Binibini Myrna Esguerra immerses in Japanese culture ahead of Miss International tilt

MANILA, Philippines, November 26 ------ Another Filipina beauty queen is vying for an international crown this month. Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra is currently in Japan as she competes for what could be the Philippines’ seventh Miss International title.

The coronation night of the 63rd Miss International beauty pageant is scheduled on Nov. 27 at the Yoyogi National Stadium in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Ahead of her Japan trip, Myrna paid a courtesy call to Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and Madame Endo Akiko at the Ambassador’s residence in Makati City where she took part in a traditional tea ceremony. They also discussed the enduring partnership and recent developments in Japan and the Philippines’ relations, highlighting the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Japan-Philippines Friendship in 2026, and shared invaluable insights and knowledge about Japan’s treasured culture and traditions.

It’s Myrna’s first time in Japan, and prior to her trip, she researched about the country as part of her preparations. “I’ve been watching videos online on the tea ceremony, on how it is… thank you to Madame (Endo Akiko) for teaching me (how to do it). Aside from that, I’m also excited to experience doing origami. Because growing up, I also loved the arts. And that’s something that I really look forward to, and for the Japanese people to teach me how to do it properly,” she shared.

Myrna is keen on applying the insights she learned from Endo Kazuya and his wife as she strives to win the crown. “First with Madame, I learned and really commended how graceful she is, and that is something that I really aspire from her,” she said. “And I really want to be someone who embodies that same gracefulness whenever she meets with people, and also to the Ambassador, just like what he told me earlier, is to really enjoy my time in Japan. “Because that is something that I also want to do, not just be there for the competition, but to enjoy every aspect of the Japanese culture, because as a Filipino, we have strong ties with the Japanese.”

She also hoped to introduce the similarities of Filipino and Japanese cultures to other candidates. “To share how beautiful our friendship with Japan is,” she said, adding that she likewise wished to “leave a good impression” on everyone she meets in Japan. “I will definitely have a fond memory in Japan. Because this is something that I’ve been preparing for more than a year,” she told The STAR. “Also, I’ve been following my co-candidates. And from here in the Philippines, I saw a lot of things that we have a lot of similarities, and I’m just so excited to meet them in person and also to learn more about Japanese culture. And when I come back here in the Philippines, I will definitely share it with you all.”

She has been ticking boxes on her bucket list while experiencing the beauty of Japan and more. She posted on her social media the heartwarming moments from her trip, including paying a courtesy visit to the Philippine Embassy in Japan, where she met fellow Filipinos, interacting with other candidates, wearing the traditional Japanese kimono, discovering the art of ikebana, and visiting popular tourist spots, such as Mt. Fuji, Asakusa, and other attractions.

Source: philstar.com