Binibining Pilipinas 2024: 5 best answers from the Q&A portion

The question and answer portion is one of the most awaited segments of any beauty pageant. During this portion, the candidates show off their wit and grace under pressure.

The Binibining Pilipinas 2024 coronation night was held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

During the prestigious competition, Myrna Esguerra of Abra was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2024, while Jasmine Bungay of Pampanga was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2024.

For this year’s Binibining Pilipinas, here are GMA News Online’s top picks for the best answers from the question and answer round.

Myrna Esguerra of Abra

Myrna Esguerra of Abra’s answer was all about women empowerment.

When asked by Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran: “If a time machine brings you back to 1964, 60 years ago when Binibining Pilipinas began… What message would you tell the Filipino women of that time about the women of 2024?”

Myrna: “I will tell the women of the past we have achieved our goal, which is to empower women. Standing here, at the age of 17, I started to finance for my own studies and help my family financially. I was able to do this by all these 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 we can.  And thanks to them all. Thank you.”

Vienne Feucht of Calamba, Laguna

Meanwhile, Vienne Feucht of Calamba, Laguna, credited the French philosopher and feminist icon Simone de Beauvior during the pageant’s Q&A.

She was asked by Beautederm CEO and President Rhea Tan: “If you could invite any historical figure to judge at this pageant’s 60th year celebration, what unique perspective do you hope he or she will bring?”

Vienne: “You know what, I actually wish Simone de Beauvoir to be here. She may not be alive right now, but she is the most influential historical figure to me. Because as [an] advocate of anti-violence against women and children, she has opened my eyes that we, women, has the most right to be powerful, because we can lead an entire army. And I want her to see the strong women versions in this generation.”

Christal Dela Cruz of Zambales

As for Binibining Pilipinas 2024 first runner-up Christal Dela Cruz of Zambales, she spoke about kindness and empathy when she was asked by Miss International 2023 Andrea Rubio: “In an ever-changing world, what is one thing you wish will stay the same and why?”

Christal: “It would be being empathetic with one another. Because if we have empathy, nothing bad will happen; adversities, we’ll never face. Because kindness will always stay true, and that is something we need to do, that is something we need – to always have the heart for everyone.”

Samantha Acosta of Bulacan

Bulacan’s Samantha Acosta, on the other hand, underscored promoting sustainable development and social justice, among others, when asked by Margie Moran: "Tonight we have the honor of being joined by amazing queens of Binibining Pilipinas. What do you think are the qualities that sets her apart from other beauty pageant candidates?"

Samantha: “As Miss World Vision Ambassadress for Children, just like my name Sam, I am a woman of significance, authenticity, and meaning, and because of that, I share the same vision with BPCI, their key partner in nation-building through my advocacy, Harvesting Hope, helping the most vulnerable children in our society overcome poverty. I think a Binibining Pilipinas queen is someone who invites everyone to promote sustainable development, dignity, and social justice, and for the marginalized sector of the community to regain the hope they once had.”

Jasmin Bungay of Pampanga

Making it to this year’s best answer is Pampanga’s Jasmin Bungay, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

At the nerve-wracking segment of the competition, Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz asked Jasmin what she'd like to talk about with the public if given 30 minutes to do so.

Jasmin: “If I [were] given 30 minutes to talk to the public, I would like to talk about the passing of the SOGIESC (Equality) Bill because in celebrations such as pageants, this community has contributed so much and in this regard, we can give back to them by supporting this cause because as an individual, it is our responsibility that we ensure that everyone is treated equally despite their SOGIE.”

How about you, whose answer stood out the most for you?

— Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News