The world stage once again opens its doors to Filipino pride and talent, with three remarkable delegates carrying the flag in different international competitions.
Last September 10, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) gave a warm send-off to Annabelle McDonnell at World Kitchens, Gateway Mall 2. The Iligan City native is set to compete at Miss Globe 2024 in Tirana, Albania this October.
Family, friends, fellow Binibinis and pageant fans gathered to celebrate not just her upcoming journey, but the resilience that defines her story. Born in the UK and raised in Iligan by her Tito Tata, Annabelle grew up balancing work, studies and writing for her university paper before earning a degree in Consular and Diplomatic Affairs at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde. A proud “raketera,” she worked hard to support her loved ones while chasing her dreams.
Away from the spotlight, Annabelle champions children’s rights as a volunteer for Save the Children Philippines, reflecting her passion for education and empowerment. Now, she is aiming for the country’s third Miss Globe crown, following the wins of Anne Colis (2015) and Maureen Montagne (2021).
“I’m just as excited as my first international competition,” Annabelle shared. “But this time, I’m calmer and more trusting of myself and my training. I’m not sweating the small stuff anymore.”
Joining her in the international spotlight is Jeslyn Santos, who made history in 2016 as the first Filipina to win Miss United Continents. Nearly a decade later, she is stepping back onto the global stage with the same fire and determination this time representing the Philippines at Miss Woman International 2025 in Spain.
On the men’s side, Kirk Bondad, the country’s Mister International 2025 delegate, made waves with his intricately designed national costume inspired by the Philippines’ identity as the Pearl of the Orient Seas. Titled Perlas Celestia or Celestial Pearl, the ensemble symbolizes purity, resilience, and transformation qualities the Filipino-German model says mirror the nation’s spirit.
“Mister International 2025” will be Bondad’s second time competing globally, after finishing Top 20 in Mr. World 2024 in Vietnam. He also recently paid tribute to his home province of Baguio in a fashion showcase at the pageant’s gala night. The finals are set for September 25.
From Annabelle’s poise, to Jeslyn’s comeback, to Kirk’s symbolic showcase, these three prove that the Philippines continues to shine bright on the global stage not just with crowns and titles, but with stories of resilience, pride, and purpose.
