Beatrice Luigi Gomez, 26, was crowned Miss Universe Philippines on Thursday, September 30 in the pay-per-view Miss Universe Philippines pageant held at the Henann Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol.
Gomez, who was one of the dark horses in the competition, bested 27 other candidates to win the much-coveted crown. She also won Miss Cream Silk, Immunplus Game Changer, Best in Swimsuit, and Best in Evening Gown.
Her answer to the question read by host KC Montero during the Q&A portion for the five finalists as to how she will be able to continue to inspire others if something unimaginable would happen during her reign as Miss Universe Philippines, is said to be the clincher that won her the crown.
“It is very evident that all of us went through difficulties during the 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 said, a statement that wowed the judges.
A model and athlete, she also won the Binibining Cebu 2020 representing the Municipality of San Fernando.
In January 2021, she completed the Basic Citizens’ Military Course Training that made a part of the Philippine Navy Reserve Unit.
She is an advocate for Gender Sensitivity and Awareness and has shared during the preliminary interviews that she is in a long-term, same-sex relationship for 6 years that made her the first openly gay candidate to win the title.
Joining Gomez in the Top 5 were Katrina Dimaranan of Taguig who was crowned Miss Tourism; Victoria Velasquez Vincent of Cavite who was named Miss Charity; First Runner-Up was Maureen Christa Wroblewitz of Pangasinan; and, named Second Runner-Up was Steffi Rose Aberasturi of Cebu Province.
Miss Universe Tourism and Miss Universe Charity will not be competing in any international pageant. But, should the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 be unable to fulfill her obligations, the MUPH Tourism will take over.
The two queens will focus on the promotion of tourism and charity, two pillars that the MUPH Organization champion by having individual queens focused on these, that can further their cause.
Candidates who received special awards include Kirsten Delavin of Masbate who won Miss RFox Philippines 2021, Miss Photogenic, Miss Luxxe White Face of the Universe, and Miss Universe Philippine Lazada; Maria Corazon Abalos of Mandaluyong was named Best in National Costume; Maureen Wroblewitz was also named Miss AirAsia Philippines and Miss Henann Resort; Steffi Aberasturi is also Miss Luxxe White Reveal Instabright Stunner; Katrina Dimaranan was also named Face of Belo Sunexpert and Miss Save Point Plus; Janela Joy Cuaton of Albay won the Miss Kpads award; Kristina Singh of Pasig is Miss CopperMask; and, Leren Bautista of Laguna was named Miss Bragais and Miss Organic Barley.
Gomez will represent the country in the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel in December in the hopes of bringing home the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe crown.
(All Photos from Miss Universe PH)
