Miss Universe PH 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez shares Christmas reflection on the importance of family
On Christmas Day, Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez reflected on what’s most important in her life—family.
Gomez’s mother Ping Gallarde and sister Louise Angelica, who are based in Cebu City, were among those affected by Typhoon Odette, the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2021.
On the day that the typhoon hit central and southern areas of the Philippines, Gomez just arrived from Israel after she represented the country in the 70th Miss Universe pageant, where she finished in the Top 5. She had been communicating with her family while under quarantine.
In an Instagram post, Gomez shared how her mother and sister celebrated Christmas Eve in their hometown, which was among the areas ravaged by the typhoon, leaving them without basic necessities like electricity and water.
“In a phone call last night, Mama and Ate shared to me that they chose to settle for a simple meal, having only fast food takeouts for dinner since there’s still no water supply and electricity back home yet,” wrote Gomez, who is working with Typhoon Odette relief initiatives to raise money for those who have been affected by the typhoon.
The Cebuana beauty queen earlier shared that during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, her family was trapped in their home, which was badly damaged.
“Mama reminded me of a valuable lesson as we celebrate a unique Christmas this year, that surviving the typhoon with my sister, our dogs Chabie and Choco, including all her beloved colony of stray cats was reason enough to be grateful,” she added.
Life’s challenges bring realizations of what’s truly important, especially when all material things one once hold on to dearly are gone. For Gomez, it is “being healthy and being with your family is all that truly matters.”
“The only way to overcome each of life’s challenge is to thank God and to never stop counting your blessings. I owe it to Him to give back all the grace I’ve received this year,” she said.
The Miss Universe Philippines Organization said in a statement recently that it will be postponing any interviews with Gomez in the meantime as her family is her priority.
Gomez is also set to head to Cebu in a few days to assist her family.