Colombia's Catalina Duque wins Miss International 2025
Catalina Duque of Colombia is the new Miss International queen!
Duque claimed the coveted crown, successfully besting 79 other candidates during the 63rd Miss International beauty pageant coronation night held in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday, Nov. 27. She will now carry the title of Ambassador of Beauty and Peace.
Meanwhile, the first runner-up title went to Miss Zimbabwe Yollanda Chimbarami, while the second runner-up was Miss Bolivia Paola Guzmán. Claiming the third runner-up title was Indonesia's Melliza Xaviera Yulian, and securing the final spot as fourth runner-up was the Philippines' Myrna Esguerra.
After Duque was called in the Top 5, she and the rest of the ladies 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?"
She answered: "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."
The new titleholder received the crown from Huỳnh Thị Thanh Thủy of Vietnam, immediately stepping forward to share a short, heartfelt speech with the audience.
"Thank you so much to everyone. But before, I'd like to bow to all of my girls. Miss International really is a sisterhood. We're a family. It's the most perfect pageant out there that makes me believe that pageants still have a purpose. We're more than beauty, we are united, and I'm I'm happy. I'm extremely happy. Thank you so much to Colombia. Gracias Colombia. Lologramos arigado!"
Prior to the announcement of the top placers, several delegates were recognized for their outstanding performances throughout the competition.
Miss Japan Ai Nozaki was awarded Miss Friendship, while Miss Cook Islands Zoe Hoff secured the title of Best Talent. Miss Czech Republic Simona Prochazakova was honored with Miss Elegance, and the title of Miss Photogenic went to Miss Russia Ekaterina Romanova. Miss Fitness was awarded to Miss Dominican Republic Anita Maspons, and Miss Kenya Muthoni Kariuki was recognized as Miss Sustainable Beauty.
That evening, the Japan-based international pageant also recognized the strongest regional representatives by naming the Continental Queens: Miss Zimbabwe Yollanda Chimbarami was named Miss International Africa, Miss Turks and Caicos Islands Farrah Grant won Miss International America, and Miss Macau Katrina Wan claimed the title of Miss International Asia-Pacific.
The country's quest for a seventh Miss International crown continues, following the victories of Gemma Cruz-Araneta in 1964, Aurora Pijuan in 1970, Melanie Marquez in 1979, Lara Quigaman in 2005, Bea Santiago in 2013, and Kylie Verzosa in 2016.
