Miss International 2025: All eyes on Tokyo as new queen rises

The Miss International 2025 pageant is stepping into its grand finale just days after the turbulence that marked Miss Universe 2025, bringing with it a sense of renewal, anticipation, and quiet confidence—especially for Filipino fans rallying behind Binibining Pilipinas Myrna Esguerra of Abra.

Esguerra is aiming to secure the Philippines’ seventh Miss International crown, a feat made even more meaningful as this year’s competition debuts a refreshed production concept and a fully revamped format. The final gala will unfold on Thursday, Nov. 27, at Tokyo’s Yoyogi National Stadium’s 2nd Gymnasium, with the show starting at 6 p.m. in Japan, or 5 p.m. in the Philippines, streaming live on the pageant’s official YouTube channel. Filipino audiences can also opt for a P159 monthly membership to access exclusive behind-the-scenes content, polls, and members-only live streams.

This 63rd edition brings together 80 delegates from around the world, each vying for the title currently held by Vietnam’s Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy. Among the standout contenders are Catalina Duque of Colombia, Serena Darder of the Netherlands, Natalia Garibay of Mexico, Roosh Sindhu of India, Eunice Rivadeneira of Ecuador, Melliza Xaviera Putri Yulian of Indonesia, and Esguerra herself. Their journey culminates on a night hosted by Venezuela’s Andrea Rubio—Miss International 2023—alongside Japanese personality Momi Okada and Max Powers, promising an energetic blend of international flair and cultural celebration.

What sets this year apart is a bold overhaul in the competition flow. From the 80 contestants, only 20 will advance to the semifinals, and three of those slots are guaranteed for top vote-getters from regional categories on the official Miss International app powered by Choicely. Once the Top 20 is secured, they will compete in both swimsuit and evening gown rounds before being narrowed to a Top 10. These finalists will face the question-and-answer segment, followed by the selection of a Top 5 who will all respond to one final common question. Filipino Executive Director Stephen Diaz earlier confirmed that the coronation will introduce a historic twist: for the first time, only two contestants will remain onstage awaiting the announcement of the new queen. He also teased a modernized pageant identity, sharing, “New format…new production team…new concept! Brand new Miss International for this year and beyond!” Part of this refresh includes the debut of an entirely new theme song, though the performers remain under wraps.

Behind the scenes, another source of Filipino pride is the involvement of Aika Events & Productions, the trusted team behind three consecutive Binibining Pilipinas Grand Coronation Nights. Their participation signals a distinctly Filipino creative imprint on a global stage. As Miss International 2025 prepares to crown its new ambassador, the atmosphere is charged with the promise of transformation and the hope of seeing Esguerra carry the Philippine flag all the way to the winner’s circle.