It was not only the flag of Cebu City that was raised in the recently-concluded Miss Universe Philippines 2021, but of the LGBTQIA+ as well, after proud Cebuana and gay Beatrice Luigi Gomez was crowned the grand winner during the live coronation night held at Henann Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol on Thursday, September 30.
She bested the 100 aspirants that joined in this year’s edition, which eventually trickled to Top 30 candidates after a series of challenges they went through in the past weeks and months. However, two of the candidates withdrew from the competition – Ybonne Ortega of Davao City and Joanna Maria Rabe of Zambales due to their respective health concerns.
KC Montero reprised his hosting role, while Michael Pangilinan and Sam Concepcion serenaded the finalists in the final evening gown and swimsuit competitions, respectively. Meanwhile, comprising the panel of judges were FRONTROW Philippines CEO and Co-Founder Sam Verzosa, Founder and Medical Director of The Belo Medical Group Dra. Vicki Belo, Air Asia Philippines Vice Chairman Sheila Romero, Hilton Manila Commercial Director Joanne Golong-Gomez, and Former President of the Young Designers Guild and The Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines Jojie Lloren.
After the bestowal of special awards, 16 candidates advanced to the swimsuit round, namely, Kirsten Danielle Delavin of Masbate, Maureen Christa Wroblewitz of Pangasinan, Christelle Abello of Aklan, Chella Grace Falconer of Misamis Oriental, Maria Corazon Abalos of Mandaluyong City, Katrina Dimaranan of Taguig City, Steffi Rose Aberasturi of Cebu Province, Leren Mae M. Bautista of Laguna, Maria Ingrid Teresita P. Santamaria of Parañaque City, Jane Nicole M. Miñano of Romblon, Rousanne Marie Bernos of San Juan City, Beatrice Luigi Gomez of Cebu City, Izabella Jasmine A. Umali of Manila City, Janela Joy Cuaton of Albay, Victoria Velasquez Vincent of Cavite, and Mirjan S. Hipolito, Angeles City.
Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo, who finished in the Top 21 in the Miss Universe pageant, looked back on her wonderful reign during her final walk, in which she suddenly lost her balance onstage yet quickly regained her poise.
The contention got even more intense as the Top 10 candidates were named and mesmerized us with their grace and sophistication as they sashayed in their elegant evening gowns. The list included Kirsten Danielle Delavin of Masbate, Maureen Christa Wroblewitz of Pangasinan, Beatrice Luigi Gomez of Cebu City, Maria Corazon Abalos of Mandaluyong City, Steffi Rose Aberasturi of Cebu Province, Leren Mae M. Bautista of Laguna, Victoria Velasquez Vincent of Cavite, Janela Joy Cuaton of Albay, Katrina Dimaranan of Taguig City, and Maria Ingrid Teresita P. Santamaria of Parañaque City.
Five candidates proceeded to the highly anticipated question and answer portion, wherein they exhibited their wit and eloquence. Beatrice Gomez’s response to the question, “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?” truly impressed the jurors, hailing her the Miss Universe Philippines 2021.
She stated, “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 what you are going through, you will be able to overcome it."
Meanwhile, Katrina Dimaranan of Taguig City is Miss Universe Philippines-Tourism, Victoria Velasquez Vincent of Cavite is Miss Universe Philippines-Charity, Maureen Christa Wroblewitz of Pangasinan is Miss Universe Philippines 1st runner-up, and Steffi Rose Aberasturi of Cebu Province is Miss Universe Philippines 2nd runner-up.
Aside from the crown, Beatrice also won Best in Evening Gown and Best in Swimsuit. She will represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe 2021 pageant that will be held in Israel in December.