The 2nd edition of Miss Universe Philippines 2021 was held on 30th September 2021 at the Henann Resort Convention Center, Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol, where Beatrice Luigi Gomez of Cebu City was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2021 by the outgoing queen Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo. The organization had also crowned two new queens, out of which, Victoria Vincent Velasquez of Cavite was crowned as Miss Universe Philippines Charity 2021.
In a recent incident, the stunning diva was offered to become Miss Universe New Zealand 2021 after the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 coronation night which she declined. Sharing the incident through a statement she wrote, “Shortly after the MUPH coronation night, I was offered the title of Miss Universe New Zealand 2021, meaning I would compete in Israel in December. After a week of contemplation, countless discussions with my family, friends and team, I eventually came to the decision to politely decline the offer.”
“So many people will say I’m crazy for turning down the chance to compete internationally on the Miss Universe stage, but I had to choose what I know in my heart was the right thing to do. My heart is, and always will be here to serve the Philippines. Some may say I’m not Filipina enough, and that’s ok. I know who I am. I know what I stand for. I am a Filipina,” she added.
The 26-year-old beauty queen also went ahead to thank the Miss Universe New Zealand organization for their kindness and expressed her gratitude to them for showing faith in her and offering the opportunity of a lifetime. The offer came through to the diva as she was born and raised in New Zealand. Victoria is of a Filipino-Spanish-Irish heritage and although she was born and raised in New Zealand, her heart has always found a home in the Philippines. She has recently relocated in the Philippines in pursuit of a purpose.
Victoria has completed a double Master’s degree in Architecture and Heritage Conservation at the University of Auckland and she hopes to put them both to use here in the Philippines - particularly to design low-cost, sustainable housing for underprivileged communities.
She describes herself as a natural born creative, a visionary, and a lover of travel. She loves to explore different parts of the Philippines’ islands. With her passion for art and photography, Filipino culture and history, she hopes to showcase to the Filipino people and those around the world how innately full of wonder our country is, through various artistic mediums.