LIST: Local beauty queens who gave up their titles
For many pageant queens, the crown represents the pinnacle of achievement. However, that's not always the case.
In recent years, several queens have chosen to relinquish their titles, sparking a conversation about the hidden challenges that can come with the prestige and title.
Ahead are some beauty queens who gave up their titles and an update on where they are now.
Janina San Miguel
In September 2008, Janina San Miguel, known for her infamous "My Pamilee" Q&A quote, resigned from her title as Binibining Pilipinas World, citing personal reasons, including her grandfather's death. The title was transferred to first runner-up Danielle Castaño, who went on to represent the country at the Miss World 2008 pageant.
In 2023, the Pinay beauty queen returned to the pageant stage. She joined the Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines 2023, a pageant for married women promoting the country's tourism industry. However, she backed out of the competition due to an alleged argument with the pageant director.
Ganiel Krishnan
Meanwhile, Ganiel Krishnan's case proves that "you cannot serve two masters at a time."
As per her resignation announcement dated October 5, 2021, Ganiel regretfully informed pageant fans of her decision to step down from her Miss World Philippines Second Princess 2021 title and consequently resign from the Miss World Organization effective immediately due to her "thriving career as a lifestyle and entertainment news reporter in ABS-CBN."
"As you very well know, I have a thriving career as a lifestyle and entertainment news reporter in ABS-CBN before I entered the competition and have never kept my intentions to go back to it a secret, regardless of the outcome of the pageant," she said during that time, adding that her "contractual obligations with the network will not allow her to serve two masters."
"While I am deeply honored to have been named a Princess in this year's MWP search, my contractual obligations with the network will not allow me to serve two masters."
She continued, "Realizing this led me into making a decision to pursue the dream which will have the greater impact to actually serving my fellow Filipinos and that is through broadcasting."
Janelle Lewis of Angeles City, Pampanga, assumed her title.
Imelda Schweighart
Imelda Schweighart won the Miss Earth Philippines title in 2016 and later represented the country at the international pageant. She did not place at Miss Earth but she was named "Darling of the Press."
After representing the country, she resigned from her duties as Miss Philippines Earth 2016.
Loren Artajos, who was crowned Miss Philippines Earth-Water, took over Imelda's title following her resignation.
In 2016, Imelda got in hot water after she accused Miss Earth 2016 Katherine Elizabeth Espín Gómez of having cosmetic surgery done, and likened former president Rodrigo Duterte to Adolf Hitler for his drug war. In 2020, she became controversial again for expressing her hatred on K-pop social media.
Currently, she is one of the candidates for Century Tuna Superbods 2024.
Anne Patricia Lorenzo
Anne Patricia Lorenzo is one of the "icons" in the country's trans pageantry. She was hailed as Queen of Emerald in Eat Bulaga's Super Sireyna 2018 and the third grand winner of Miss Q and A Season 3 of Its Showtime.
She joined the inaugural Miss International Queen Philippines in 2022 and was awarded as the first runner-up.
In November of the same year, Anne announced that she had resigned from her post in order to join Miss International Queen 2023.
"I came to this decision after much thought and careful consideration, I have decided to rejoin Miss International Queen again for the year 2023. This step requires me to relinquish my current title and role. It has always been my dream to be crowned as Miss International Queen Philippines and eventually as Miss International Queen representing our country," she said during that time.
She hailed as third runner-up in the 2023 edition of MIQPH.
Anne represented the country in Miss Equality World 2023, where she clinched the 1st runner-up title.
Samantha Ashley Lo
Samantha Lo "signed off" as the Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2019 after competing on the international scene in October of the same year.
On Instagram, the former beauty queen announced that she is officially taking off her crown while taking pride in representing the country internationally.
"She took off her crown and thanked it for everything left...so she could live," she said.
Samantha added, "Miss Grand Philippines 2019 officially signing off. Maraming Salamat Pilipinas. Now I'm off to my new path."
The beauty queen was named as Grand Winner in the Century Tuna Superbods 2020.