Myrna Esguerra, of Abra, was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2024, during the grand coronation night of the 60th Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant held at the Araneta Coliseum in Araneta City past midnight on July 8.

Esguerra, 22, edged out 39 other girls for the prestigious title. She will represent the Philippines at the 2024 Miss International beauty pageant in Tokyo, Japan later this year.

The beauty queen from Pidigan, Abra is a model and events host. She loves sports, cooking, and travelling.

During the question-and-answer segment, former Miss Universe Margie Moran asked Esguerra: "If a time machine brought you back to 1964, 60 years ago, when the Binibining Pilipinas began, what message would you tell the Filipino women of that time about the women of 2024?"

Esguerra answered: "I will tell the women of the past that we have achieved our goal, which is to empower women. Standing here at the age of 17, I started to finance my studies and help my family financially. I was able to do this by all those women who paved the way to empower us to always reach for our goals, no matter what it is, because in life, we can always achieve our dreams as long as we believe that we can, and thanks to them all."

Sixty years ago, the Binibining Pilipinas crowned Myrna Panlilio its first queen. This year, another candidate with the same first name - Myrna - won the prestigious national pageant.

Also crowned was Jasmin Bungay, 26, of Pampanga, who won Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2024.

In the question-and-answer portion, Bungay was asked by former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz: "If you were given 30 minutes to talk to the public, what would you talk about?"

Bungay answered: "If I were given 30 minutes to talk to the public, I would like to discuss the passing of the SOGIE (Equality) Bill because this community has contributed so much to celebrations such as pageants. We can give back to them by supporting this cause because, as individuals, it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone is treated equally despite their differences."

The first runner-up honors went to Christal Jean Dela Cruz, Zambales; and Trisha Martinez, of Pila, Laguna, was the second runner-up.

Candidates who finished in the top 15 were: Marikit Manaois (Baguio); Mae Kimberly de Luna (Caloocan); Roella Solis (Calumpit, Bulacan); Vienne Sirin Feucht (Calamba, Laguna); Shannen Manzano (General Santos); Tracy Sunio (Bacolod); Monica Acuno (Kalayaan, Laguna); Phoebe Godinez (Lapu Lapu, Cebu); Carmella Joy Cuaresma (Aurora); Kara Villarosa (Negros Occidental); and Samantha Acosta (Bulacan).

Manila Bulletin Readers Choice Award

This year's Manila Bulletin Readers Choice is Mae Kimberly De Luna of Caloocan.

De Luna, 27, is a model and content creator. She loves playing with her dogs, reading books, watching documentaries or movies, and listening to music. Her advocacy is focused on women and youth empowerment.

In previous interviews, De Luna said that it takes dedication and compassion to be a Binibining Pilipinas candidate. 

"Before becoming a Binibining Pilipinas, I had many experiences I could share with the world. I trained as a military reservist with the Philippine Air Force to be a transformational leader, especially for the young women in this generation. 

"I hope that I can inspire the younger generation. They should never give up because times are hard. We have to find our purpose to continue our growth," Kimberly said.

In winning the Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice Award, De Luna will receive the classic Manila Hotel pampering experience worth P100,000, plus a one-year free subscription to the Manila Bulletin.

Badette Cunanan, Manila Bulletin's Public Relations Manager, and Barbie Atienza, Manila Bulletin's External Affairs Head, presented Kimberly with the special award.

Hakot Queen

Esguerra, of Abra, is this year's "Hakot Queen," having received five special awards: best in a swimsuit, best in an evening gown, Urban Smiles Dental Clinic, Binibining Philippine Air Lines; and Top 5 best in national costume.

Dela Cruz, of Zambales, won four special awards: Binibining Beautederm, Binibining Ever Bilena, Binibining Pizza Hut, and Binibining Creme Silk .

Other winners of special awards: Maria Flordeliz Mabao, Face of Binibini; and Roselyn Evardo, Binibini Friendship. The other four winners of Best in National Costume were Myrea Caccam (Oriental Mindoro), Joyce Anne Garduque (Quezon Province), Monica Acuno (Kalayaan, Laguna), and Zianah Famy (Cavite).

Diamond edition

The 60th Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant served as a reunion for over 100 Binibinis. They also graced the red carpet during the finals.

The national pageant also held its memorial segment for the first time in honor of the queens who had passed on.

The board of judges includes beauty queens Pia Wurtzbach, Bea Rose Santiago, Gloria Diaz, Beautederm's Rea Anicoche Tan, athlete Fifi Sharma, Conchitina Bernardo, and reigning Miss International Andrea Rubio.