Beatrice Luigi Gomez

Philippines gears up for Eilat finals

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

A candidate's pasarela or gait could spell wonders for her chances in getting a high placement in any pageant system.

It was what made pageant fans take a second look at Dominican Republic's Kimberly Jimenez in last summer's Miss Universe edition. It was what made Shamcey Supsup-Lee stand out in the 2011 Brazil edition. And it was what cemented Catriona Gray's victory in the 2018 Bangkok edition.

That is probably the reason why reigning Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez is doing double time in her pasarela training. From what we've seen from her gait at the recent Michael Leyva bridal show, as well as the short clips from her Aces & Queens camp, Bea is stage ready!

Albeit needing a few minor tweaks here and there, Bea's runway skills are near perfect. What's probably needed is her timing and speed in the different categories that will need different levels of gait. Her twirls and turns are flawless and her full-step catwalk has become very graceful. All she needs now is take in the physical setting of the final show stage so she can fully approximate her moves come coronation night.

Fashion designer Francis Libiran, who created Megan Young's winning gown, is rumored to be doing seven gowns for Bea and her team to choose from.

After her final training sessions this week, Bea will be doing her required quarantine prior to departure. She'll be leaving for Tel Aviv on Nov. 25, the same day as Anchilee Scott-Kemmis of Thailand. Both girls informed fans of this fact during a recent Instagram Live session with Colombia's Valeria Ayos and Chile's Antonia Figueroa.

Bea and Anchilee will arrive in Israel just in time for the registration and sashing ceremony.

The 70th Miss Universe calendar will follow this schedule:

Nov 28-29 - Arrival and registration

Nov 28-Dec 4 - Fitting and photo shoot (Ramada Wyndham in Jerusalem)

Dec 4-14 - Pre-pageant events (Isrotel Yam Sur in Eilat)

Dec 6-7 - Preliminary/panel interview

Dec 8 - Preliminary competitions

Dec 9-11 - Rehearsals

Dec 12 - Final show

The 70th Miss Universe final show will be beamed live from Eilat on Dec 13, 7:30 am, via the A2Z Kapamilya Channel. Stay tuned for more updates in the weeks and days leading to the coronation night.