‘Winner’s curse’? Bb. Pilipinas 2025 queens debunk the myth

The Binibining Pilipinas 2025 queens shared their firm views on love after being asked whether they believed in the so-called “winner’s curse”—the idea that a titleholder’s love life tends to suffer after winning the crown.

In an exclusive interview with The Philippine STAR, Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2025 Annabelle Mae McDonnell and Bb. Pilipinas International 2025 Katrina Anne Johnson weighed in on the supposed post-pageant situation, offering perspectives shaped by their own experiences and beliefs.

For Annabelle, she doesn’t subscribe to the idea of a “winner’s curse,” especially when it comes to love. Her personal experience proves otherwise.

“On my way toward competing for my first international pageant, I ended up sitting next to someone — and that someone eventually became my boyfriend,” she shared.

Annabelle also offered advice to fellow women, stressing that relationships shouldn’t stand in the way of their goals.

 “Do not use boys as an excuse to go after your dreams. If you’re an accomplished woman, the right person will sharpen your focus. If he distracts you or can’t handle it, then he’s not the one,” she added.

Katrina, on the other hand, believes that if a relationship ends after winning a crown, it might just be a “blessing in disguise.”
“I don’t believe in a ‘winner’s curse.’ I think it just so happens that maybe they realized along the way that really wasn’t their person,” she said.
“I mean, if there is a ‘winner’s curse,’ maybe it’s not really a curse, right? Because at least you saw the person’s true colors. They don’t get to just ride up to your success.”

Katrina added, “The right person will support you on the path to your dreams, even if that means they kind of have to take a back seat for a little bit.

“If you truly,wholeheartedly love someone and support them, you’ll want to do everything in your power to help them achieve their dreams.”

The Bb. Pilipinas 2025 queens visited The Philippine STAR office at the Amvel Business Park in Sucat, Parañaque. Joining Katrina and Annabelle were first runner-up Dalia Khattab and second runner-up Kathleen Enid Espenido.