TRANSCRIPT: Binibining Pilipinas 2025 Question and Answer round

The Binibining Pilipinas 2025 competition heated up during its highly anticipated Question and Answer segment, held on Sunday, June 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. The Top 14 candidates stepped forward to demonstrate their intellect and composure, each facing a timely question posed by one of the esteemed judges.

Representing Makati, Jercy Raine Cruz was asked by Than Thuy about the reasons behind the Philippines' strong performance in the Miss International pageant. Cruz attributed this success to the authenticity and kindness inherent in Filipinos, suggesting these qualities create a powerful, positive impact globally.

Joanne Marie Thornley of Pampanga received a question from Francis Libiran concerning the initial duties she would prioritize if crowned. Thornley emphasized the importance of a beauty queen having a "heart on her sleeve," highlighting her commitment to putting others' care first, particularly aspiring children, and showcasing the "beauty in being able to dream."

Alyssa Mildred Villariña from Rizal addressed a generational comparison posed by Alice Dixson, asking how Gen Z beauty queens differ from boomers. Villariña responded that while purpose drives all beauty queens regardless of age, Gen Z's distinction lies in their social awareness, leveraging technology to share knowledge and contribute to national prosperity.

Ma. Andrea Endico of Quezon Province tackled parental concerns about online content, asked by Lala Sotto. Endico stressed the pivotal role of family as the fundamental unit of society and urged parents to actively guide their children, recognizing them as the "first teachers" responsible for shaping the future.

Francesca Beatriz Abalajon, representing Aklan, was asked by Diana Moreno about a quality inherited from her father, particularly relevant on Father's Day. Abalajon shared her experience growing up with a single mother, identifying her mom as her "father figure" who instilled empowerment, confidence, and independence, celebrating single mothers on the occasion.

Jemille Zosa from Mandaluyong was asked by Alice Dixson how a beauty queen can honor the independence fought for by heroes, following the Philippines' Independence Day. Zosa stated that beauty queens must nurture history and stand bravely against fears, mirroring the courage of national heroes.

Anna Carres De Mesa of Batangas responded to a question from Dr. Ralph delas Alas about how beauty queens can foster inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month. De Mesa acknowledged the community's significant role in the pageant world, urging beauty queens to stand up for them and express gratitude for their contributions.

Dalia Varde Khattab of Las Piñas was challenged by Francis Libiran to describe an outfit representing her life story. Khattab envisioned an outfit incorporating the stories of everyone who supported her journey as an actress, entrepreneur, and now a pageant candidate, aiming to carry these stories to the Miss International stage to make a difference and potentially win the crown.

Annabelle Mae McDonnell from Iligan City received a question from Ralph delas Alas prompted by a recent news story about a woman emerging from a drainage, asking what insights she'd seek. Drawing from her personal experience with involuntary hunger, McDonnell expressed hope for the woman and spoke about using "rock bottom as your launchpad," sharing her own survival methods and emphasizing belief in one's dreams.

Kathleen Enid Espenido of Siargao addressed the rise of AI, asked by Alice Dixson if she would trust AI to judge a beauty pageant. Espenido stated she would not, asserting that AI should enhance humanity, not destroy it, and stressed that "compassion, integrity, and human connection are more important" than AI's capabilities.

Maria Alexandra Mata of Tarlac Province was asked by Than Thuy how beauty queens can restore harmony among pageant fans amidst online toxicity. Mata highlighted the platform's power to inspire, particularly youth, to engage in "important actions, to make the world a better place," using her voice for positive influence.

Jerimi Nuqui from Caloocan City was asked by Francis Libiran how her beauty queen training could improve low functional literacy rates among Filipino students. Nuqui proposed leveraging her role as a spokesperson to promote "real, on-the-ground solutions," partnering with local government units to provide quality education and necessary support for students.

Mia Betina Golosino of Malabon City was questioned by Ms. Diana Moreno on how she, as a potential role model, would help her generation become more discerning online viewers. Golosino drew from her experience as an elder sister, teaching her siblings based on her parents' example that online content isn't always truthful, emphasizing the importance of finding reliable information sources for responsible internet use.

Finally, Katrina Anne Johnson from Davao reacted to the statement "Lies told a thousand times become the truth," referencing fake news, posed by Lala Sotto. Johnson acknowledged the internet's benefits alongside the issue of fake news, concluding that the best approach is educating people on how to discern information, promoting awareness and regulation for safer online communities.