On Thursday night, Beatrice Luigi Gomez of Cebu City became the first member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community to be crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2021.
Gomez won the pageant, which was held at the Hennan Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol, over 28 other contestants.
Miss Universe Philippines Tourism was won by Katrina Dimaranan of Taguig, while Miss Universe Philippines Charity was won by Victoria Vincent of Cavite. Maureen Wroblewitz of Pangasinan and Steffi Rose Aberasturi of Cebu Province finished first and second, respectively.
The 26-year-old, a Gender Sensitivity and Awareness advocate, will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2021 pageant in Eilat, Israel, in December.
During the pageant's question and answer segment, Gomez wowed the judges, who included Hilton Manila commercial director Joanne Golong-Gomez, Frontrow Philippines CEO and co-founder Sam Verzosa, celebrity dermatologist Vicki Belo, fashion designer Jojie Lloren, and Roku Group CEO Sheila Romero, when she was asked the question "If things happen in you during your reign as Miss Universe Philippines?"
"It is very obvious 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 happens to me during my reign, I will not give up and inspire others by rising to the problems that I am encountering and inspiring them that whatever you are going through, you will be able to overcome it," she replied proudly.
Gomez, a model and athlete, had only competed in one other pageant before winning Binibining Cebu 2020 on behalf of San Fernando. In January 2021, she decided to take the basic citizens military course, which would qualify her to join the Philippine Navy Reserve Unit.
Meanwhile, those who received special awards were: Kirsten Delavin of Masbate won Miss RFox Philippines 2021, Miss Photogenic, Miss Luxxe White Face of the Universe, and Miss Universe Philippines Lazada; Mandaluyong's Maria Corazon Abalos received the Best in National Costume special award; Wroblewitz named Miss Air Asia Philippines and Miss Henann; Miss Luxxe White Reveal Instabright Stunner was Aberasturi; Miss Luxxe Immunplus Game Changer, Miss Creamsilk Award, Best in Swimsuit, and Best in Evening Gown went to Gomez; Katrina Dimaranan of Taguig named Face of Belo Sunexpert and Miss Save Point Plus; Janela Joy Cuaton, Albay received the Miss Kpads award; Pasig City's Princess Kristha Singh is Miss CopperMask; and finally, Leren Bautista of Laguna is Miss Bragais and Miss Organic Barley.
KC Montero hosted the pageant, which was only the second under the Miss Universe Philippines Organization. Guest performers included Sam Concepcion and Michael Pangilinan.
The finalists and production team had been working nonstop for over a week before the coronation night. Only 100 people were allowed to participate in the live audience, and they had to be fully vaccinated and have negative RT-PCR results.
