Miss Universe Philippines-Pagadian Hershey Mae Senit/ARMIN P. ADINA
Many people believe epilepsy limits a person’s options in life, but not for Hershey Mae Senit who represents Pagadian City in the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines pageant.
The youngest contestant in the competition at 18 years old, Senit said she was born with the neurological condition that causes seizures. But at this early stage in her life, she has shown that those living with epilepsy can lead “normal” lives.
“My neurologist has mentioned that I need to be active,” Senit told INQUIRER.net at the sidelines of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant’s signing event with lead sponsor Villa Medica held at Hilton Manila in Pasay City last month.
As in many pageants, the national competition has been hectic for the contestants, with a full calendar of activities and events. But the young Zamoboangueña said she has been managing her condition quite well, even when there have been days when they still went about with insufficient sleep.
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“In order for me to be active here, with less sleep, I also work out to balance everything that I do, when I eat, sleep, and work out,” shared Senit, one of the 53 ladies from around the country and overseas Filipino communities competing to succeed reigning queen Michelle Marquez Dee.
The ladies have just come from Boracay where the crucial Swimsuit challenge took place. Now the pageant has brought them farther down south, closer to Senit’s home city, for one of the most anticipated events in the competition.
“The national costume competition of Miss Universe Philippines 2024 will be happening in the majestic land of Sultan Kudarat! Get ready for that and more—tours, a parade, and charity events on our first visit to Mindanao!” the national pageant posted on social media.
Voting is currently ongoing for the just-concluded swimsuit challenge on the Miss Universe Philippines app. The winner will earn a guaranteed spot in the semifinal round on the final competition to be held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on May 22.
R’Bonney Gabriel, winner of the 71st Miss Universe competition, will host the show, with “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World” Season 2 finalist Marina Summers as special guest performer.
The winner of the national competition will represent the country in the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico later this year, and try to succeed Nicaraguan queen Sheynnis Palacios who is scheduled to visit the Philippines soon.