HIGHLIGHTS: Binibining Pilipinas 2025 coronation night

Meet the queens who will represent the Philippines in the 2025 editions of Miss International and Miss Globe!

Katrina Anne Johnson of Davao Province and Annabelle Mae McDonnell of Iligan City have been crowned as the next Binibining Pilipinas International Philippines and Binibining Pilipinas Globe respectively.

The two bested 34 other candidates from all over the country. They will now take over the reins of Myrna Esguerra and Jasmin Bungay, who were the previous representatives of Miss International 2024 and Miss Globe 2024 respectively.

Dalia Khattab of Las Piñas is first runner-up, while Kathleen Enid Espenido of Siargao is named second runner-up.

Before officially wrapping up their reign, Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2024 Jasmin Bungay and Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra looked back on their journey as a binibini. 

"From the Philippines to the Globe, I had always drawn my confidence from the love of the people around me; From my friends and loved ones, my family, especially my mom, my team who carried me through the whole journey. Maraming salamat," Bungay said.

The beauty queen dedicated her special moment to the LGBTQ+ community.

"Tonight, I would like to dedicate this moment to the LGBTQIA+ community; It's your hands that made me a binibini, so I will also use my hands to raise your flag and be a true ally with pride, for pride. Because this to me is what it means to be a binibini—bold in our stance, bold in the stance, brave in the quest for what is good and right, and to remain beautiful through it all, " Bungay said during her farewell walk. 

Esguerra recalled her BBP journey as an aspiring beauty queen from Abra. 

"Thank you so much, Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc., for opening a door that led me to discover my purpose. From a girl full of doubts, you helped me become a woman who leads with a heart. Every step I took was fueled by faith, love from my family, and with the guidance of my team and mentors. Philippines, simula ngayong araw na ito samahan niyo along harapin ang bagong yugto at hamon, dahil bitbit ko kayo sa bawat hakbang ng making paglalakbay," Esguerra said. 

The two queens will crown their successors in a short while. 

Just a few moments before meeting the new queens, Miss International 2024 Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy and Miss Globe 2024 Diana Moreno strutted the stage to share a glimpse of their reigns.

Moreno shared that she's currently working on her global mission to empower others to follow their dreams. "For me, it’s important to inspire others," she said. 

Meanwhile, Thanh Thuy, who's in the Philippines for the first time, shared that she's working on her advocacy for environmental education. 

"I am passionate about using my voice to teach others about environmental education. I teach others the way to save our planet from simple actions," she said. 

As we meet the new Binibining Pilipinas queens, Moreno has a piece of advice on how they can keep themselves grounded despite the spotlight.

"Never forget who you are. Wearing a crown is a big responsibility. Remember to always be kind and always [be] yourself."

In one of the pageant’s most significant rounds, the remaining 14 candidates displayed their intelligence and wit in the question-and-answer portion of the pageant.

The judges posed questions that tackled various important topics. Candidates were asked about the differences between Gen Z and Boomer queens, how to honor the nation's hard-won independence, lessons from the viral drainage woman, and guiding their generation to be more critical of online content.

The Binibining Pilipinas pageant has now announced the Top 14 queens who will be moving on to the next round of the competition.

The Top 14 queens include:

• Jercy Raine Cruz of Makati City
• Joanne Marie Thornley of Pampanga
• Alyssa Mildred Villarina of Rizal Province
• Ma. Andrea Endico of Quezon Province
• Francesca Beatriz Abalajon of Aklan
• Jemille Zosa of Mandaluyong
• Anna Carres De Mesa of Batangas
• Dalia Khattab of Las Piñas
• Annabelle Mae McDonnell of Iligan City
• Kathleen Enid Espenido of Siargao
• Ma. Alexandra Mata of Tarlac Province
• Jerimi Nuqui of Caloocan City
• Mia Betina Golosino of Malabon City
• Katrina Anne Johnson of Davao Province

All 36 candidates were a spectacle for the eyes during the pageant’s evening gown segment at the grand coronation.

The queens captured the hearts of the audience members through their charming smiles and graceful walks as they showcased their embellished gowns crafted by their chosen fashion designers.

P-pop boy band SB19—comprised of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin—elevated the round with an enchanting performance of their song Moonlight and I Want You.

The Binibining Pilipinas organization has named the candidates taking home the pageant's special awards and a slew of prizes from sponsors.

They are:

• Binibining Dunkin’- Katrina Anne Johnson of Davao Province (P100,000 cash prize)
• Binibining Pizza Hut- Kathleen Enid Espenido of Siargao (P200,000 cash prize, P30,000 Pizza Hut gift certificates, and P20,000 Taco Bell and Dairy Queen gift certificates)
• Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice Awards- Alyssa Mildred Villarina of Rizal Province (P100,000 Manila Hotel experience and one year subscription to Manila Bulletin)
• Binibining Philippine Airlines- Annabelle Mae McDonnell of Iligan City (Two round trip tickets from Philippine Airlines)
• Binibining Urban Smiles- Dalia Khattab of Las Piñas (P200,000 worth of services from Urban Smiles)
• Binibining Playtime- Jercy Raine Cruz of Makati City (P100,000 cash prize from Playtime)
• Binibining Friendship- Cyril Reign Nulud of San Fernando Pampanga (P25,000 cash prize from Playtime and P30,000 worth of products and services from My Daily Collagen and Gold's Gym)
• Face of Binibini- Francesca Beatriz Abalajon of Aklan (Fujifilm X-A3, P25,000 cash prize from Picture City, and P30,000 worth of products and services from My Daily Collagen and Gold's Gym)

Khattab was also named as the Best in Swimsuit, where she'll receive a P25,000 cash prize and a total of P30,000 in products and services from My Daily Collagen and Gold's Gym.

Johnson meanwhile won Best in Evening Gown and will receive a P50,000 cash prize from Wellness Whispers, P25,000 from Playtime, and P30,000 in products and services from My Daily Collagen and Gold's Gym.

This year's selection committee includes Urban Smiles President Dr. Ralph Figaroa Delas Alas, Binibining Pilipinas International 1986 Alice Dixson, Miss International Thanh Thuy, MTRCB chair Lala Sotto, Miss Globe 2024 Diana Moreno, renowned fashion designer Francis Libiran, and Chairman of the Board, BPCI executive director Conchitina Bernardo. 

The BPCI Executive Committee comprises Vida Doria, Victoria Fores, and Pia Ojeda. 

Is it hot in here or is it just this year's Binibining Pilipinas candidates?

The ladies served their best swimsuit looks during the preliminary competition.

Not only was it a chance for them to show their toned physiques and awe-inducing charisma, but also an opportunity to flaunt their confidence and stage presence that will bring them closer to the crown.

Blessie Villablanca of Antique took the title for Best National Costume at the Binibining Pilipinas 2025 pageant.

Her ensemble pays tribute to the province's crowning glory, the Rafflesia Speciosa, which is the world's most colossal flower.

"The gaze is immediately seized by the corset, a canvas empurpled with striking petal minutiae. It’s not just design; it’s a deliberate sculpting, shaping the waist into a silhouette of audacious fashion. Beneath, seamless mesh leggings and gloves, interwoven with stylized veins, whisper tales of nature's intricate artistry, adding a touch of untamed elegance," said hair and make-up artist Malick Hilado, who directed Villablanca's costume photoshoot.

"But the true spectacle unfolds with the cascading train, a dramatic flourish where 3D rafflesias burst forth, enhancing both grandeur and grace. Above it all, a giant rafflesia umbrella isn't just an accessory—it's a bold declaration, boosting the entire ensemble with a chic, eccentric flair that defies convention, a perfect marriage of high fashion and practical allure," he continued.

The finale night of the 61st Binibining Pilipinas pageant has begun!

Kicking off the night, the 36 candidates paraded their national costumes, showcasing the culture and heritage of their respective provinces. 

The candidates are being introduced in pre-recorded videos wearing their national costumes.

Tonight’s hosts are Miss Grand International 2016 first runner-up Nicole Cordoves, Miss Universe 2014 finalist MJ Lastimosa, Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne, and Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa.

Who will take home the coveted crowns?

This year's Binibining Pilipinas grand coronation night is being held at The Araneta Coliseum on June 15. 36 candidates from across the Philippines are vying for the Binibining Pilipinas International and Binibining Pilipinas Globe titles.