At the coronation night of Binibining Cebu 2020 held yesterday night, i.e. 13th January 2020 at the Pacific Grand Ballroom, Beatrice Luigi Gomez of San Fernando was crowned the new queen. Making history, she is the third titleholder of the pageant and the first openly lesbian winner at that. She succeeds and was crowned by Binibining Cebu 2019 Steffi Aberasturi along with Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Cary Santiago and Kenneth Cobonpue.
Beatrice Luigi Gomez performed with excellence and grace at the contest showing why she was an early favourite in every list for the crown. The 24-year old beauty is not new to the pageantry as she was a part of Miss Mandaue 2015, winning the second runner-up title. For her studies, Beatrice went to University of San Jose- Recoletos and currently works as a model at AD Models Philippines Homme et Femme. The stunning Filipina was a part of our Top 10 favourites for the crown as well.
Beatrice exclaimed, “I still can’t believe it. I was just here for the experience and for the learnings”, as she won the crown in the presence of none other than Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. The coronation night began with a dance performance of the 54 candidates followed by the announcement of the top 21 semi-finalists, the swimsuit competition where they wore swimwear by Mikee Andrei, the announcement of the top 12 finalists and the evening gown portion where they wore designs by Cary Santiago.
The other titles awarded at the coronation night also included –
Bb. Cebu Ecology 2020 – Amanda Basnillo from Dalaguete
Bb. Cebu Heritage 2020 – Marla Alforque from Carcar City
Bb. Cebu Charity 2020 – Betty Davis from Cebu City North
Bb. Cebu Tourism 2020 – Ameena Allababidi from Cordova
Beatrice’s answer at the Q/A also was quite impressive as the finalists were asked, “Some kids in life live on the streets and have nothing in life. As a Binibining Cebu, how can you inspire little kids like them to never stop dreaming?” She replied, “I myself was not raised as a privileged child. That is the reason why my advocacy is about youth empowerment through sports. I was able to send myself to school. I was raised by a single mother, but fortunately I was able to be part of a varsity team. I got a scholarship and I was lucky enough to be able to have this opportunity. And that is the reason why I would like to inspire all kids out there, who are less fortunate, to never give up because there’s always a way. God will always provide us a way. You just don’t have to give up because you can always find that solution to make ourselves self-sufficient, and that’s the reason why I’m able to help you guys. Because if I win this competition, I will be able to share with you my experiences and how I was able to get past through that experience.”
In addition to the title, Gomez also won Best in Swimwear, Miss Bodyworx Medical Spa and Miss Foton. Other special awards include Miss One Nadela Dental and Miss Instagram Personality, both awarded to Bb. Madridejos Jessa Mangubat; Miss Mang Inasal Award to Basnillo; Sun Texters’ Choice to Bb. Carmen Dannika Anne Ocampo; and Miss MECO awarded to Allababidi.