Binibining Pilipinas crowns new queens

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(UPDATE) Binibining Pilipinas has crowned two new queens who both represented Mindanao territories — Bb. Pilipinas International 2025 Katrina Anne Johnson of Davao and Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2025 Annabelle Mae McDonnell of Iligan City.

Also crowned on Sunday, June 15, during the pageant's 61st edition were Las Piñas' Dalia Varde Khattab as 1st Runner-up and Siargao's Kathleen Enid Espenido as 2nd Runner-up.

(From left) Bb. Pilipinas 2025 2nd Runner-up Kathleen Enid Espenido of Siargao, Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2025 Annabelle Mae McDonnell of Iligan City, Bb. Pilipinas International 2025 Katrina Anne Johnson of Davao Province and Bb. Pilipinas 2025 1st Runner-up Dalia Varde Khattab of Las Piñas

The competition — held at the Araneta Coliseum — highlighted not just beauty but also the wit and substance of candidates, particularly during the Question and Answer portion, where the Top 14 were each given 30 seconds to respond to questions on social issues, values and personal experience.

Johnson — a pharmacist by profession — was asked, "Lies told a thousand times become the truth. What is your reaction to this statement now that fake news pollutes and corrupts our society more than ever?"

Johnson responded, "Well, I think social media and the internet is such a blessing to all of us because it allows us to create a community online with people from all around the world. But, yes, fake news is a rampant issue nowadays, and to be honest with you, I think the best way we can combat that is to make sure that we are educating people on how to discern information. We need to be aware, we need to regulate, and make our online communities a safe space for everyone."

The Miss Globe 2nd runner-up Jasmine Bungay crowns Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2025 Annabelle Mae Mc Donnell

Meanwhile, model and events host McDonnell was asked, "A woman was seen emerging out of a drainage recently. If you could spend time with her, what insights or lessons do you wish to gain from the circumstances that led to her life condition?"

To which she confidently answered, "Speaking as someone who experienced involuntary hunger and malnourishment at the age of 15, I say that I wish you never go hungry another night. I think that when you hit rock bottom, don't despair and don't use that as your identity. But rather, use rock bottom as your launchpad. I have done exactly that, I have sold bread, I sold ukay-ukay clothes and all the more rackets just to survive and support my family. You can do it, as long as you believe in the beauty of your dreams."

Bb. Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra passes the crowns to Bb. Pilipinas International 2025 Katrina Anne Johnson PHOTOS FROM FACEBOOK/BBPILIPINASOFFICIAL

Rounding out the Top 14 were standout candidates Jercy Raine Cruz of Makati, Joanne Marie Thornley of Pampanga, Alyssa Mildred Villarina of Rizal, Maria Andrea Endicio of Quezon, Francesca Beatriz Alvalajon of Aklan, Jemille Justine Zosa of Mandaluyong, Anna Carres De Mesa of Batangas, Maria Alexandra Mata of Tarlac, Jerimi Nuqui of Caloocan, and Mia Betina Golosino of Malabon.

This year's panel of judges featured a diverse mix of personalities and industry leaders, including renowned Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran, actress Alice Dixson, reigning Miss International Hyun Thi Thann Thuy of Vietnam, reigning Miss Globe Diana Moreno of Colombia, MTRCB chairperson Lala Sotto, Dr. Ralph Figaroa Delas Alas, and Chairman of the Board Conchitina Bernardo.

The event was hosted by former Binibining Pilipinas titleholders Kylie Verzosa, Mary Jean Lastimosa, Maureen Montagne, and Nicole Cordoves. Performances included P-pop group SB19 and Christi McGarry, Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2015.