Binibining Pilipinas 2025 candidates light up ‘Grand Parade of Beauties’
Bb. Pilipinas 2024 queens (from left) Christal Dela Cruz, Myrna Esguerra, Jasmin Bungay, and Trisha Martinez/ARMIN P. ADINA
The weather cooperated and brewing rains failed to overshadow the festivities at the Binibining Pilipinas 2025 “Grand Parade of Beauties” held outdoors.
On a gloomy Sunday afternoon, June 8, the 36 candidates cruised around the Araneta City in Quezon City on convertibles, waving to the spectators who cheered them on.
The parade is one of the most awaited traditions of the annual national pageant because it gives fans the chance to see the ladies in person.
READ: Binibining Pilipinas 2025 candidates to star at ‘Grand Parade of Beauties’
Styled by Patrick Henry, all 36 ladies wore identical orange swimsuits from Dia Ali by Justine Aliman, MariQueen shoes, and accessories by Christopher Munar. Joshua Kahulugan designed their headdresses using flowers.
“It feels nostalgic. I was growing up watching it, and now I’m finally in it. I’m so happy and grateful, nothing but gratitude,” Annabelle McDonnell from Iligan City told INQUIRER.net in an interview.
The feeling was “amazing” for Aklan’s Francesca Beatriz Abalajon. “I’ve waited so many years to finally experience this. Thank you Binibini for finally giving me the chance to do the Grand Parade of Beauties.
Pangasinan’s Jenesse Viktoria Mejia shared, “I see a lot of people supporting me, and I can see the children smile. So I’m really happy.”
Joanne Marie Thornley from Pampanga was so overcome by emotions, she was ecstatic throughout the parade, beaming to the cheering crowd. “I’m happy to be here,” she said.
Bb. Pilipinas 2025 candidates (clockwise, from top left) Joanne Thornley, Annabelle McDonnell, Beatriz Abalajon, Anna Carres De Mesa, Katrina Anne Johnson, and Jenesse Mejia—ARMIN P. ADINA
Siargao’s Kathleen Espenido was also happy to be in the parade. “How did I prepare for this? Just being fit, I guess, and being pretty,” she shared.
Returning candidate and 2023 first runner-up Katrina Anne Johnson from Davao was relieved that the weather was okay for the parade to push through.
She also noted how she has been in the same parade for three straight years. She first joined it as a candidate in 2023, then as part of the reigning queens last year.
And as in the previous editions, this year’s parade had the reigning queens–Bb. Pilipinas International Myrna Esguerra, The Miss Globe second runner-up Jasmin Bungay, and Bb. Pilipinas runners-up Christal Dela Cruz and Trisha Martinez.
Another returning candidate is Anna Carres De Mesa from Batangas. “It’s fun, as always, super fun with all the fans and everyone. Thank you so much for coming,” she said.
The Grand Parade of Beauties is also one way of telling that the Grand Coronation Night is fast approaching. It is usually held just a week before the final competition.
All roads lead to the Smart Araneta Coliseum at the Araneta City on June 15 for the 2025 Bb. Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night, to be hosted by the pageant’s alumnae Nicole Cordoves, MJ Lastimosa, Maureen Montagne, and Kylie Verzosa./mr
