Transcript: Miss International 2025 Top 5 Q&A

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The top five finalists of Miss International 2025 reflected on their pageantry experiences during the question-and-answer round at the coronation night in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday, Nov. 27. 

The finalists spoke of cultural appreciation, global sisterhood, personal growth, and embracing one’s authenticity, which helped shape them throughout the competition, as they answered the question, “If you were to describe your entire Miss International experience to your family and loved ones, what would you tell them?”

Myrna Esguerra of Philippines, Miss International 4th runner-up

“I will tell my mama that I just gained 79 more siblings among my 16 siblings back home. Miss International taught me to be selfless and it taught me the value of having friends from all around the world. And I am so grateful for this opportunity because I learned to help everyone in here, everyone who needs my help. And above all, it made me a better person, a human that cares because I was able to create my project. And with that, it is my tribute to all the people who helped me.”

Melliza Xaviera Yulian of Indonesia, Miss International 3rd runner-up

“I still remember when I got to the audition of my national competition. My mom asked me, what is the international pageant that I want to compete in? And back then, I answered, and I will always be answering this with Miss International. And yeah, I’m here, together with the rest, beautiful, gorgeous women, showing up to my mother that my choice is right. Because here in Miss International, we don’t need to be pretending to be someone else. We just need to show who I am, but the best version of myself. And Miss International taught me that we don’t need… Thank you.”

Paola Guzmán Sanchez of Bolivia, Miss International 2nd runner-up

“Since the moment I won the crown, I have been learning about Japanese culture. In my first meeting with an ambassador of Japan in Bolivia, he told me the three pillars of Japanese culture. Responsibility, resilience and kindness. In this Miss International, I have seen all my sisters grow as women, as humans. And I’ll see myself grow through it. That teaches me that I need to believe in myself as much as I believe in others. And that’s what I want to inspire.”

Yollanda Chimbarami of Zimbabwe, Miss International 1st runner-up

“I would say this experience has been empowering. As a woman of color, I’ve been in spaces and rooms where I’ve been undermined because of the color of my skin and the texture of my hair. But Miss International has taught me that you can cheer for all women and there’s enough room for everybody. I came in as a young woman with hopes, but I’m standing before you as a young woman with a purpose, ready to serve, ready to lead and ready to cheer all women who dare to dream. Because I am a strong, powerful African black woman.”

Catalina Duque of Colombia, Miss International 2025

“Actually they are here with me today, so I’ll say it directly to them. I used to think that the big moments were the only ones that mattered. But learning about Japanese culture, I’ve learned about ‘Mono no aware,’ about the little things. Just how the leaves fall in autumn and they make things beautiful. How kids hug me and they smile at me. And how every yummy, tasty ramen I have reminds me to have a glorious life and to enjoy every single moment. I’m so thankful for being here and I’m having so much fun.” /ra