MANILA — The diamond edition of the Binibining Pilipinas paid tribute to the past queens of the pageant for the past six decades.

In a video shown during the coronation night, it highlighted the crowning of Maria Myrna Panlilio as the very first Binibini on July 5, 1964, and she went on to represent the Philippines in Miss Universe.

Sixty years later, another “Myrna” was crowned when Abra’s Myrna Esguerra claimed the Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 title on Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Esguerra could not believe how the stars aligned for her on coronation night

After 60 years, another Myrna is crowned at Bb Pil

“I don’t know how to feel, honestly. I cannot believe that this is really happening because I’m just really praying that I will enjoy everything in this competition. And now, I have a crown!” she said.

“This is more than what I prayed for. This is really too much for me at the moment. And I’m just really so happy and emotional at the same time,” she added.

This is the first time that a representative from the province of Abra has joined the Binibining Pilipinas pageant in its 60-year history.

“Can you believe it? It’s the first time that Abra province was represented here in Binibining Pilipinas, and we got our first crown on our first try!” said Esguerra.

The newly-crowned queen hopes that she would inspire young children from Abra to never stop believing and dreaming.

“Abrauenos, you can do so much if you just believe, really! Thank you to everyone who supported me for the very first day,” she said.

To celebrate her win, Esguerra has been invited to attend the Cordillera Month celebrations on July 15 in her hometown by Abra Governor Dominic Valera and Vice Governor Joy Valera-Bernos, who were both in attendance at the Big Dome.

“We will be celebrating our Cordillera Month on July 15, and hopefully, we can  bring our queen to the province to celebrate with us,” Valera-Bernos said.

Valera said the day will double as “Myrna Day” in Abra.