FIRST DISTRICT, Pampanga – “She may not have been representing Angeles City during her stint in Binibining Pilipinas, but the First District of Pampanga is still very proud of what she has achieved.”
Thus, said Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. following the 4th Runner-Up finish of Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra in the Miss International 2025 pageant held last night, November 27, 2025, in Japan.
Before winning Miss Abra in 2023, Esguerra was previously crowned as 4th Runner-Up in the Mutya Ning Angeles 2022. Esguerra’s mother hails from Pidigan, Abra, while her father hails from Angeles City, Pampanga.
“Sabi ko noong 2022 sa Mutya Ning Angeles, we hope to have a product of the Mutya Ning Angeles winning in the international stage. Myrna’s achievements bring us closer to that, and we are very proud,” Lazatin said.
Lazatin also congratulated the Kapampangan designers in Esguerra’s team for the Miss International pageant: Richard Strandz from Angeles City, who designed Esguerra’s National Costume; Rich Sabinian, also from Angeles City, who designed Esguerra’s gown for the preliminary competition; and Mak Tumang from Mexico Town, who designed Esguerra’s evening gown in the coronation night.
“Pinakita din ng ating mga Kapampangan designers sa Miss International stage na kayang-kaya nilang makipagsabayan at makipagtagisan ng galing sa mga designer mula sa iba’t ibang parte ng mundo,” Lazatin said.
Lazatin, who served Angeles City Mayor from July 2019 to June 2025, crowned four Mutya Ning Angeles title-holders during his term: Mizziah Reyes in 2019, Joanne Marie Thornley in 2022, Genica Cruz in 2023, and Allyson Hetland in 2024.
The Mutya Ning Angeles was postponed in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
