Miss Universe Philippines Zambales delegate Joanna Marie Rabe. Image: Instagram/@joannarabe
Miss Universe Philippines 2021’s Zambales delegate Joanna Marie Rabe has bowed out of the competition after she was diagnosed with dengue fever earlier this week.
Rabe announced she has dropped out of the pageant through her Instagram page today, Sept. 13. She cited that she will need some time to recover from the illness.
“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 advised that I would need more time to recover my strength,” she said while showing her glam photo from the competition.
Despite the unfortunate incident, Rabe expressed gratefulness towards those who supported her throughout her journey in Miss Universe Philippines.
“Thank you so much Miss Universe Philippines organization. I have grown so much,” she added. “I hope to see everyone, in a bigger stage and much brighter circumstances in [the] future.”
Rabe’s withdrawal comes less than two weeks before the Miss Universe Philippines coronation ceremony on Sept. 25. Reigning queen Rabiya Mateo will be passing on her crown to one of the candidates who made it to the competition’s final roster.
The winner will be representing the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant in Israel this December. JB
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