Thrill-seeking Navy reservist to beauty queen: Beatrice Luigi Gomez's journey to Miss Universe
Beatrice Luigi Gomez has given it her all and ended her 2021 Miss Universe run as part of the Top 5!
Rocking the Israeli stage in her pink one-piece swimsuit and gold Francis Libiran creation, Beatrice wasn't just a stunner, but a real groundbreaker as the Philippines' first openly bisexual and inked queen.
Before her Miss Universe run, the Cebuana beauty has been making waves in her own way. Can you believe she's only been in three pageants before? Here's how Bea's exciting life led her to the vie for the coveted Miss Universe crown.
Modeling roots
Gomez started modeling to help out her parents financially. With her strong features and effortlessly gorgeous smile, it's no wonder she received the projects she did.
Even during her early modeling days though, Gomez can be seen sharing her adventures on social media. She's gone on international concert raves, scuba diving, and even bungee jumping.
Miss Mandaue 2015
In 2015, Gomez began her beauty queen run in flying colors as the second runner-up in the 2015 Miss Mandaue pageant.
Proving that she's always had a love for the bond that comes with pageantry, Beatrice shared in her first Instagram post: "Sisterhood is not a destination but a journey."
Navy marine reservist and cat mom
Beyond her work as an active community developer, Gomez is also corporal in the Philippine Navy Reserve Unit. She completed her citizen's military course training in January of 2021, nine months before nabbing the Miss Universe Philippines crown.
On Oct. 12, the 26-year-old paid a visit to the Naval Reserve Command headquarters in Intramuros, Manila for a courtesy call.
She's also a fur parent to a white cat named Twix, whom she adopted with her ex-girlfriend DJ, Kate Jagdon.
Binibining Cebu 2020
Gomez aimed high for her next major pageant win: the Binibing Cebu 2020.
Since it had been five years since her Miss Mandaue win, she expressed her doubts about joining pageants again.
"After Ms. Mandaue 2015, I never imagined myself being on stage, joining pageants again," she shared on Instagram. "I admit, this is one of my fears but what is beautiful, fulfilling life if I’m not in constant search for purpose if I won’t face my fears?"
"Courage, it comes from my faith that God has His reasons for leading me to this path."
Coincidentally, she was also up against fellow Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH hopeful, Steffi Rose Aberasturi in the same competition—and just like in MUPH, Gomez came out on top while Aberasturi nabbed the second place crown.
Miss Universe Philippines 2021
Proving that courage can take you to new heights, Gomez once again brought pride to Cebu City with her Miss Universe Philippines 2021 win.
With her advocacy of Gender Sensitivity and Awareness, Gomez bested 28 other contestants to become the Philippines' first openly bisexual Miss Universe Philippines.
During her Q&A portion, she made it a point to inspire others struggling amid the pandemic: "It is very evident that all of us went through difficulties during this pandemic, but it is also proof that we are able to rise to the occasion."
"And if anything happened to me during my reign, I will not give up and inspire others by rising to the problems that I am encountering and by inspiring them that whatever you are going through, you will be able to overcome it."
She also swept the night's awards by earning the Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown, Luxxe ImmunPlus Game Changer, and Miss Creamsilk special awards.
Miss Universe 2021
Taking her courage and love for pageantry in stride, Gomez landed in the Top 5 of the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel on Monday, Dec. 13.
With her beaming smile and undeniable confidence, the Cebuana has definitely gone far with her pageant skills, Gomez continued the Philippines' streak of at least landing in the semifinals of the competition.
For her Q&A entry, Beatrice once again discussed the impacts of the pandemic on global travel protocols. When asked about her stance on vaccine passports, Gomez answered: "I believe that public health is everyone's responsibility and to mandate vaccine inoculation is necessary."
"If mandating vaccine passport would help us in regulating the rollout of vaccine and mitigate the situation of the pandemic today, then I would agree on mandating the necessary passport vaccination."
Prior to the pageant, Beatrice sharpened her public speaking skills with Boy Abunda and revealed that she had dedicated everything to bring home the crown for the country.
“I’ve done all of my training with one goal in mind, and that is to win,” she said. “But now that you ask me why I should lose, I think that I shouldn’t. Because as I said earlier, I dedicated everything to win, and that (losing) should not be an option."
We're proud of you, Bea!