LGBTQ+ Member, Navy Reservist Crowned Miss Universe Philippines

A Cebuana beauty, who is a proud naval reserve officer and member of the LGBTQ+ community, is this year’s Miss Universe Philippines.

Beatrice Luigi Gallarde Gomez, 26, who was crowned last Thursday night, Sept. 30, at the Henann Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol, will represent the country in the 2021 Miss Universe pageant in Israel this December.

Prior to being crowned by her predecessor Rabiya Mateo, Gomez also won major awards such as Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown. She also received special awards like Miss Luxxe Immunplus Game Changer and Miss Cream Silk.

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During the question and answer portion, Gomez was asked: “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?”

She said she will “not give up and rise above it.”

As the reigning Miss Universe Philippines, Gomez gets to wear the Filipino crown worth P5 million. She also won a year’s worth of AirAsia unlimited flights, a brand new MG ZS Crossover SUV courtesy of MG Philippines, Cream Silk, Lazada and PLDT Home ambassadorships.

Born and raised in Cebu City, Gomez was the Binibining Cebu in 2020 when she joined the Philippine Navy Reserve Command, in which she remains an active member with the rank of corporal.

Rear Admiral Dorvin Jose Legaspi, Naval Reserve Command commander, referred to Gomez as “truly a weekend warrior” for “volunteering to go to different barangays in Cebu City to participate in the feeding programs.”

“These she did while preparing for the upcoming beauty pageant. Her dedication to duty and passion to serve her fellow Cebuanos are reminders that diligent work pays off,” Legaspi said.

In a statement, the Philippine Navy said of Gomez: “Given the wit and character, she is always up for the challenge that led her to choose the path less traveled.”?Gomez is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and is in a relationship with her girlfriend, Kate Jagdon, for six years.

Jagdon congratulated her in an Instagram post, saying: “You have proved once again @beatriceluigigmz that you’re worthy of all the big things in life. Congratulations to you for doing it once again! We are so proud of you!”

“The new Ms. Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez and the rest of her court, besting over 99 other candidates in the competition. Your journey of being authentic is an inspiration to every Filipino,” she added.

Gomez is also a sports enthusiast and a former volleyball varsity player.

She wore a blue gown designed by Dubai-based Filipino designer Furne One Amato during the event.

Special awards were also given to Dimaranan (Miss Face of Belo SunExpert, Miss Save Point Plus), Prin-cess Khrista Singh of Pasig (Miss Coppermask), Leren Mae Bautista of Laguna (Miss Organic Barley, Miss Bragais), Janela Joy Cuaton of Albay (Miss K-Pads), Wroblewitz (Miss AirAsia Philippines, Miss Hennan), Kirsten Danielle Delavin of Masbate (Miss Red Fox, Miss Philippines Lazada, Miss Photogenic), Maria Corazon Abalos of Mandaluyong (Best National Costume) and Aberasturi (Miss Luxxe White Reveal Instabright Stunner).

KC Montero hosted this year’s Miss Universe Philippines 2021 while Michael Pangilinan and Sam Concepcion serenaded the finalists during the coronation event.

The panel of judges was composed of commercial director of Hilton Manila Joanne Golong-Gomez, chief executive officer and co-founder of FRONTROW Philippines Sam Verzosa, founder and medical director of The Belo Medical Group Dr. Vicki Belo, former president of the Young Designers Guild and Fashion and De-sign Council of the Philippines Jojie Lloren and CEO of Roku Group Sheila Romero. – With Michael Punong-bayan