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2 MUP candidates withdraw due to COVID-19

By Brooke Villanueva Published Oct 17, 2020 2:15 am

The chance to send a rep to the Miss Universe stage is no longer there for Sorsogon and Cagayan de Oro.

Maria Isabela Galeria of Sorsogon and Vincy Vacalares of Cagayan de Oro, after testing positive for COVID-19, have announced their withdrawal from the Miss Universe Philippines competition.

In an Instagram post, Galeria recounted experiencing symptoms last September 27, which she managed with medications for over two weeks. She has been declared a survivor by the Department of Health last October 11.

Still, the 21-year-old said it would be best to take a rest and pull herself out of the pageant.

“I’m forever grateful to each of you who invested so much time and effort in helping me through this journey; however, even with a strong will to fight, my body is not well conditioned yet,” she wrote.

“With a heavy heart, I believe now is not the right time to join the pageant. I still feel tired, and I don’t think my body will allow me to participate in the activities of Miss Universe Philippines,” she continued.

“I hope you understand this is something beyond my control. I’ve thought hard and cried for so many nights about this. I have the willpower, but my body is not cooperating.”

View this post on Instagram

Marhay na Adlaw tabi sa indo gabos♥️ As you may all know, I tested positive for COVID19. I started to develop signs and symptoms on September 27, 2020, starting with nasal congestion and loss of sense of taste/smell. I occasionally felt like there was something heavy on my chest. Fortunately, it was bearable and didn't progress to a more severe level of DOB (Difficulty of Breathing). I then started to manifest rashes accompanied by extreme itchiness and dry skin. I woke up last October 3 with red, itchy, and teary eyes. I was under a handful of medications for more than two weeks to manage my symptoms. Following the 14-day quarantine, I was supposed to be released on October 8. As per protocol, I needed to be asymptomatic for three days before discharge. Unfortunately, I was still manifesting some symptoms. Last October 11, DOH declared my dad and me as COVID SURVIVORS. Praise be to God!! I'm forever grateful to each of you who invested so much time and effort in helping me through this journey; however, even with a strong will to fight, my body is not well conditioned yet. With a heavy heart, I believe now is not the right time to join the pageant. I still feel tired, and I don't think my body will allow me to participate in the activities of Miss Universe Philippines. I hope you understand this is something beyond my control. I've thought hard and cried for so many nights about this. I have the willpower, but my body is not cooperating. I'm praying for your utmost understanding. I love you all!! Mahal na Mahal ko kamo!! ?♥️ Salamatunon tabi sa gabos ?♥️ This is your Miss Universe Philippines SORSOGON 2020, Maria Isabela Galeria

A post shared by Maria Isabela Galeria (@mariaisabelagaleria) on

Vacalares, meanwhile, tested positive for coronavirus last October 14 and is still confined in a hospital in Manila.

“This means that I will not be able to continue with my journey to the Miss Universe Philippines crown this year,” she said on Facebook.

“Rest assured, I am in good hands. I sincerely apologize for what happened. Please be always on the lookout for your health and safety.”

With a heavy heart, allow me to break the news to all of you that I tested positive for Covid-19 last October 14. This...

Posted by Vincy Vacalares for Miss Universe Philippines on Friday, October 16, 2020

The grand coronation night will be held on October 25. Filipinos can watch it via Ring Light at 10:30 a.m. in Manila.

Banner image taken from Maria Isabela Galeria and Vincy Vacalares' Instagram accounts

TAGS: Miss Universe miss universe philippines vincy vacalares cagayan de oro sorsogon maria isabela galeria

About the author

Brooke Villanueva

Deputy Editor

Brooke Villanueva is the deputy editor of PhilSTAR L!fe, covering everything lifestyle—with a focus on food and travel. Apart from her responsibilities as a lifestyle journalist, she is also taking her MBA at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. She has completed a certificate program on the fundamentals of business developed by top faculty at Harvard Business School. Follow her on Instagram at @itsbrookevillanueva.