Myrna Esguerra bags first crown for Abra

CEBU, Philippines — Myrna Esguerra of Abra emerged victorious among 39 other candidates, winning the title of Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 at the pageant’s 60th edition, held Sunday, July 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Asked during the Q&A what message she would convey to Filipino women of 1964 about the women in 2024, she said, “I will tell to the women of the past that we have achieved our goal which is to empower women. Standing here at the age of 17, I started to finance for my own studies and help my family financially.”

“I was able to do this by all those women who paved the way to empower us to always reach for our goals no matter what it is. Because in life, we can always achieve our dreams as long as we believe that we can and thanks to them all!”

The 22-year-old said post-coronation in an ABS-CBN interview: “I am amazed, honestly. I can’t believe this is happening because it’s our first time [Abra Province], and I got the first crown. I was just praying to enjoy everything in this competition. And now, I have a crown!”

Esguerra was also named Best in Swimsuit, Best in Long Gown, Binibining Pilipinas Urban Smiles, and Binibining Philippine Airlines.

The Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2024 title went to Jasmin Bungay, 26, from Pampanga. Asked what she would discuss if given 30 minutes to address the public, Bungay said, “If I would be given 30 minutes to talk to the public, I would like to talk about the passing of the SOGIE SC Bill.”

She added, “Because in celebrations such as pageants, this community has contributed so much and, in this regard, we can give back to them by supporting this cause. As an individual, it is our responsibility that we ensure that everyone is treated equally despite their SOGIE.”

Reflecting on her answer in an ABS-CBN interview, she said, “We just concluded Pride Month, and it’s really something that we should talk about not just during Pride Month but all year round. As long as the bill is not being passed, I think the discussion should always be there. These are the very people behind the crown, behind this look, behind everything that I did on the stage – the reason why I won,” said Bungay.

Esguerra and Bungay both received one million pesos for winning titles.

Christal Jean Dela Cruz of Zambales is first runner-up, while Trisha Martinez of Pila, Laguna is second runner-up.

Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu’s Phoebe Tutor Godinez, meanwhile, finished among the top 15 finalists. During the Q&A segment, she was asked what she would say to fishermen risking their lives in the West Philippine Sea.

“I would tell the fishermen to not lose hope because I trust in our political leaders that they will pursue dialogue over division, and I know that the Philippines will certainly win with just our words,” said Godinez.