Cancelled?

Is Miss Planet International 2022 not pushing through?

By Ear D.C. Bracamonte

In what could have been the second edition of the Miss Planet International on Nov 19, and its first pageant after the pandemic, the entire pageant community was shocked over the news of its cancellation.

In an IG Stories post, Miss Planet Czech Republic 2022 Tamila Sparrow wrote, "I have to apologize, but unfortunately, we were robbed. We haven't had even 10% of activity, nothing was paid, nor our accommodations, nor our food. We're stuck in Uganda.

"We have been trying to solve it; even those who are not involved in the pageant paid with their own money to keep us fed and safe. I couldn't be silent anymore. I apologize for everybody who put a lot of effort in us, monetary or mentally wise. But this has to be seen by the public. Please share.

"In fact, I was all supportive and was with Miss Philippines till the very end. And please, stop saying who was supposed to win. It's not fair to all of us who are dealing with this outcome. Spent few hours in the police department in Kampala. To file a testimony against responsible production manager here."

"35 candidates (who haven't left yet) were scammed! . . . All we know - we are leaving the country as soon as possible."

Fans and supporters are all praying for the girls' safety and well-being.

In a concurring message, Miss Planet Jamaica 2022 Tonille Watskis also posted in her social media account. She wrote, "It doesn't stop me from standing where I have been standing - to say out loud what I believe in and support causes I've been supporting. Just give me time to figure everything out. Please!

"Thank you for all your support up until this moment. Unfortunately, the competition has been cancelled. But, it was such an honor to have the chance to represent my beautiful Jamaica again."

Of the rumored 80+ candidates who signed up to join, only 37 delegates showed up on registration day, including our very own Binibining Pilipinas 2022 1st runner-up Herlene Nicole Budol.