*Still can’t get over it!*
Beatrice Luigi Gomez of Cebu City has been a media craze lately for a lot of reasons, aside from being crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2021. The beauty queen, with her eloquence and alluring stage presence, dominated and bested 27 other girls during the three-hour-long Miss Universe Philippines competition at the Henann Garden Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol last September 30.
Bea had been one of the dark horses in the competition from day 1 because of her authenticity, killer walk and undoubted star appeal. And certainly, this lass is more than just a pretty face. Here are ten interesting facts about Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez:
1. Bea is the first openly queer delegate to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant.
Beatrice has always been open about being a proud member of the LGBTQA+ community. During the question and answer portion of the Binibining Cebu 2020, she confidently shared that she is in a long-term, same-sex relationship. In the early rounds of Miss Universe Philippines, Bea stayed loud and proud about her queerness, describing herself as non-binary. With this, netizens celebrated the victory of Bea as the first LGBTQ to win the Miss Universe Philippines title, saying that she has broken the barriers and won major milestones for the community.
2. Bea has always been candid about her girlfriend, Kate Jagon.
The Cebuana beauty has never been shy about her sexuality. She has always proudly flaunted her relationship with long-time girlfriend Kate Jagon, a performance DJ.
Kate has been an expressive and supportive partner, especially with Bea’s pageant aspirations. They love to travel and work out together. Truly couple goals! *Update: The two reportedly broke up just recently.*
3. Miss Universe Philippines 2021 was only her third pageant, ever.
Miss Universe Philippines 2021 was Bea’s third pageant ever, and the first national one. The first beauty competition she joined was Miss Mandaue in 2015 where she placed second runner-up, while the second contest was Binibining Cebu 2020 where she won the title.
According to Bea, she had to stop pageantry for a while because of her full-time job. After being MIA in the scene for five years, Bea joined the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 and obviously took home the crown. Seems like this chick has always been meant to be a major beauty queen!
4. She is a Philippine Navy Reservist.
Bea is not just a queen, but also a tough fella who’s part of the Philippine Navy Reserve Unit. She participated in the Basic Citizen’s Military Course under the Naval Reserve Center in Eastern Visayas.
You will find Bea on the training grounds when she has no beauty queen duties. Indeed a definition of a phenomenal, strong woman, Bea goes beyond the limits!
5. She is a fitness junkie.
During the introduction challenge of the Miss Universe Philippines, Bea enthusiastically shared that she is a fitness junkie. She’s a varsity volleyball player back in her college days, and currently does scuba diving, boxing and mixed martial arts.
6. She’s a proud fur mom to her cat named Twix.
Bea has a soft spot for animals and advocates animal welfare.
She and Kate live with several cat pets in their home. The couple adopted another cat amidst the pandemic. They named the cutie Twix, and Bea dearly calls their new pet “the handsomest boss baby”.
7. She also strongly advocates youth empowerment.
Bea is one of the founders of BEyouthfulPH, an organization that builds communities for demoralized children in need. As of recent, the group has been able to help out children who have been in conflict with the law, hoping to inspire and uplift them to live new lives as proactive and law-abiding citizens of the country.
8. She started modeling as a sideline stint to help her mom.
During her college days, Bea began modeling as a way to earn allowance while attending her classes. This lady has been rocking the runways and has always valued the importance of hard work.
9. Her breathtaking national costume was inspired by the “Bakunawa”.
Bea’s national costume is one of the showstoppers during the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 pageant. With the theme “Manila Carnival Queens” for the national costume round this year, Beatrice collaborated with fashion designer Axel Que, who created her couture inspired by the “Moon-Eating Dragon”. Also known as “Bakunawa”, the dragon is a sea serpent with Bicolano and Visayan deity origins. 
Bea looked ethereal as she truly gave life to this Visayan folk icon fiercely, donning an elaborate gown with sea and sky colors, and a fabulous intricate crown.
10. She won two major awards during the Miss Universe Philippines pageant night.
Bea was named Best in Swimsuit and Best In Evening Gown during the coronation night. Aside from those two, she also won the Miss Cream Silk and Miss Luxxe Immunplus Game Changer awards.
Surely, each of Bea’s stellar performances from the beginning of her Miss Universe Philippines journey did pay off, as she totally wowed the audience and the judges- – making her the new Miss Universe Philippines!
Beatrice is now preparing for the 70th Miss Universe pageant that will take place in Eilat, Israel this December. She is competing to hopefully bring home the fifth Universe crown for the Philippines. Wish you all the best, #GOMEZUniverse!
Image Source: instagram.com/beatriceluigigmz; instagram.com/beyouthful_ph