The Miss Universe Philippines organization is all set to host the coronation ceremony for Miss Universe Philippines 2021 on 25th September 2021. The organization has selected a batch of 30 powerful women, after a series of virtual challenges, who have moved a step closer to winning the coveted crown.
While these divas have begun their journey as they arrived for the competition yesterday and have started engaging in pre-pageant activities, one of these stunning ladies has unfortunately dropped out from the competition. Joanna Marie Rabe from Zambales has withdrawn participation from the pageant after she caught dengue fever earlier this week and has been advised to take more time to recover her strength.
Joanna announced her withdrawal on her social media in a heartfelt post, as she wrote, “With great sadness, I would like to inform you that my Miss Universe Philippines journey has been cut short. I got Dengue Fever earlier this week and my doctors adviced that I would need more time to recover my strength.”
Despite this turn of events, she said, “I am forever indebted to the people who helped me in this journey. My Aces and Queens family, the designers, photographers and make-up artist I have worked with and Zambales Governor's office, Zambales Tourism Office, my Miss Universe Philippines sisters, my family and friends, to the Pageant pages who have been so nice to me and to all the Zambaleños. And thank you so much Miss Universe Philippines organization, I have grown so much.”
Joanna hopes to see everyone in a bigger stage and much brighter circumstances in the future. “I am Joanna Marie Rabe, your Miss Universe Philippines - Zambales 2021,” she signed off. Joanna’s pageant sisters were quick to extend their well-wishes, including, Maureen Wroblewitz, Ayn bernos as well as Miss International Philippines 2021 Hannah Arnold.
For now, it is unclear whether the organization will be replacing Joanna with another contestant to represent Zambales and complete the batch of Top 30 delegates. The delegates in Top 30 will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe Philippines 2021 and the opportunity to represent Philippines at the upcoming Miss Universe 2021 pageant. The winner of this year’s national pageant will succeed Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo who was placed at Top 21 at Miss Universe 2020.