TRANSCRIPT: Binibining Pilipinas 2025 Top 14 Q&A

The Philippines is the best-performing Asian country in Miss International. What makes Filipinas excel in this pageant?

Bb. 3 Makati City, Jercy Raine Cruz: Philippines is the powerhouse of pageant, not just in Miss International, but also in different pageants. And I think what makes the Filipinos unique is their honor. If you talk to any Filipinos right now, you could feel their heart. And I do believe that in this world, what goes around comes around. So if we let kindness go around in this world, it will definitely strike the heart of a lot of people, and it will become a domino effect that everyone would like to share kindness. Thank you.

With a crown and title of a beauty queen comes a long list of duties and responsibilities. If you win tonight, what duty will you focus on, first and accomplish forthwith?

Bb. 32 Pampanga, Joanne Marie Thornley: I believe that a beauty queen does not only wear a crown on her head, but also a heart on her sleeve. And so I believe that I have all the care of other people first before me, because I believe a true queen is someone who is able to possess the qualities of being able to inspire, of being able to lead, and I hope to do that for the children, who's always been there for me, and I hope to show them that there is always, always beauty in being able to dream. Thank you.

In what ways do you think Gen Z beauty queens are different from you Boomer beauty queens?

Bb. 11 Province of Rizal, Alyssa Mildred Villariña: Regardless of what generation belongs to us, beauty queens, I believe, are all purpose-driven. However, we, the Gen Z beauty queens, are socially aware, and it's all thanks to technology. And as beauty queens, we should maximize our potentials to share our knowledge and expertise to all generations, regardless if you're Boomer, millennial or Gen Z, especially on the younger generations, because we all want the Philippines and the Filipino to prosper. Thank you so much.

Many parents are very much concerned about what children are exposed to online. What do you think is the best way to protect young minds in today's potentially harmful digital content?

Bb. 19 Quezon Province, Maria Andrea Endicio: Family is the most basic human necessity. And a children's future starts with whatever is happening inside the family. So for the parents around here and around the world, always guide your children. You are the first teachers out there. So within you is the future of the whole world.

It is Father's Day today. What is one quality you inherited from your father that has helped you as a candidate of Binibining Pilipinas?

Bb. 12 Aklan Province, Francesca Beatriz Abalajon: I grew up with a single mother. I did not much have a father figure in my life. And my mom a huge role in my upbringing. She's my father. She has taught me to be empowered, to be confident and to be independent. Now, with this experience, I can definitely say that mothers, too, can lead anyone, any family. And to and to my mom, to all the single mothers out there, Happy Father's Day.

The Philippines celebrated its 127th Independence Day last week. As a beauty queen, how can you help honor the independence our heroes fought for?

Bb. 27 Mandaluyong, Jamille Zosa: As beauty queen, we must nurture our history and for that people who fought for our freedom that we have now. And I think as a beauty queen, we we must be able to stand on our own and to face our fears just like our national heroes did. Thank you.

Pride Month celebrates love, identity, and equality. How can beauty queens help make society more inclusive in their LGBTQIA+ community?

Bb. 22 Batangas Province, Anna Carres de Mesa: I strongly believe that the night is a celebration of all LGBTQIA plus community. They are the ones who molded us to be here. They're from our make or their stylist, our designers. So I would like to say thank you. Thank you for being there for us and for us beauty queens, let us stand up for them. If it's not for them, we will not be here. Thank you.

If you could design an outfit that represents life story, how would it look and what elements would it include?

Bb. 36 Las Piñas, Dalia Varde Khattab: It would include the stories of everyone that has helped me along my journey as an actress, a startup businesswoman, and now a representation of each and every single one of you. I hope with my stories, that I could bring to this Miss International stage, we could make a difference, and we could win our sixth Miss International crown.

A woman was seen emerging out of a drainage recently. If you can spend time with her, what insights or lessons do you wish to gain from the circumstances that led to her life condition? 

Bb. 7 Iligan City, Annabelle Mae McDonnell: Speaking as someone who experienced involuntary hunger and malnourishment at the age of 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 launch pad. I have done exactly that. I have sold bread, I've sold ukay-ukay clothes, and all the more rakets just to survive and support my family. You can do it as long as you believe in the beauty of your dreams. Daghang salamat.

Many are scared that AI or artificial intelligence will soon take over jobs. Would you trust AI to judge a beauty pageant? Why or why not?

Bb. 18 Siargao, Kathleen Espenido: I wouldn't trust AI to judge a beauty pageant. AI is a powerful tool, and it's humanity that gives it purpose. I think that it should enhance our lives and not destroy it. We should use AI to be able to uplift and really give opportunities to people. But after all, this is my reminder to everyone that compassion, integrity, and human connections are more important than...

The Internet provided access to pageant fans around but has also made the environment become toxic. How can beauty queens have restored harmony among pageant fans?

Bb. 28 Tarlac Province, Ma. Alexandra Mata: So beauty queen, this platform is really essential for us to make a voice for the people. And I would use my platform to inspire other people, especially the youth, to take part of important action to make the world a better place. Thank you.

A recent study showed a very low functional literacy rate among Filipino students. What aspect of your beauty training could possibly improve the students' performance?

Bb. 33 Caloocan City, Jerimi Nuqui: As a beauty queen and as a spokesperson, I can use real on ground solution on these problems. I can create and provide... I can create and provide students, promote teaching to support the students that provide plans so they can and they can also build educational... As a beauty queen with a purpose, I believe real underground solution by promoting the students and showcasing and partnering with local government units for them to provide a good quality education because every child deserves that chance. Thank you. 

As a young woman and potential role model, how will you help your generation become more discerning viewers of online content?

Bb. 4 Malabon City, Mia Betina Golosino: I am an ate to three siblings. I'm the panganay, so I've had experience raising them to be responsible people. I learned from my parents, who are role models to me, and I want them to understand that what you see online may not always be true. I want them to understand where they can find the right sources of information, so that the information they absorb is correct. Because our children are not only our future, our children are also the force of today, and that is why we must act now to ensure that they use the internet responsibly. Thank you. 

"Lies told 1,000 times become the truth." What is your reaction to this statement now that fake news pollutes and corrupts our society more than ever?

Bb. 25 Davao Province, Katrina Anne Johnson: Well, I think social media and the Internet is such a blessing to all of us because it allows us to create a community online with people from all around the world. But yes, fake news is a rampant issue nowadays, and to be honest with you, I think the best way that we can combat that is to make sure that we're 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. Thank you.