Abra’s first Miss International Philippines winner

The Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) formally sent off Binibini Myrna Esguerra in a heartfelt celebration at World Kitchens, Gateway Mall 2 on 28 October, as she prepares to represent the Philippines at the Miss International 2025 pageant in Tokyo, Japan.

The send-off, attended by her family, pageant supporters, members of the press and fellow queens, was filled with emotion and pride for Esguerra — a woman whose story mirrors grit, grace and the power of self-made dreams.

A journey rooted in humility and hope

Born and raised in Abra to a Kapampangan father and an Ilocano mother, Myrna is one of 16 siblings who grew up in modest circumstances. When her family moved to Angeles City, Pampanga, she began working as a model to finance her college education. Her determination eventually led her to local pageants in both Pampanga and Abra — paving the way for her to represent her province at the 60th edition of Binibining Pilipinas in 2024.

She made history as the first-ever candidate from Abra to capture the Binibining Pilipinas International crown, a feat that made her hometown proud and inspired many aspiring queens from small towns across the country.

Crowning moments, career milestones

Myrna’s victory was nothing short of spectacular. In addition to her major crown, she swept five special awards, including Best in National Costume, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown and Binibining Philippine Airlines.

Just weeks after her coronation, she also graduated with a degree in Tourism Management with a specialization in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) Events from the City College of Angeles — proving that beauty queens can balance brains, ambition and heart. She currently applies her skills in event coordination and hosting, expanding her influence beyond the pageant stage.

Advocate for the environment

Beyond glamor, Myrna has anchored her advocacy on environmental preservation and sustainability. She has been a consistent volunteer in cleanup drives across the Philippines and works closely with the National Cleanup Coalition Philippines, an alliance of civic groups and government bodies dedicated to maintaining cleaner, greener communities.

Her mission is simple yet profound: to encourage every Filipino to take part in protecting the planet — one cleanup, initiative, act of care at a time.

Aiming for the seventh crown

Now, all eyes are on Myrna as she embarks on her international journey to Japan, where she hopes to bring home the country’s seventh Miss International crown.

The 2025 Miss International pageant will take place on 27 November in Tokyo, marking another proud moment for Philippine pageantry on the global stage.

With her unbreakable spirit, intelligence and compassion, Esguerra stands as a symbol of modern Filipino womanhood — humble in her beginnings, strong in her convictions and radiant in her purpose.

As she carries the Philippine flag to the Miss International stage, she does so not just as Binibini 2024, but as the heart and hope of a nation that believes in her journey — from Abra to the world.