Miss Universe Philippines 2021, the 2nd edition of the national pageant, was held tonight at the Henann Resort Convention Center, Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol where twenty-eight stunning ladies competed for the national crown and Beatrice Luigi Gomez was crowned the new queen at the end of the event finale.
While this year’s batch of divas has been considered as the strongest and most impressive class till date, one of the names that stood out throughout was of Leren Mae Bautista. The 28 year-old Laguna beauty finished in the Top 10 finalists of the pageant. With the age limit at the national pageants, this was the last try for her to win a major crown for her country.
Soon after the grand coronation ceremony, Leren took to her social media to announce her retirement from pageantry as she signed-off, “The crown is my dream and representing Philippines is my pride and honor, we might not have the crown but having you fight with me all throughout the competition made me realized that the true crown is in front of me and that crown is you.”
“There is no such thing as defeat if you try. From the bottom of my heart, Many Many thanks to everyone who helped and supported me to the end. Thanks LAGUNA! I will always be proud to represent you in whatever path I choose. Thank you PHILIPPINES,” she added.
Leren went on to declare that pageantry has changed her life and she will forever hold on the belief that, ‘Once a Binibini, always a Binibini’ and to her memories and learnings as a beauty queen. "For the last time, Leren Mae Magnaye Bautista, Laguna! Now signing off," she concluded.
Leren has been crowned in several major pageants such as Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International 2015 and Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2019. She represented the Philippines at the Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2015 were she was crowned as the winner and at The Miss Globe 2019 pageant were she placed as second runner-up.
The diva has definitely left a mark and made her country proud. She will always be one of the most successful and loved beauty queens of Philippines and continue to inspire the coming generations.