Beatrice Luigi Gomez off to Israel for the 70th Miss Universe pageant
The Philippines’ bet to the 70th Miss Universe, Beatrice Luigi Gomez, is set to raise the country’s flag as she jets off to Israel ahead of the highly anticipated competition.
Gomez, who looked radiant in a Francis Libiran creation, was accompanied by Miss Universe Philippines creative director Jonas Gaffud and director for communications Voltaire Tayag.
Hours leading to her departure, the hashtag #BEAhengIsrael and #GoMezUniverse trended on Twitter, as fans sent their well wishes.
In a clip tweeted by TV Patrol’s Dyan Castillejo, Gomez thanked her supporters for being with her throughout her journey.
“To all my Filipino supporters, especially sa lahat ng mga Cebuanos, daghang salamat. Maraming salamat po. Your messages are encouraging me to do my best and win the Miss Universe crown. I won’t be able to do it without you guys. Thank you so much for your love and support,” she said.
The 70th Miss Universe will air live from the host city Eilat on Dec. 12, 7 p.m., Eastern time (Dec. 13, Monday, 8 a.m. in the Philippines).
Gomez, who represented Cebu City, made local pageant history for being the first LGBTQ+ candidate to be crowned Miss Universe Philippines.
After winning the coveted title, the 26-year-old beauty queen did not waste time to jump in training and preparation for the international pageant.
In an interview with TV Patrol’s Dyan Castillejo recently, Gomez gave a sneak peek into her preparation, including her workout routine, which she religiously followed.
At the time of the interview, Gomez said she and her team are working on her signature pasarela walk, which she said would be different and better than her usual walk.
Aside from preparations for her makeup, hairstyle, fashion styling, evening gown and national costume, Gomez has also been preparing for the question and answer portion, especially the topics and issues that might be discussed in the competition.
Gomez, dubbed a “Silent Killer” in the competition by the Miss Universe Philippines organization, said her uniqueness and identity are important things she will bring to the global beauty pageant stage.
Aside from her LGBTQ+ advocacy, Gomez has also been focused on empowering children and the youth.
The 70th Miss Universe contestants have started to trickle in Israel including Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Dominican Republic, Laos, Cambodia, El Salvador, Paraguay, Colombia, Nicaragua, Aruba and Equatorial Guinea.
The beauty queens will start their journey in Jerusalem before they head to the resort city of Eilat, the host city of the 70th Miss Universe.
Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza, who won the title at the pandemic-delayed pageant in May 2021, was recently in Israel’s banner destinations, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Eilat in preparation for the competition.
Steve Harvey will return as host of the pageant and Andrea Meza is set to pass on the Mouawad Power of Unity crown to her successor.
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