After a long wait, Miss Philippines 2021 has finally been crowned on 30th September. Cebu City’s Beatrice Luigi Gomez won at the Miss Universe Philippine 2021 pageant, and was crowned by her predecessor Rabiya Mateo. Gomez will battle it out at this December’s Miss Universe in Israel.
If you haven’t watched last night’s livestream on KTX, here are 7 highlights you should know about, from the finalists to Q&A moments, down to the evening gowns.
Image credit: Miss Universe Philippines
Besting 28 candidates, Cebu City’s Beatrice Luigi Gomez is the winner of this year’s Miss Universe Philippines.
She also won two of the most coveted awards during the night: Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown.
Among her exciting prizes include a Creamsilk Ambassadorship, Lazada and PLDT endorsement deals, a brand-new MG ZS Crossover SUV, and AirAsia round-trip tickets for two for a year.
Image adapted from: Miss Universe Philippines
Alongside Gomez, other beauty queens who won titles during the coronation night are Miss Universe Philippines Tourism Katrina Dimaranan of Taguig, Miss Universe Philippines Charity Victoria Velasquez Vincent of Cavite, Miss Universe Philippines 1st runner-up Maureen Christa Wroblewitz of Pangasinan, and Miss Universe Philippines 2nd runner-up Steffi Rose Aberasturi of Cebu Province.
Image credit: Miss Universe Philippines
In the question and answer segment, a timely question was asked to Gomez: “If during your reign as Miss Universe Philippines things happen in your life that make you sad and uninspired, how would you be able to continue inspiring others?”
Gomez answered the question with optimism, saying that during hard times, Filipinos have always been able to prevail. “It is very evident that all of us went through difficulties during this pandemic, but it is also proof that we are able to rise to the occasion. And if anything happened to me during my reign I will not give up and inspire others by rising to the problems that I am encountering and by inspiring them that whatever you’re going through you will be able to overcome it,” Gomez answered.
Image credit: Miss Universe Philippines
Dimaranan, who won Miss Universe Philippines Tourism, emphasized compassion when she was asked about the most inspiring quality that a Miss Universe Philippines should possess.
“It would have to be the ability to have compassion and relate to other people. Because as we know Miss Universe has to be able to connect with people in all different countries from all different classes. So I would have to say relatability and compassion. Because as a Miss Universe, it’s your job to inspire others and to genuinely want to help whether it be through organizations, or any companies, or groups of people, so there you go,” Dimaranan responded.
Image credit: Miss Universe Philippines, Miss Universe Philippines
The top 10 beauty queens wowed the crowd with their evening gowns made by local Filipino designers. Masbate’s Kisses Delavin, for instance, looked classy in her Louis Pangilinan ivory gown with a dramatic cape blazer. Aberasturi was on fire with her Philipp Tampus phoenix gown that highlighted her gorgeous curves.
Parañaque’s Ingrid Santamaria donned a Rajo Laurel liquid-looking silver gown consisting of two-piece and a multilayered skirt. And Cavite’s Victoria Velasquez Vincent was a sultry presence in her Furne Amato nude gown embellished with various crystals.
Image credit: Miss Universe Philippines, Miss Universe Philippines
The pageant’s swimsuit competition saw 16 finalists in orange swimsuits designed by Albert Andrada.
Jojo Bragais also crafted the candidates’ high-heeled shoes.
Image credit: KTX
Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo had her final walk wearing a gold, high-slit gown. She briefly lost her balance during the last portion of her walk, but confidently picked herself back up like a true queen.
Image credit: KTX
During the coronation moment, Mateo dominated the stage with her embellished white gown featuring a white cape.
Image credit: Miss Universe Philippines
Mandaluyong’s Maria Corazon Abalos won Best in National Costume.
Abalos wore a yellow Filipiniana adorned with jewelry and crystals, but her intricate metallic gold neckpiece shaped like a heart was the focal point of her costume, as well as her headdress.
Image credit: @themissuniverseph
Five industry leaders from the beauty, tourism, and design sectors sealed the fate of the beauty queens.
Ms. Joanne Golong-Gomez, Commercial Director of Hilton Manila, Mr. Sam Verzosa, CEO and Co-Founder of FRONTROW Philippines, Dr. Vicki Belo, Founder and Medical Director of The Belo Medical Group, Mr. Jojie Lloren, Former President of the Young Designers Guild and The Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines, and Ms. Sheila Romero, Vice Chairman of AirAsia Philippines were behind the decisions of this year’s Miss Universe Philippines.
From the evening gown to the swimsuit competition, all of our queens indeed showed how confidently beautiful Filipina beauty queens are.
Huge congratulations to all the ladies who participated at the Miss Universe Philippines 2021, despite all the difficulties brought about by the pandemic. We’re excited to see Gomez slay the runway at the global Miss Universe competition!
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Cover image adapted from (clockwise from left): Miss Universe Philippines, Miss Universe Philippines, and Miss Universe Philippines
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