Katrina Anne Castañeda Johnson didn’t just win the Binibining Pilipinas International 2025 crown— she wore it for someone who’s no longer here. Behind the poise, pageant polish, and powerhouse answers is a daughter, honoring her greatest source of strength: her mother.
Crowned on June 16 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Davao del Sur representative swept the stage with grace and purpose, taking home not just the top title but also Best in Evening Gown and Binibining Dunkin’.
This isn’t Johnson’s first brush with the Binibini stage. In 2023, she placed as 1st Runner-Up, a performance she described as both a milestone and a motivator. Johnson infused her wardrobe with a butterfly motif as a tribute to her mom.
“I almost didn’t come back,” she admitted in interviews. “But I knew she’d want me to keep going.”
That promise became the lifeline of her 2025 pageant journey and her commitment to her career. She holds credentials as a licensed pharmacist and certified clinical pharmacist, using her platform to spotlight healthcare accessibility in the Philippines.
“Healthcare should not be a privilege,” she said, positioning herself as a firm advocate for affordable access to medical services.
Her advocacy extends beyond the clinic. During the pageant’s final Q&A, when asked to respond to the quote “Lies told a thousand times become the truth,” Johnson called for greater education and critical thinking among Filipinos, especially online.
“We need to take control of our digital spaces,” she said, urging stronger media literacy and responsible regulation to counter disinformation. Her calm, concise response earned praise from judges and audiences alike.
Offstage, she leads a quiet, compassion-driven life. She’s a fur mom to 13 dogs, many of them rescues, seniors, and even one with a wheelchair. Caring for them, she says, is therapeutic and reminds her of the kind of nurturing her mother showed at home.
Looking ahead, Johnson is set to represent the Philippines at Miss International 2026. The lead time gives her more than a year to train, prepare, and expand her advocacy work.
However, while the international stage awaits, Johnson continues to inspire at home, standing at the intersection of beauty, intellect, and compassion.
