Davao’s Katrina Anne Johnson bags Binibining Pilipinas International 2025 crown

The Binibining Pilipinas 2025 coronation night, held on Sunday, June 15, at the Araneta Coliseum, saw Davao's own Katrina Anne Johnson claim the prestigious Binibining Pilipinas International 2025 crown.

Johnson emerged victorious among 36 competitive candidates. She takes over from Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra of Abra, who is set to compete in the Miss International 2025 pageant later this year. This win means Johnson will represent the Philippines at the global Miss International competition in 2026.

The 25-year-old delegate from Davao also garnered special recognition during the event, winning the Best in Evening Gown award and the Binibining Dunkin' title.

Also crowned that evening was Annabelle Mae McDonnell of Iligan City, named Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2025. She succeeds Pampanga's Jasmin Bungay, who achieved a 2nd runner-up placement in Miss Globe 2024.

Rounding out the top placements, Dalia Varde Khattab representing Las Piñas finished as the 1st runner-up, while Kathleen Enid Espenido from Siargao secured the 2nd runner-up spot.

During the crucial question-and-answer segment, Johnson was asked by judge Lala Sotto about the statement "Lies told a thousand times become the truth" within the context of fake news. She acknowledged the connectivity social media provides but also the reality of misinformation. Johnson proposed countering this by emphasizing public education on information discernment, advocating for awareness, regulation, and fostering safe online spaces.

Annabelle Mae McDonnell's Q&A moment was particularly poignant. Asked what she would say to a woman seen crawling out of a Makati drainage, McDonnell shared her own past struggle with poverty, recounting experiencing "involuntary hunger and malnourishment" at age 15. Her message was one of hope and resilience, telling the hypothetical woman, "I wish you never go hungry another night." She urged against letting rock bottom define one's identity but rather to use it as a "launchpad," drawing from her own experience selling bread and used clothes to support her family.