Katrina Anne Johnson of Davao was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2025, securing the top title at the pageant’s coronation night held on Sunday, June 15, at the Araneta Coliseum. Johnson, 25, bested 35 other candidates and will represent the Philippines in the Miss International 2026 pageant.

Johnson succeeds Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra of Abra. The Davao stunner also took home the Best in Evening Gown award and was named Binibining Dunkin’.

Meanwhile, Iligan City’s Annabelle Mae McDonnell earned the title of Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2025. She succeeds Pampanga’s Jasmin Bungay, who placed 2nd runner-up in Miss Globe 2024.

The pageant’s 1st runner-up was Dalia Varde Khattab of Las Piñas, while Kathleen Enid Espenido of Siargao was named 2nd runner-up.

During the crucial question-and-answer portion, Johnson was asked by pageant judge and MTRCB chairperson Lala Sotto about the statement, “Lies told a thousand times become the truth,” within the context of fake news. Johnson emphasized the role of social media in connectivity and proposed solutions to disinformation.

“I think the best way we can combat that is to make sure that we are educating people on how to discern information. We need to be aware, we need to regulate, and make our online communities a safe space for everyone,” Johnson answered.

For McDonnell, her Q&A moment became a deeply personal reflection. Asked what she would tell a woman seen crawling out of a Makati drainage, McDonnell shared her own past experience with poverty, having faced “involuntary hunger and malnourishment” at age 15.

“I say that I wish you never go hungry another night. I think that when you hit rock bottom, don’t despair and don’t use that as your identity. But rather, use rock bottom as your launchpad,” McDonnell powerfully responded. “I have done exactly that, I have sold bread, I sold ukay-ukay clothes and all the more rackets just to survive and support my family. You can do it, as long as you believe in the beauty of your dreams.”