Katrina Anne Johnson ready for Miss International 2026 in Tokyo
MANILA, Philippines — The Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) organized a send-off party for Bininibining Pilipinas International 2025 Katrina Anne Johnson in preparation for her departure to the Tokyo finals.
"It's been a long-time coming. May pressure ng konti but I'm very much ready. It takes a village to make a queen. I never thought of getting to this point. I'm grateful to have this opportunity to represent the Philippines," shared the licensed pharmacist, who represented Davao Province during her national finals last year.
"I'm excited to experience Ikebana, which is beauty of space, and the Japanese tea ceremony," Kat continued, who glowed in a full-banged coif and Oriental makeup.
She had more than a year to psych herself up for the journey ahead, which she says is the perfect time to prepare.
"The amount of preparation you did is commendable. You never gave up. I know you'll give a good fight in Miss International," observed Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra, who was proclaimed last year's 4th runner-up.
Kat worked closely with the Philippine National Red Cross during her reign. BPCI, in turn, donated P500,000 to the charitable institution.
"The most beautiful part of you is your heart. We are so excited to see your voctory," said reigning Binibining Pilipinas Gwendolyn Meliz Soriano.
This year, the Miss International is scrapping the swimsuit segment from the final show. It is one of the pageant's innovations to search for their next spokesperson.
Designer Manny Halasan will be creating her national costume. "It's something you haven't seen yet and won't be seeing for a long time after that," teased Kat.
"You can only represent the country if you know what’s hapoening in the ground level," she added.
To date, the Philippines has won the Miss International in the years 1964 (Gemma Cruz), 1970 (Aurora Pijuan), 1979 (Melanie Marquez), 2005 (Precious Lara Quigaman), 2013 (Bea Rose Santiago), and 2016 (Kylie Versoza).
"Be very organized. You need your strength and mental strength a hundred percent," advised Miss International 2023 Bea Rose Santiago.
The 2026 Miss International coronation night will unfold on Nov 25 in Tokyo. Stay tuned!
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