A familiar face on the pageant stage, Katrina Anne Castañeda Johnson from Davao, has clinched the coveted Binibining Pilipinas International 2025 title. This win marks a successful return for the 27-year-old Filipino-American.
Crowned during the 61st edition of the national pageant on Sunday, June 15, Johnson emerged victorious from a field of 36 candidates representing diverse parts of the Philippines. She now takes the reins from Myrna Esguerra of Abra, the 2024 titleholder, and is set to represent the country at the upcoming Miss International pageant later this year.
Beyond the world of pageants, Johnson is a licensed pharmacist. Her Binibining Pilipinas profile highlights a rich personal life, including a passion for sightseeing, cooking, volunteering, and cherishing moments with loved ones and her numerous pets.
A dedicated "fur mom," Johnson cares for 13 dogs, some of whom are seniors, rescues, and one special needs dog requiring a wheelchair. She shared that being surrounded by these positive companions instills in her a profound sense of humility and gratitude for her life.
Interestingly, Johnson possesses a remarkable talent for language acquisition. She revealed that it took her just five months to learn Bisaya, primarily by attentively listening to conversations and picking up context clues.
Her commitment to service is deeply personal, inspired by the legacy of her late mother. As a healthcare professional, Johnson champions accessible healthcare for all Filipinos.
Witnessing the realities of the healthcare system firsthand, she began her volunteer journey in 2016, initially offering assistance to local medical charities. Over time, her desire to contribute grew beyond donations, leading her to engage directly with vulnerable communities.
Through community engagement, she has conducted symposiums and organized donations. Notably, she has educated children without access to health literacy on essential practices like proper diet, adequate sleep, and effective handwashing for maintaining good health.
This isn't Johnson's first time competing for the Binibining Pilipinas title. In 2023, she finished as the 1st runner-up, placing behind Binibining Pilipinas International Angelica Lopez and Binibining Pilipinas Globe Anna Valencia Lakrini.
Reflecting on her 2023 journey, Johnson expressed pride in making it to the top but felt she had more potential. She stated that being a runner-up did not diminish her self-worth or signify inadequacy, recognizing that a person's purpose extends far beyond the pageant stage.
Johnson believes beauty queens hold a powerful voice capable of highlighting important issues and advocating for meaningful change. This conviction, coupled with her feeling of having more to showcase, fueled her decision to return.
For her comeback, Johnson prioritized showcasing her authentic self, shedding the fear of potential criticism or disapproval. She credits this genuine approach and intentionality for her success.
Her intentionality shone through, earning her special recognitions like Binibining Dunkin’ and the Best in Evening Gown award during the coronation night.
The evening gown itself held profound personal significance, serving as a tribute to her late mother. Co-designed by Johnson and Louis Pangilinan, the gown featured a stunning butterfly motif crafted from numerous crystals.
Johnson shared the touching story behind the design: "Just before my mom passed, she told me she’d always come back as a butterfly." The butterfly has since become her personal symbol of luck and connection.
During the critical Q&A segment, Johnson delivered a memorable response by addressing the pressing issue of misinformation prevalent on social media platforms.
While acknowledging the undeniable benefits of social media in connecting people globally, she highlighted the negative impact of rampant false information.
She proposed education as the primary tool to combat fake news, emphasizing the importance of teaching people how to critically evaluate and discern information to foster safer online environments for everyone.
As the newly crowned Binibining Pilipinas International, Katrina Anne Johnson will now focus on her preparations to represent the Philippines on the Miss International stage next year, carrying with her the hopes of the nation.
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