MISS India Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu was crowned yesterday as the 70th Miss Universe in the annual competition held in Eilat, Israel, besting a field of 80 beauty delegates worldwide, including Beatrice Luigi Gomez of the Philippines who emerged as the fourth runner-up.
Harnaaz Sandhu succeeded last year’s winner, Andrea Meza of Mexico. Meza, the third Mexican to win as Miss Universe, had the shortest reign ever, having been crowned last May in Florida after the competition was postponed last year due to the pandemic.
Sandhu, a 21-year-old model and actress, became the third Indian woman to win the Miss Universe crown after Sushmita Sen, who won in Manila in 1994; and Lara Dutta, who won in Cyprus in 2000.
Sandhu clinched the title with her answer to the final question, which was: “What advice would you give young women watching today on how to deal with the pressures they are facing today?”
The Indian beauty answered: “Know that you are unique and that what makes you beautiful. Stop comparing yourself with others and let’s talk about more important things that’s happening worldwide. Come out, speak for yourself because you are the leader of your life, and you are the voice of your own.”
Nadia Ferreira of Paraguay was named first runner-up, while Lalela Mswane of South Africa was second runner-up. Rounding up the Top five were Valeria Ayos of Colombia and Gomez.
Gomez, a military reservist from Cebu City who is openly a lesbian, kept the streak of the Philippines of at least advancing to the semifinals that started 12 years ago when Venus Raj placed fourth runner-up in Las Vegas.
Within that period, Philippine delegates have emerged as winner twice, runner-up and Top 5 or Top 6, six times; Top 10 finalist, twice; and Top 20, twice.
The highlights were the victories of Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray, who were crowned as Miss Universe in 2015 and 2018, respectively. The Philippines has four Miss Universe champions to date, including Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Margie Moran in 1973.
The Miss Universe Finals Selection Committee this year included Filipina actress Marian Rivera, former Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere of France who won in Manila in 2016, and Lori Harvey, daughter of Steve Harvey who hosted the pageant for the sixth time.
Malacanang yesterday lauded Gomez for bringing joy and honor to the country after landing in the top five of the Miss U pageant.
Cabinet Secretary and acting presidential spokesman Karlo Nograles said the country is proud of Gomez and her accomplishments in the 70th Miss Universe pageant.
“A member of our armed forces, an athlete, and a youth advocate, Ms. Gomez is an inspiring figure whose participation in Miss Universe allowed the world to see what we in the country witness every day: the strength, grace, and beauty of the Filipino woman,” he said.
Nograles said Malacanang also wished Gomez all the best in her plans and undertakings. — With Jocelyn Montemayor
