Annabelle Mae McDonnell was visibly emotional after being crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Globe 2025, a moment that showed her journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the night’s winners.
Now, McDonnell is ready to conquer the global stage as she competes in Miss Globe 2025 in Tirana, Albania. Radiant in a plunge-front, bare-midriff red maxi dress, the 25-year-old self-made woman met with members of the media during her sendoff held at Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City.
“I’m happy to represent the country for the second time, and I’m just as excited as I was the very first time when I competed in Miss Charm. I think that now I can definitely be more confident and more relaxed, enough to trust in myself, with the great training I had under Aces and Queens,” said the Consular and Diplomatic Affairs graduate from Iligan City.
McDonnell, who began working at a young age selling bread and other goods to help support her family, draws from her own experience to use her platform in championing children’s rights, including their right to quality education, health, and nutrition, and to live free from abuse, discrimination, and violence.
The beauty queen continues to volunteer for the ‘Save the Children Philippines’ non-government organization, which helps underprivileged children reach their full potential through education and support.
In Albania, McDonnell wants to showcase Filipino culture through the many beautiful textiles from the different regions in the country to gain more exposure in the international market. She intends to use Philippine textiles in her wardrobe and national costume.
After her first runner-up placement in Miss Charm 2023, McDonnell has set her eyes on winning the country’s third Miss Globe title after Anne Colis in 2015 and Maureen Montagne in 2021.
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ALV Pageant Circle Queens honored at 3rd Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards
Five Filipina beauty queens who brought pride to the country were honored at the Third Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards held Friday night at Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan City.
Miss Grand International 2024 Christine Juliane Opiaza, Universal Woman 2024 Maria Gigante, and Face of Beauty International 2024 Jeanne Isabelle Belisano received the Most Empowered Woman in Pageantry award. Miss World Asia 2025 Krishnah Gravidez was named Empowered Beauty Titlist of the Year, while Reina Hispanoamericana 2025 Deanna Marie Mate was recognized as Outstanding Beauty Queen of the Year.
Arnold Vegafria, president of ALV Talent Circuit and national director of Miss World Philippines, was cited as Exemplary National Pageant Director and Outstanding Pageantry Leader, while Miss World Philippines earned the title of Most Outstanding Pageant of the Year.
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Miss Asia Pacific International 2025 kicks off in Manila
Philippine bet Anita Rose Gomez looks forward to playing host and building lasting friendships with her fellow candidates from around the world as they compete in the Miss Asia Pacific International 2025 pageant, which kicked off in Manila yesterday and will culminate in the finals in Cebu City on Oct. 8.
Gomez, a 24-year-old model and graduate with a degree in customs administration, is aiming to become the sixth Filipina to wear the MAPI crown since the pageant’s inception as Miss Asia Quest in 1965.
Gomez is competing on her platform of helping the indigenous community in her hometown of Subic, Zambales, through her Para Kay Juan at Juana outreach program, which she founded with the help of the teachers of Kolehiyo ng Subic and the Municipality of Subic.
The National Costume Competition is set for tomorrow (Saturday), and on Sept. 30 (Tuesday), the candidates will travel to Cebu for a series of preliminary activities and tourism events showcasing the culture, heritage, and warmth of the Queen City of the South.
