'I am a Filipina': Miss Universe Philippines Charity Victoria Vincent declines offer to be Miss Universe New Zealand 2021

Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Charity Victoria Velasquez Vincent revealed she turned down an offer to be Miss Universe New Zealand 2021 (MUNZ).

In an Instagram post, Vincent, who was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, shared that the offer was handed to her "shortly after" the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) coronation night. However, after a week, the Filipino-Spanish-Irish beauty queen "politely" declined.

"So many people will say I’m crazy for turning down this opportunity, but I had to choose what I know in my heart was the right thing to do," she wrote in the caption.

"My heart is, and always will be here to serve the Philippines," Vincent added. "Some may say I’m not Filipina enough, and that’s ok. I know who I am. I know what I stand for. I am a Filipina," she continued.

She then thanked the MUNZ organization for the opportunity, and the MUPH team for their unwavering support. Vincent also added that she is "excited" for what's to come.

Vincent represented Cavite in the recent MUPH pageant and placed third as Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Charity.

She will not be competing in any international pageant, but will serve as one of the runners-up to the country's Miss Universe representative, Beatrice Gomez. First in line is Miss Universe Philippines Tourism Katrina Dimaranan, followed by Vincent.