![Steffi Aberasturi](https://entertainment.inquirer.net/files/2022/02/8973E537-641D-4222-8012-6F1313EE0E18.jpeg)
Image: Facebook/Steffi Pearson Aberasturi
Miss Universe Philippines 2021 second runner-up Steffi Aberasturi announced that she will not be joining this year’s competition, stating that she’s now following her “true desires.”
“From the moment I joined my first national pageant, I’ve been blessed with immense love and support by a community of dreamers,” she said on her Facebook page yesterday, Feb. 22. “This has made my decision, of not joining [Miss Universe Philippines 2022], one of the most pivotal in my life as it is not just my dream at [play] here.”
The Cebuana beauty queen pointed out that her goals now of inspiring others and touching people’s lives are “beyond the universe.” She also expressed her gratitude to those who have been with her on her journey for the crown.
“Every end is a new beginning. As I close this chapter, looking forward to the bright unknown ahead, I am following my true desires with new goals and priorities. My heart has been telling me that I have the power to decide how this story will end,” she said.
“With this, I will boldly declare that this is not the one last Steff,” Aberasturi added. “Be it on top of a bridge, runway, on stage, or a church aisle, this will not be the final Steff either.”
Aside from finishing second runner-up from last year’s competition, Aberasturi also earned the top spot in the pageant’s runway challenge. She was joined by model Maureen Wroblewitz and actress Kisses Delavin in the top three spots of said challenge.
Aberasturi recently got engaged to her boyfriend of eight years, Karl Arcenas. He popped the question in an intimate surprise engagement party. JB
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