PH bet to Miss Universe brings back the Philippines into the top 5

Beatrice Luigi Gomez, 26, puts the Philippines back into the top 5 of Miss Universe Pageant. (Screengrabbed from: IG @themissuniverseph)
Beatrice Luigi Gomes, 26, Philippines’ delegate to the 70th Miss Universe competition held in Eliat, Israel on Dec. 13, brought back the Philippines into the Top 5, years after Catriona Gray won in 2018.
The incredible performance of the Cebuana beauty queen was lauded by former titleholders and Queens like Pia Wurtzbach, Catriona Gray, and Janine Tugonon.
We are super proud of you Miss Philippines Bea!! Strong performance! #70thMissUniverse #MissUniverse2021
— Pia Wurtzbach (@PiaWurtzbach) December 13, 2021
Congratulations Bea! You represented our country so well! :) #MissUniverse
— Janine Mari Tugonon (@janine_tugonon) December 13, 2021
The pageant started at 2:00 a.m. Israel Time and aired here in the Philippines at 7:00 a.m.
During the Top 16 announcement, the Filipino Fans were lauded by Steve Harvey, joking that they are in Israel, not in the Philippines, because of the loud cheering coming from the audience.
What's up Philippines! You're in the Top 16! #MISSUNIVERSE
The 70th MISS UNIVERSE Competition is airing LIVE around the world from Eilat, Israel on @foxtv pic.twitter.com/nVYjyozR9E
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 13, 2021
Gomez competed in a one-piece pink bikini that allowed her to enter Top 10 to parade the gold evening gown created by Filipino designer Francis Libiran.
Gomez was the last woman to be called during the Top 5, where she was asked by former Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere.
“Given the ever-changing Covid situation, what is your opinion of mandating a universal vaccine passport?” Mittenaere asked.
Philippines takes the final spot in the Top 5! #MISSUNIVERSE
The 70th MISS UNIVERSE Competition is airing LIVE around the world from Eilat, Israel on @foxtv pic.twitter.com/uaSaNVnimE
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 13, 2021
“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 responded.
Last up for the final question is Philippines. #MISSUNIVERSE
The 70th MISS UNIVERSE Competition is airing LIVE around the world from Eilat, Israel on @foxtv pic.twitter.com/MyrqoeQct6
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 13, 2021
While she was not able to advance into the Top 3, she made Filipinos proud and returned the country to the Top 5.
Beatrice is a community development worker and a Philippine Navy Marines Reservist. She advocates for youth empowerment and has been working with Children in Contact with the Law.
Marian Rivera, premier Filipino Actress was also part of the all-women selection committee of this year’s pageant.