The global spotlight shone brightly on Tokyo’s Yoyogi National Gymnasium as the 63rd Miss International pageant crowned Colombia’s Catalina Duque its newest queen. The ceremony — rich in culture, camaraderie and powerful storytelling — featured 80 remarkable candidates, but it was Catalina’s poised brilliance that ultimately carried her to victory.

Catalina Duque:
Colombia’s newest jewel

From the moment she stepped onstage, Catalina embodied the grace and diplomacy that define the Miss International crown. Her coronation — an emotional exchange with the outgoing titleholder, Vietnam’s Huynh Thiị Thanh Thuy — sparked celebrations both inside the venue and across Colombia. With elegant composure and clear, purposeful delivery, she excelled in each segment of the competition. Her strong, heartfelt performance in the final Q&A sealed her ascent to the title.

Catalina’s win not only reinforces Colombia’s presence in the Big Four pageants but also signals a renewed wave of Latin American leadership in advocacy-centered competitions. As she begins her reign, she takes on a role rooted in cultural diplomacy, women’s empowerment and international goodwill — cornerstones of the Miss International mission.

A proud Filipino finish: Myrna Esguerra secures top five spot

Among the standout finalists was the Philippines’ own Myrna Esguerra, whose top five placement further strengthened the nation’s storied pageant legacy. Calm, articulate, and focused, she impressed judges throughout the preliminary and final rounds.

Her defining moment came during the question-and-answer portion, where she was asked to reflect on her Miss International journey.

“I will tell my mama that I just gained 79 more siblings in addition to my 16 siblings back home. Miss International taught me to be selfless, and it taught me the value of having friends from all around the world,” she shared — an answer that resonated for its warmth and sincerity.

Myrna’s fourth runner-up finish adds another milestone to the Philippines’ rich Miss International history, joining the ranks of Gemma Cruz-Araneta (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Precious Lara Quigaman (2005), Bea Rose Santiago (2013), and Kylie Verzosa (2016). For Filipino pageant supporters, her performance signaled the country’s continued excellence on the global stage.

Court of global voices

This year’s accomplished court also included: Yollanda Chimbarami of Zimbabwe (first runner-up), Paola Guzman Sanchez of Bolivia (second runner-up),
and Melliza Xaviera Yulian of Indonesia (third runner-up).

Together, they formed a dynamic ensemble reflective of Miss International’s diversity and multicultural character.

Night of crowns, culture
and connection

Miss International 2025 delivered a memorable edition — one that emphasized compassion, friendship, and meaningful advocacy over spectacle. Catalina Duque now carries the mantle of a tradition built on cross-cultural understanding, while Myrna Esguerra returns home a celebrated Filipina achiever whose journey resonated across borders.

This year’s pageant crowned not just a queen but a collection of narratives — stories of sisterhood, self-discovery, and shared purpose — that will continue to inspire long after the final curtain falls.