Beauty queen Annabelle McDonnell shares her best life lessons

Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2025 Annabelle McDonnell is ready to represent the country at the Miss Globe beauty pageant in Albania.

- ROBERT REQUINTINA

During a sendoff held on Sept. 10, Annabelle's loved ones, supporters, members of the press, pageant enthusiasts, and fellow Binibini queens gathered at the one-of-a-kind World Kitchens in Araneta City for a special tribute and celebration before she leaves for Albania next month.

"I am excited to compete internationally. Now I can be more relaxed. It's not that I am taking anything for granted, but just enough to trust myself and trust the process of training for queens," said Annabelle when asked about her excitement for the international pageant during the Q&A portion of the sendoff event.

Annabelle, 25, expressed her desire to promote the Philippines upon arriving in Albania.

"Aside from our hospitable nature, I want to promote Philippine textiles. We have so many textiles from different regions. However, it's said that sometimes we end up patronizing foreign brands when, in fact, our own can stand on their own in the international market if given the chance.

"That's something I am working on, and I want to integrate local textiles into my wardrobe," the beauty queen said.

The Iligan City-based beauty serves as a role model of resilience and determination. She was born in the United Kingdom and was raised by her Tito Tata in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte.