The Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne/ARMIN P. ADINA
MANILA, Philippines — Maureen Montagne marked the culmination of her decade-long pageant “career” by relinquishing her title as The Miss Globe in Albania on Oct. 15 (Oct. 16 in Manila) to Anabel Payano from the Dominican Republic.
“It was such a journey. To pass my crown after 10 years of competing was sad, but tender, but happy. It was all the emotions in one,” Montagne told the Inquirer in an interview at the sidelines of a press conference for an event in Quezon City, which she hosted.
“I’m really grateful that I had the chance to win an international title for my last pageant,” said Montagne, whose quest for a global crown saw her competing at the 2013 Mutya ng Pilipinas, 2015 Miss Arizona USA, 2015 Miss USA, 2017 Miss World America, 2018 Miss World Philippines, 2019 Miss Eco International, and the 2021 Binibining Pilipinas pageants.
She finished second in the 2019 Miss Eco International pageant in Egypt, and was offered the title in 2020 when the original winner was dethroned for bearing a child during a reign, which got extended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Montagne refused to ascend to the throne because she had already signed up for the Bb. Pilipinas pageant at that time.
The 2021 global queen said she finds her successor to be a “strong model” and advised her to “continue to work on her communication skills, and have presence.”
Montagne continued: “She’s a wonderful girl. So I think if we can get Miss Globe to increase the social media presence I would love that.”
She also has nothing but praise for her Bb. Pilipinas successor, Chelsea Fernandez, who finished in the global tilt’s Top 15 and won the “head-to-head” challenge.
Bb. Pilipinas Globe Chelsea Fernandez/ARMIN P. ADINA
“You are such a queen, and I hope to see you compete on another stage soon. You are so deserving, you are so worthy, and you are perfect,” Montagne said of Fernandez.
She also advised Fernandez not to let the “setback” affect her. “You have 1,000 times more blessings coming your way. And this was actually a blessing in disguise because now you’re [hungrier], and this will fuel your fire.”
Montagne also implored on Filipino fans to continue waving the Philippine flag high, but “be kind and just support our girls.”
She continued: “I know this year, there were a lot of tears with our contestants, from the pressure. And, you know, that’s no one’s fault. I hope we can continue to uplift and support the girls. Because at the end of the day, we should all be having fun.” EDV