Miss International 2025

 Catalina Duque visits Manila

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

The Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) welcomed reigning Miss International Catalina Duque of Colombia to the Philippines through a media presser at the World Kitchens in Araneta City.

Duque is one of two special guests for the Binibining Pilipinas 2026 grand coronation night this coming weekend. The other guest is reigning Miss Globe Cheraim Saradatta of Thailand.

Miss International spokesperson Stephen Diaz also informed the pageant community of its continuing partnership with BPCI. “ICA and its national directors worldwide are loyal with each other. We continue our partnership with Binibining Pilipinas for another three years ‘til 2029,” he said.

After Madame Stella Marquez Araneta won the 1st Miss International crown in 1960, it was only last year that Colombia won the crown again.

“If ever I’ll meet Madame Stella in person, I’ll give her a big Latina hug so she will feel like she’s back in Colombia again,” said Catalina, who we learned worked in a cement factory – wearing a helmet and work boots – before joining the Señorita Colombia pageant.

This year, the Miss International will scrap the swimsuit competition from the onstage finals. When asked how Catalina thinks about it, she waz qui k to say that she loves to show her legs. “But last year, Miss Ethiopia did not want to qualify for the Top 20 because she was fearful of parading herself in a swimsuit! She works for the UN lobbying for youth welfare. So maybe she missed her opportunity in the Miss International competition because of that,” she recalled.

To be hosted by Miss Universe 1999 1st runner-up Miriam Quiambao, Miss Universe Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa, Miss Grand International 2016 1st runner-up Nicole Cordoves, and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, the 62nd Binibining Pilipinas grand coronation night unfolds at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on July 18. Stay tuned!