Miss International 2025 Catalina Duque applauds Filipina grace and authenticity during PH visit

 


Miss International 2025 Catalina Duque of Colombia expressed deep admiration for Filipino pageant contestants, highlighting their unique grace and authenticity during her first visit to the Philippines. 

Catalina, who attended a media conference at World Kitchens, Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City on July 16, emphasized the innate elegance and intelligence of Filipinas, qualities she believes set them apart in the world of beauty pageants.

"From my experience here in the Philippines, every woman I've met has been beautiful. The grace that Filipinas possess is unmatched in my lifetime. You are elegant, intelligent, well-educated, and deeply proud of your culture. This is not something taught—it is innate within you," Catalina remarked when asked for advice to aspiring Miss International contestants.

She went on to say, "I believe the grace that Filipino women possess is the secret to their consistent success in beauty pageants. You captivate everyone, even us Colombians. Continue to embody that grace and authenticity. Kindness and humility are the true strengths of Filipinos—they are truly magnetic."


Miss International 2025 Catalina Duque (2nd from left) of Colombia blows kisses with Filipino beauty queens.


Catalina charmed the audience by sharing her fondness for the Filipino expression "nakakaloka"—which means "that's crazy"—and wore a vibrant red Filipiniana terno for the occasion. "When I say 'nakakaloka,' I say it in a playful and gracious way," she said with a smile.

During the event, program host and Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago joked that Catalina was almost Filipino, to which Catalina replied enthusiastically with "Salamat po!"—delighting the pageant press and attendees.

While in the country, Catalina joined Bb. Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra and Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Tiglao on a trip to Pampanga for a charity event and culinary tour. She recounted, "Myrna and Emma kept encouraging me to eat, eat, and eat!"


Miss International 2025 Catalina Duque of Colombia meets Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago of the Philippines.


Catalina also revealed her fascination with the traditional Filipino folk dance, tinikling. She admitted she wanted to try it herself, but her companions discouraged her, concerned that she could be injured just before the grand finals. "They told me, 'No, Catalina. We still need you for the grand finals on Saturday.'"

Another highlight of her visit was meeting Jorge Araneta, husband of Stella Marquez Araneta—the first Miss International and former national director of Binibining Pilipinas. Catalina expressed her hope to meet Stella herself during her stay.

On the evolution of beauty pageants, Catalina spoke candidly about the recent decision to remove the swimsuit segment from Miss International 2026. She recounted a moment with Miss Ethiopia, who confided her discomfort with the swimsuit round. 


Miss International 2025 Catalina Duque poses with officials from the Binibining Pilipinas Executive Committee, the Miss International Organization, and beauty queens.


"It saddened me because here was an incredible, intelligent woman who was afraid to advance because of the swimsuit round. I told her, 'It’s a personal choice to show your body. If you’re confident, that’s wonderful, but confidence is more than appearance—it’s about how we act and think.'"

Reflecting on the change, Catalina said, "I'm not sure if 'happy' is the right word, but I was at peace with that decision. I believe it aligns with what Miss International is striving to build."

Catalina is in the Philippines to grace the Binibining Pilipinas 2026 grand coronation night at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, on July 18, where her presence is sure to inspire aspiring beauty queens and pageant fans alike.

Main photo caption: Miss International 2025 Catalina Duque of Colombia (Images courtesy of Binibining Pilipinas Facebook)


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