Stacey Gabriel after MUPH first runner-up finish: ‘It’s okay to be heartbroken’

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Stacey Gabriel. Image: Dennis Sulit via Instagram/@staceygabriel

Stacey Gabriel who dedicated her Miss Universe Philippines 2024 journey to God and her mother, said there’s nothing wrong with being “heartbroken” with the results of the national tilt, as long as she remained firm with her purpose.

Gabriel, who represented Cainta in the recently concluded Miss Universe Philippines 2024 where she ended as first runner-up, took to Instagram on Friday, May 24, to share that her pageant journey was meant to honor the women “who came before her,” particularly her mother.

The post includes a backstage clip of herself crying while hugging her mother which apparently took place after the winner’s announcement.

“I stepped into this journey with the promise of honoring the women who came before me – particularly my mother, who, at 20 years old and against all odds, sacrificed her own dreams so she could raise me to reach mine. All my life, I have stood on her shoulders as she lifts me to new heights,” she said.

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A post shared by Stacey Gabriel (@staceygabriel)

Gabriel added that while her Miss Universe Philippines stint belonged to the Lord, it’s okay to be “heartbroken” on how the national pageant turned out for her.

“I am grateful beyond measure to be your 1st runner-up and will carry out my duties to His purpose, but I also know that it’s okay to be heartbroken over the shared dream that was within reach, but simply not for me last night,” she said.

The beauty queen nonetheless congratulated newly-crowned titleholder Chelsea Manalo as she will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico.

“It was, instead, meant for a beautiful woman who will carry the stories of all 53 incredible delegates with her to Mexico. I pray for your success, Chelsea. Thank you, mama, for being my whole Universe. Up and up… onto the next calling,” she said.

Gabriel’s post caught the attention of fellow beauty queens Sandra Lemonon, Nicole Borromeo, Michelle Arceo, Ayn Bernos, Angelique Manto, Katarina Rodriguez, and Annabelle McDonnell, who praised the Cainta native for her performance in the comments.

Actress and former beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez and Geneva Cruz said they are proud of Gabriel as well.

Screenshots from Instagram/@staceygabriel

Before competing in Miss Universe Philippines 2024, Gabriel represented Cainta at the Binibining Pilipinas 2022 pageant where she was named second runner-up.

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