just gained 79 more siblings among my 16 siblings back home. Miss International taught me to be selfless, and it taught me the value of having friends from all around the world. And I am so grateful for this opportunity because I learned to help everyone in here, everyone who needs my help. And above all, it made me a better person, a human that cares, because I was able to create my project, and with that, it is my tribute to all the people who helped me.
Miss International Zimbabwe – Yollanda Chimbarami
I would say this experience has been empowering. As a woman of color, I've been in spaces and rooms where I've been undermined because of the color of my skin and the texture of my hair, but Miss International has taught me that you can cheer all women, and there's enough room for everybody. I came in as a young woman with hopes, but I'm standing before you as a young woman with a purpose, ready to serve, ready to lead, and ready to cheer all women who dare to dream. Because I am a strong, powerful, African black woman.
Miss International Indonesia – Melliza Xaviera Yulian
I still remember when I got to the audition of my national competition, my mama asked me, 'What is the international pageant that I want to compete in?' And back then I answered, and I will always be answering this: it's Miss International. And yeah, I'm here together with the rest [of these] beautiful, gorgeous women, showing up to my mother, that my choice is right. Because here in Miss International, we don't need to be pretending to be someone else. We just need to show who I am, and the best version of myself.
Miss International Bolivia – Paola Guzmán
Since the moment I was crowned, I have been learning about the Japanese culture. In my first meeting with an ambassador of Japan in Bolivia, he told me the three pillars of the Japanese culture: responsibility, resilience, and kindness. In this Miss International, I have seen all my sisters grow as women, as humans. [I was taught] that I need to believe in myself as much as I believe in others, and that's what I want to inspire.
Miss International Colombia – Catalina Duque
My family is actually here with me today, so I'll say it directly to them. I used to think that the big moments were the only ones that mattered, but learning about Japanese culture, I've learned about 'Mono no aware', about the little things. Just how the leaves fall in autumn and they make things beautiful, how kids hug me and they smile at me, and how every yummy, tasty ramen I have reminds me to have a glorious life and to enjoy every single moment. I'm so thankful for being here, and I'm having so much fun.
