The highs and lows of the Binibining Pilipinas 2025 pageant

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Another edition of Binibining Pilipinas just ended, ending in the victory of Katrina Johnson and Annabelle McDonnell — with some fans saying they are the “perfect prototypes” for their respective titles. But no pageant is perfect, and the national tilt had its series of highs and lows throughout its three-hour run.

From the “perfect” chosen queens to the unclear livestream guidelines, read along to find out the highs and lows and what’s behind-the-scenes of the recently-concluded Binibining Pilipinas 2025 grand coronation night.

HIGHS

Myrna Esguerra’s fall and rise

Before outgoing Binibining Pilipinas-International Myrna Esguerra could crown her successor, she figured in an accident after falling off the stage.

A video posted by one divastar_klao on Instagram showed the Philippines’ Miss International 2025 representative being helped to her feet by backstage attendants and her second runner-up Trisha Martinez after going over the edge of the raised platform.

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But trooper that she is, Esguerra soon appeared on her own feet, poised and collected, before waving to the crowd like the beauty queen that she is. She then blew kisses to her supporters as if nothing happened, before giving thumbs up as if to say that she is okay after her tumble.

‘Perfect’ winners

The past titleholders of Miss International and Miss Globe have certain prototypes — and fans said on social media that Johnson and McDonnell fit them perfectly.

The Japan-based Miss International has always gone for doll-like, soft, and innocent queens, as seen in the country’s winners such as Kylie Verzosa, Bea Rose Santiago, and Lara Quigaman. Meanwhile, The Miss Globe always preferred queens with classic and understated beauties such as in the likes of Ann Colis and Maureen Montagne.

Contrary to past national tilts that end in backlash, it seems that not much scrutiny erupted in the pageant community after their wins. Many also pointed out on social media that they are the “complete package” and they’re looking forward to their journey on the international stage.

Miss Globe and Miss International titleholders meet

One of the highlights of the national tilt was Miss Globe titleholders Diana Moreno (2024) and Maureen Montagne (2021), as well as Miss International winners Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy (2024) and Kylie Verzosa (2016) sharing the spotlight onstage.

In their brief meeting, Montagne and Verzosa asked their fellow titleholders about the respective advocacies they’re focusing on, with Moreno saying she wants to uplift young girls in gaining self-confidence, while Huynh said she wants to promote environmental conservation.

SB19: What is lagare?

SB19 might’ve gained new fans from their swoon-worthy stage at the Binibining Pilipinas pageant, which happened just a day after performing at the Bicol Music Festival.

The male quintet’s performance showed no signs of exhaustion, proving their admirable stability onstage.

Before midnight

Many pageants extend up until the wee hours, and Binibining Pilipinas is no exception. Sunday’s coronation show at the Araneta Coliseum, however, ended past 11 p.m., which is an unusual yet refreshing change from the usual lengthy run times.

Timely question-and-answer segment

Gone are the days when usual topics such as why one deserves to win the title, qualities that a winning titleholder should have, or their biggest strengths and weaknesses will be asked during the dreaded question-and-answer segment.

Binibining Pilipinas continued its streak of addressing timely issues at the question-and-answer segment, such as the feared domination of artificial intelligence (AI), a woman who recently went viral for crawling out of a sewer, and combating fake news, among other topics.

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LOWS

Unclear livestream guidelines

The past editions of the Binibining Pilipinas — at least in recent times — always had an accompanying livestream for fans who are unable to see the coronation live and international pageant fans. This led to netizens expressing their frustration about being “unaware” of what is happening at the Araneta Coliseum.

While the streaming of the national tilt is available on the Cignal app, many were confused about where to witness the action, perhaps due to a lack of announcements on social media or the departure from YouTube (which is long known for its accessibility).

Late start

Unfortunately, Filipino time remains a thing in events. Pageants are also part of this phenomenon. While it’s understandable that a lot of preparations between the candidates, backstage staff, and other production-related professionals happen backstage, the lack of mindfulness about the time needs to be observed, especially since the national tilt is usually held a day before the work week starts.

The capes and shawls have to go

Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe 2022 first runner-up Amanda Dudamel, Miss Universe Asia 2024 Chelsea Manalo, and Miss Grand International 2024 CJ Opiaza are among the queens who started a trend of using shawls or capes to boost their long gowns — either in an aesthetic standpoint or for a needed oomph in their performances — which seeped into this year’s evening gown competition.

Inane buzzwords

Filipina beauty queens are known for their undeniable wit in the question-and-answer segment. One of its recent examples is Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2024 Jasmin Bungay, who emphasized the need to pass the SOGIESC Bill in a no-nonsense tone, especially her line, “As an individual, it is our responsibility that we ensure that everyone is treated equally despite their SOGIE.”

However, many of this year’s finalists relied on memorized pageant answers to deliver their points, particularly the use of buzzwords such as “powerhouse,” “authenticity,” and “maximize our potential,” which diminished their sincerity not only as beauty queens but also as women.

Where is Catriona Gray?

Maureen Montagne, Kylie Verzosa, MJ Lastimosa, and Nicole Cordoves were undeniably beautiful and a witty group of hosts. But the absence of Mis Universe 2018 Catriona Gray with her effortlessly energetic personality onstage was somehow felt. /edv