Crowning a new era: Catalina Duque of Colombia wins Miss International 2025

The Miss International stage welcomed a new queen this year as Colombia’s Catalina Duque claimed the coveted title at the pageant’s 63rd edition held in Tokyo’s Yoyogi National Gymnasium. Her victory capped an evening filled with elegance, global representation, and emotional triumphs as she rose above 79 other delegates from around the world.

Beaming with disbelief and joy, Catalina accepted the crown from outgoing titleholder Huỳnh Thị Thanh Thủy of Vietnam, marking a proud moment for Colombia on one of the world’s most prestigious beauty platforms. Her composed performance throughout the competition and her eloquence during the final Q&A affirmed her place as this year’s standout candidate.

The Philippines’ representative, Myrna Esguerra, also delivered a powerful performance that carried her all the way to the Top 5. Sharing the same final question as Catalina, she impressed judges and audiences with her poise and clarity of thought. Although she ultimately finished as fourth runner-up, her placement reinforced the Philippines’ longstanding legacy in the Miss International pageant.

Through the years, the country has produced six titleholders: Gemma Cruz-Araneta (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Precious Lara Quigaman (2005), Bea Rose Santiago (2013), and Kylie Verzosa (2016). Myrna’s strong showing added to this heritage, showcasing the Philippines’ enduring strength on the global stage.

Rounding out this year’s court were four remarkable women: first runner-up Yollanda Chimbarami of Zimbabwe, second runner-up Paola Guzman Sanchez of Bolivia, and third runner-up Melliza Xaviera Yulian of Indonesia—each celebrated for their charisma and international appeal.

Miss International 2025 not only crowned a new queen but also reaffirmed the pageant’s mission of cultural exchange, goodwill, and global friendship. As Catalina Duque begins her reign, she steps into a role defined by advocacy, ambassadorship, and the power of beauty with purpose—ushering in a new chapter for Colombia and the Miss International organization.