Who is Annabelle Mae McDonnell? Get to know our Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2025
Aside from the crown, the Filipina beauty queen also took home the Binibining Philippine Airlines (PAL) special award.
She will represent the country in the Miss Globe 2025 pageant later this year.
But who exactly is Annabelle? Here are some interesting facts about the newly crowned queen.
1. She is Bisaya-British
Annabelle was born in the United Kingdom and raised in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. Now 24 years old, she was brought up by her Tito Tata, who played a pivotal role in her upbringing. Growing up with limited means, Annabelle learned the value of hard work at an early age.
In her winning answer at the Binibining Pilipinas 2025 pageant, Annabelle shared that she sold bread and even preloved clothes to make ends meet.
"Speaking as someone who experienced involuntary hunger and malnourishment at the age of 15, I say that I wish you never go hungry another night. I think that you should never go hungry again. When you hit rock bottom, don't despair and don't use that as your identity but rather, use rock bottom as your launch pad. I have done exactly that. I've sold bread, ukay-ukay clothes, and all other rockets just to survive and support my family. You can do it as long as you believe in the beauty of your dreams," she said.
2. She is a pageant veteran
Annabelle is no stranger to the world of beauty pageants. She has earned multiple titles in her hometown, including Miss Iligan 2018, Miss Lanao del Norte 2019, and 2nd runner-up in Miss Millennial Philippines 2019 and Miss Kuyamis in 2022.
Her national pageant journey began with Miss Universe Philippines 2022, where she made an impressive debut by finishing as first runner-up. The following year, she proudly represented the Philippines on the international stage at Miss Charm 2023, once again securing a first runner-up finish.
3. She is a university scholar and a campus journalist
Ever wonder where she got her articulate and impactful words for her winning answer in the Binibining Pilipinas 2025 pageant? Well, she got it from her experience as a campus journalist.
While studying for her degree in Consular and Diplomatic Affairs at De La Salle College of St. Benilde on a full academic scholarship, Annabelle joined their school paper publication, The Benildean, and served as a features writer.
4. A radio host
Aside from writing, she also has some radio broadcasting experience. Annabelle served as a host of the program "TikTalk" at Friends 96.7 FM Iligan, a radio program geared towards the youth's socio-political awareness.
5. A volunteer for the Save the Children Foundation
With her personal struggles growing up, it's no surprise that Annabelle is a volunteer for the children's cause.
The Iliganon participated in numerous volunteering foundations for children such as Save the Children Foundation. —MGP, GMA Integrated News
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