The stars aligned for Myrna Esguerra when she was crowned Binibining Pilipinas-International 2024, marking a historic moment as the first woman from the Cordilleran province of Abra to win in the 60-year history of the Bb. Pilipinas pageant.
The grand finals took place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night. Esguerra received her crown from reigning Miss International 2023, Andrea Rubio, who flew to Manila to grace the pageant’s Diamond Year Anniversary celebration.
Esguerra, a 22-year-old model and student, set records by winning Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown, and Best in National Costume (one of five winners), along with two other special awards: Bb. Philippine Airlines and Bb. Urban Smile.
During the question and answer round, Esguerra requested judge Margie Moran to repeat her question: “If a time machine could take you back to 1964, the year Bb. Pilipinas began, what message would you convey to Filipino women of that era about women in 2024?”
“I would tell the women of the past that we have achieved our goal of empowering women. At the age of 17, I started financing my own studies and supporting my family financially. I owe this to all the women who paved the way for our empowerment and taught us to always strive for our dreams, no matter the obstacles. In life, as long as we believe in ourselves, we can achieve our dreams. I thank them all,’ Esguerra answered.
Jasmin Bungay of Pampanga, a 26-year-old advocate for OFW empowerment, also impressed the judges during the Q&A round and was crowned Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2024 by outgoing Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2023, Anna Lakrini.
Gloria Diaz asked her, “If you were given 30 minutes to address the public, what would you talk about?”
Bungay replied, “If I had 30 minutes to speak to the public, I would discuss the passing of the SOGIE Equality Bill. The LGBTQ+ community has made significant contributions to celebrations like pageants, and it’s our responsibility to support this cause and ensure equal treatment for all, regardless of SOGIE.”
Christal dela Cruz of Zambales and Trisha Martinez of Pila, Laguna, were named first and second runners-up, respectively. The Top 15 also included Samantha Viktoria Acosta, Roella Solis, Monica Acuno, Phoebe Godinez, Carmella Joy Cuaresma, Kim De Luna, Kara Villarosa, Vienne Feucht, Tracy Mae Sunio, Shannen Manzano, and Marikit Manaois.
The Bb. Pilipinas ’60th Diamond’ anniversary brought together over a hundred past queens, including winners and runners-up from major international competitions. The show’s ‘In Memoriam’ segment paid tribute to the departed Bb. Pilipinas queens.
Esguerra will wait another year to represent the country at the Miss International pageant in 2025, as Bb. Pilipinas International 2023, Angelica Lopez, is yet to compete in the Tokyo-based pageant.
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