With the current situation in Iloilo City brought about by the Covid 19 Pandemic, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) and its Miss Iloilo Committee have decided to defer the holding of the actual contest to select a representative for Miss Universe Philippines.
But still, another Ilongga beauty is set to bring the banner of Iloilo in the quest for the Miss Universe Philippines crown this year hoping to repeat the victory of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 and Iloilo City's very own Rabiya Mateo.
IFFI together with the Iloilo City Government, upon the recommendation of its Miss Iloilo Committee, is officially endorsing Ms. Kheshapornam Empedrad Ramachandran as the City of Love's official candidate to upcoming Miss Universe Philippines 2021.
Emerging as first runner-up during the Miss Iloilo 2020 Competition, Ms. Ramachandran is next in line, by order of succession, to be the rightful representative.
She follows right after the three title holders of Miss Iloilo 2020: Miss Iloilo-Universe and now reigning Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo, Miss Iloilo-Binibining Pilipinas Karen Laurrie Mendoza and Miss Iloilo-World Ann Palmares. Ms. Mendoza and Ms. Palmares are competing for their respective national titles in July 2021.
Khesha’s success in different competitions has given her ample experience in the pageantry arena. Ms. Ramachandran was crowned as Mutya ng Iloilo 2018 and eventually Miss Tourism Queen of the Year during the grand finale of the 50th Mutya Ng Pilipinas 2018. She also bagged the title as Hiyas ng Iloilo 2016.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas is giving his full support to Ms. Ramachandran’s endorsement as the official representative of Iloilo City.
Mayor Treñas said, “Gifted with alluring beauty, eloquence and unquestionable intellect, she (Ms. Ramachandran) proves to be a luminary representation of the City of Love. With this recommendation, may she be found worthy to be taught and trained by no one else but the best.”
The City Mayor also appreciated the decision of IFFI and Miss Iloilo to forego with the holding of Miss Iloilo Pageant.
In his letter to IFFI, he said, “I deeply appreciate your social acuity in deciding to defer with the conduct of an actual competition to select our official representative.
Despite these unprecedented times, it is with certitude that we can still power through the pandemic with a deeper and more meaningful purpose. Our participation in the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Competition is a message of hope for our beloved Ilonggos.”
At this time, where everyone’s safety is the main priority, t is best to adhere to the guidelines and protocols set by both the local and national government.
Text/Photos credit to Miss Iloilo Facebook Page