Victoria Vincent (Image: Instagram/@victoriavelasquezvincent)
Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) Charity 2021 Victoria Velasquez Vincent revealed she recently declined an offer to become Miss Universe New Zealand.
Vincent, who was born and raised in New Zealand, was offered the title “shortly after” the MUPH coronation night last Sept. 30, she said on her Instagram page yesterday, Oct. 11. The revelation was accompanied by a photo of herself.
“After a week of contemplation, countless discussions with my family, friends and team, I eventually came to the decision to politely decline the offer,” she said.
Vincent recognized that some people might think of her as “crazy” for turning down the opportunity, but she believes it 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,” she added. “I know who I am. I know what I stand for. I am a Filipina.”
Vincent was named Miss Universe Philippines Charity after representing Cavite in the beauty pageant. Taguig’s Katrina Dimaranan was hailed as Miss Universe Philippines Tourism and Cebu City’s Beatrice Luigi Gomez was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2021.
The Miss Universe Philippines Tourism title holder will replace the Miss Universe Philippines winner should the latter be unable to compete in the international Miss Universe tilt. /ra
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