Miss Universe-Philippines Beatrice Luigi Gomez looked all ready to win the country’s fifth Miss Universe title when she came out in a sexy fuchsia silk crepe gown at her official send-off held at Hilton Manila on Wednesday.
“I’m grateful that the Miss Philippines Universe Organization has welcomed me and accepted me for who I am. They’ve been very inclusive and diverse. I’m also grateful to all Filipinos for allowing a LGBTQIA-plus member to represent the country,” Gomez, who is bisexual, said and further talked about her intention to convey at the Miss Universe stage her aspiration and platform on acceptance, inclusivity, and equality.
“I hope it’s not the end of the breakthrough and I hope the rest of the world, the other countries that still have doubts could learn from that, to know that we are not here just to represent our community, that the world would be a lovely place and everyone is embraced as who they are,” she added.
“We are very proud of Bea and we’re praying for her success in her Miss Universe journey. I hope that everyone will help boost her confidence and pray for her because she’s not just competing for herself but for the whole country,” Miss Philippines Universe national director Shamcey Supsup-Lee wished for Gomez who will fly to Eilat, Israel next week for the 70th Miss Universe pageant.
Gomez, a 26-year-old model and Philippine navy Reserve Sergeant, is a self-confessed cat lover and an avid fan of volleyball. She has a cherry blossom tattoo on her right arm which she said symbolized her new life and blossoming into womanhood.
The beauty queen is one of the founders of the BEYouthfulPH organization which aims to help problem youth through sports engagement.
Asked about her winnability at this time of her pre-arrival in Israel, Gomez said that she rates herself a seven after her preparations and that all she needs to do is to go through the three stops to reach a perfect ten for her to be able to bring home the Miss Universe crown.
Present at Gomez’ sendoff to give moral support were Miss Universe Philippines Tourism Katrina Dimaranan, Miss Universe Philippines Charity Victoria Velasquez Vincent, and Miss Universe Philippines 2nd runner-up Steffi Rose Aberasturi, together with Gomez’ Team Cebu led by Sven Chua of Origin Artist Management.
