Former Miss Universe Catriona Gray once urged pageant organizers to ask more difficult questions during the Q&A segment, arguing that beauty queens are capable of addressing complex topics. Her call has now reached the candidates of the 2025 Binibining Pilipinas pageant.
At a recent media event organized by My Daily Collagen, 36 candidates were introduced to entertainment editors and writers, then invited to answer more challenging questions—including a response to Gray’s statement. The answers varied in tone and style, ranging from witty to thoughtful and occasionally bold.
Binibining Batangas made her stance clear: “It’s not necessary for us to answer difficult questions, because we are judged based on our sincerity, integrity, and honesty. And I think that’s enough,” she said.
Some may agree with her, especially those who see pageantry as a celebration of personality, confidence, and charm. But growing public interest in accountability and awareness calls for a deeper level of engagement from public figures—including beauty queens.
Miss Las Piñas took on a set of weightier questions covering traffic, politics, and impeachment.
“There has been a lot of incompetence that has gone around in politics. We have to understand that politics has a lot of ups and downs, it’s the dynamics of so many people,” she said. “[Impeachment] has gone on to cause some damage. I come from a different culture, and I’ve seen different perspectives, so I believe we need to have more discussions about it.”
Two other candidates addressed the rising cost of joining national pageants—an issue that often remains unspoken in public settings.
“Well, I would have to agree that it costs a lot to join beauty pageants, especially a national one. Realistically speaking, it does cost a lot,” said Binibining Iligan.
“However, if you’re not from a privileged background like myself, since I’ve been a breadwinner since I was, like, 15, and I really had a lot of jobs just to sustain my studies and still support my uncle back at home in Iligan. I’d say that I’ve overcome these financial challenges through my network because I never based my self-worth on my net worth; I base it on my networks.”
Binibining Malabon echoed a similar sentiment.
“In a practical sense, yes, there are many things involved in the pageantry that I have learned as a first-timer. It was quite shocking, but… Although yes, there are many things you need to buy, like gowns, your hair, and makeup,” she said. “But what really matters more is what’s within us already. I think that if we have the potential and the courage and the determination to speak the truth, your purpose and your core values matter much more than the financial value of what you’re putting in this competition.”
An entertainment editor summed up the session with a simple line: “Walang tapon.” All 36 candidates were composed, articulate, and showed readiness to engage with meaningful issues.
The grand coronation will be held Sunday, June 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. Winners will represent the Philippines at the Miss International and Miss Globe competitions.
