The final show of the 69th Miss Universe Philippines was held at the tenth largest island in the Philippines, Bohol, a place that never loses its wonder and beauty, much like the 28 candidates of the pageant. It was also where the show had finally welcomed a live audience but was limited to 100 fully vaccinated guests who also had to have negative RT-PCR results.

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One of our proudest moments at Tatler was when our very own alumni, Maria Ingrid “Sam” Santamaria of Parañaque, made it to the Top 10. With grace and in full glam, Santamaria strutted down the stage wearing an ethereal “Aurora Borealis” gown from the House of Laurel. 

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It was a lovely sight to see. Santamaria charmed the viewers at her entrance as she elegantly brushed both hands up to her waist before walking upfront, batting her eyelashes, and giving us her brightest smile. She was formerly part of Tatler Philippines’ editorial team from 2018 to 2019. 

Only Top 5 Filipinas remained standing on the centre stage, waiting to be asked the key question that would put them at an advantage. The five remaining ladies were mostly from provinces, making the Top 5 quite a diverse selection. The Top 5 finalists were Steffi Rose Aberasturi of Cebu Province, Beatrice Luigi Gomez of Cebu City, Katrina Jayne Dimaranan of Taguig, Kim Victoria Vincent of Cavite, and Maureen Christa Wroblewitz of Pangasinan.

Later on, they were asked to answer different questions that revolved around the theme of women empowerment. Frankly, all women were triumphant in voicing out their opinions.

Both women knew how to win the hearts of the judges and the rest of the nation.

The Second Runner-up was Steffi Rose Aberasturi hailing from Cebu Province. Even Pia Wurtzbach anticipated Steffi Rose Aberasturi’s win. “She’s ready,” said the former Miss Universe in a YouTube video.

The First Runner-up was Pangasinan’s Maureen Christa Wroblewitz, which was not at all surprising considering that the model won the fifth season of Asia’s Next Top Model. Apart from her beauty, she’s also shown much confidence on stage.

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During the Top 5 Q&A portion, Cavite’s Victoria Velasquez Vincent was asked about what had inspired her most throughout her Miss Universe Philippines journey. Vincent’s kindness seeped through every word in her statement. She said, “I’ve been incredibly privileged and I haven’t had to go through that many issues in my life but meeting so many people who have had so many battles and. . . hearing how they overcame them, that’s what inspires me. . . to continue to help Filipinos through the way I know.”

This answer most likely earned her the Miss Universe Philippines Charity 2021 title. It’s an unmeasurable victory for someone who’s so determined to lend a helping hand during these precarious times.

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Miss Taguig, Katrina Dimaranan, won the title Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2021. Considering that Dimaranan values compassion and relatability to connect with people regardless of their background, she definitely deserved to win the title. In 2012, Dimaranan also won a similar accolade when she was crowned  Binibining Pilipinas Tourism 2012.

This year’s Miss Universe Philippines is none other than Miss Cebu City, Beatrice Luigi Gomez, whose aura and beauty could not be missed. Apparently, the title is another feather in her cap as Gomez has done a few notable things both in the past and present. Not only does she serve the community, but she is also part of the Philippine Navy, and recognises herself as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

With this, we can proudly say that Miss Universe Philippines 2021 is a woman who can definitely do it all.

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