Cover Katrina Johnson (Photo: Instagram / @katrinacastanedajohnson)
Katrina Johnson (Photo: Instagram / @katrinacastanedajohnson)
1 / 1
Meet Katrina Johnson: the licensed pharmacist, devoted dog mum and intellectual powerhouse crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2025
The Binibining Pilipinas pageant remains a monumental cultural event in the Philippines. The grand coronation night, held on July 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, was a dazzling affair, brimming with anticipation and national pride. Amidst the captivating performances and the expert hosting by a quartet of former beauty queens, the crowning of Katrina Johnson from Davao Province as Binibining Pilipinas International 2025 was a moment that resonated deeply across the archipelago.
Yet, beyond the spotlight, Katrina Johnson, at 27 years old, is far more than the conventional beauty queen. She is a licensed pharmacist, a passionate healthcare advocate and a woman defined by profound personal depth and intellectual rigour. Her profile actively redefines the traditional image of a beauty queen. Her victory is a compelling statement of her perseverance and sharp intellect.
More from Tatler: 4 picturesque restaurants in Asia where you can dine by the waterfall
Here are five fascinating facts about the Philippines’ newest international queen:
Not her first rodeo
Katrina Johnson’s path to the Binibining Pilipinas International 2025 crown was not an overnight sensation. Her triumph was, in fact, a culmination of persistent effort, as she had previously competed in Binibining Pilipinas 2023, where she secured the respectable position of 1st Runner-Up, representing Davao del Sur. Her decision to return to the pageant stage and “try one more time” after a previous close call speaks volumes about her extraordinary determination.
Her extensive pageant career dates back even further to 2015, when she first won her school’s beauty title as a freshman Pharmacy student, leading to further successes in inter-school competitions and Miss Silka 2016, where she was the only winner from Mindanao.
A licensed pharmacist and healthcare champion
Katrina Johnson’s identity extends far beyond the traditional confines of a beauty queen; she is a fully licensed pharmacist, a highly demanding and respected profession that requires rigorous academic training and a profound commitment to public health. She holds a master’s equivalent of a Clinical Pharmacy degree.
Even as a pharmacy student in 2016, she articulated an aspiration to help the community “not just through prescriptions, but through presence.” Her core advocacy centres on promoting accessible healthcare and community outreach, particularly for the marginalised sectors in the Philippines, with a stated goal to “spread awareness on the importance of healthcare.”
Her winning wit and wisdom
Katrina Johnson’s intellectual depth and integrity were profoundly evident during the Binibining Pilipinas 2025 coronation night, particularly during the question-and-answer segment. Her remarkable composure and articulate response were unequivocally key factors in securing her victory. When confronted with the statement, “Lies told 1,000 times become the truth,” especially in the context of pervasive fake news, she delivered a thoughtful and incisive response. She stressed the importance of educating people on how to effectively “discern information,” advocating for heightened awareness, responsible regulation and the proactive creation of “safe online communities.”
Related: Happy birthday, Park Bo-gum: inside his unwritten rules of style
A heart for fur babies to family dreams
Katrina Johnson’s public persona is deeply rooted in profound personal values of care, family and community, revealing a compassionate nature that extends to all beings. She is a devoted “dog mom of 13,” extending her care to rescued, senior and even specially-abled dogs, including one who requires a wheelchair. She openly expresses how their unwavering positivity instils humility and gratitude in her daily life. This detail paints a clear picture of her nurturing spirit and deep empathy.
Her journey to the crown is inextricably intertwined with her family, particularly her mother. Katrina revealed that joining Binibini was her mother’s long-held, unfulfilled dream, and that fulfilling it brought everything full circle.
Representing the Philippines at Miss International 2026
As the newly crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2025, Katrina Johnson is officially set to represent the Philippines at the highly anticipated Miss International 2026 pageant. This marks the pinnacle of her pageant journey, transitioning from national recognition to global ambassadorship.
The Miss International pageant stands as one of the esteemed “Big Four” international beauty competitions, globally recognised for its prestige, organised by the International Culture Association and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The Philippines boasts a formidable and proud track record in this particular pageant, having produced notable past winners such as Kylie Verzosa, who clinched the Miss International title in 2016. This historical success sets a high bar and fuels national expectations for Johnson’s performance, positioning her as a formidable contender.
NOW READ
Art and community flourish at Southlinks Estate
9 magical realism literature for the jet-set book club
Dr Jose Rizal: who were the women in the National Hero’s life?
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
