Reigning Bb. Pilipinas Int’l, Misters of Filipinas winner earn college degrees

Bb. Pilipinas International Myrna Esguerra and Mister Fitness Supermodel World first runner-up Godfrey Nikolai Murillo. Image: Facebook/Binibining Pilipinas, Misters of Filipinas

Two reigning national pageant titleholders just recently graduated from college—Binibining Pilipinas International Myrna Esguerra who was crowned weeks ago, and Mister Fitness Supermodel World Philippines Godfrey Nikolai Murillo who won in the 2023 Misters of Filipinas pageant.

Esguerra had just earned her Binibining Pilipinas crown on July 7 and worked her way to the title while juggling academics to fulfill the final requirements for her to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism Management from the City College of Angeles in Pampanga.

Murillo, meanwhile, prepared for the 2024 Mister Fitness Supermodel World contest in Vietnam while hurdling through the homestretch of his college education. He finished second in the global tilt held in May, and just last month received his Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism Management from the La Consolacion University Philippines in Malolos, Bulacan.

“Ma, Pa! Graduate nako- May graduate na kayo, may Beauty Queen pa kayo! (I have graduated. You have a [college] graduate, and still have a beauty queen!) [Teary smiley emoji],” Esguerra posted on social media, together with a set of photographs showing her in a graduation toga and cap.

Her educational pursuits did not deter her from achieving greatness on the pageant stage. During the Bb. Pilipinas coronation night held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at the Araneta City in Quezon City, Esguerra dominated the competition by also bringing home the Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown and Best in National Costume awards. She was also proclaimed as Bb. Urban Smiles and Bb. Philippine Airlines.

“[There’s] this quote that I hold dear in my heart by Nelson Mandela and it says ‘The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling but in rising [every time] you fall.’ This quote has helped me cross mountains of challenges and it gave me hope to push through in life,” Esguerra shared.

She also extended a message to her young self: “I had to hug myself so many times to continue and I kept on reminding myself of the reasons why I should push through and one of the reason is to prove that no matter who you are or where you came from you can dream BIG and make that dream your reality and [I’m] happy and proud to share to all of you that I DID IT [teary smiley emoji][sparkling heart emoji]. It wasn’t easy, it was so hard but because of all the people who showed me love, kindness, understanding and support [I’m] able to do and [achieve] all these. Kaya Maraming Salamat po (so thank you very much) [praying hands emoji].”

Murillo also took to social media to express his gratitude. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped me survive and thrive during my university journey. To my mentors, who guided me and kept me on track, I appreciate your wisdom and support. To the opportunity makers, who believed in me and gave me the chance to fulfill my dreams, I’m forever grateful. And to my loved ones, friends, and peers, who put up with me through late-night study sessions, stressful exams, and endless cups of coffee, thank you for your unwavering encouragement and support,” he said.

“Here’s to new beginnings and making the most of the opportunities ahead! [confetti emoji],” Murillo added. He is set to crown his successor later this year at the 11th edition of the Misters of Filipinas pageant.

Esguerra, meanwhile, will wait more than a year for her international competition. She is scheduled to wave the country’s colors in the 63rd Miss International pageant next year. Her national predecessor Angelica Lopez will compete in the global tilt’s 62nd edition in Tokyo, Japan, on Nov. 12.