Cebu's Beatrice Gomez in Top 5 of Miss Universe
CEBU, Philippines — After two straight underwhelming Top 20 semifinal finishes, Beatrice Luigi Gomez's Top 5 placement at the 70th Miss Universe was a shot in the arm for Pinoy pageant fans.
The Cebuana beauty queen retains the Philippines' longest ongoing streak -- 12 years -- of semifinal placements at Miss Universe.
In recent editions, Gazini Ganados of Talisay City, Cebu finished at the Top 20 in 2019, while Rabiya Mateo of Iloilo City was a Top 21 finalist early this year.
When called for the Top 16, 26-year-old Gomez had the crowd growing wild, prompting host Steve Harvey to quip good-naturedly, “We’re supposed to be Israel, we’re in Israel. This is Israel.”
The American television personality then asked Gomez about her cherry blossom sleeve tattoo and she talked about getting it on her 23rd birthday to symbolize her rebirth and “celebrate my womanhood.”
For the evening gown segment, Gomez dazzled in a gold Francis Libiran gown that depicted the indigenous tribal patterns called “Pintados.”
During the question and answer round for the Top 5 that included delegates from Paraguay, India, South Africa, and Colombia, the reigning Binibining Cebu was asked by Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere of France what she thought of mandating a universal vaccination passport.
“I believe that public health is everyone’s responsibility, and to mandate vaccine inoculation is necessary. If mandating vaccine passports would help us in regulating the rollouts of the vaccine, and mitigate the situation of the pandemic today, then I would agree on mandating the necessary passport of vaccination. Thank you," Gomez said.
Malacañang on Monday hailed the Navy reserve officer, community development worker, and the country's first openly gay candidate for her Top 5 finish.
“The Palace commends Miss Philippines Beatrice Luigi Gomez for bringing joy to our people and honor to our country at the 70th Miss Universe competition in Israel,” Acting Presidential Spokesperson, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said in a Palace statement.
“A member of our armed forces, an athlete, and a youth advocate, Ms. Gomez is an inspiring figure whose participation in Miss Universe allowed the world to see what we in the country witness every day: the strength, grace, and beauty of the Filipino woman,” he added.
At Cebu City Hall, Mayor Michael Rama hailed Gomez’ placement, saying being in the Top 5 is already a big achievement.
“Well, we can’t have it all… but, number 5, being in the top 5, is already a very big achievement,” Rama said.
Rama recalled giving Gomez a miniature image of the Santo Niño as a “lucky charm” when the beauty queen paid him a courtesy visit.
‘Silent Killer’
Dubbed a Silent Killer by pageant fans for her quiet confidence, Gomez is an advocate of youth empowerment and of Children in Contact with the Law.
"Your quiet yet sophisticated demeanor and presence onstage was such a delight to watch," one netizen commented.
"She was silent, but she did the work. She was focused and avoided the drama. And most importantly, she seemed to really enjoy herself," posted another Miss Universe viewer, while not a few also praised the LGBTQIA+ advocate for raising two flags in Eilat, Israel: one for the Philippines, and one for the Pride community.
After Gomez, another Cebuana, Tracy Maureen Perez, will vie for another prestigious international crown this Friday, December 17, at the 70th Miss World in Puerto Rico. — With Caecent Noot-Magsumbol, Decemay P. Padilla, JMO (FREEMAN)
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