Sad news, pageant fans. No individual will be crowned Miss International this year. The pageant has been canceled for the second year in a row, as announced by the Miss International Organization last August 31.
Similar to the 2020 pageant, the Japan-based organization cited safety concerns brought by the COVID-19 pandemic as the cause of cancelation. Originally slated for November 2021, the next installment of the competition is now slated for fall 2022. Until then, Sireethorn Leearamwat of Thailand will continue to carry the Miss International title.
Following the disheartening announcement, many sent messages of support to Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold who was set to represent the country in the pageant.
Hannah's mentor Kali Navea-Huff wrote on Instagram, "Hans, you are known to many as the Miss International Philippines 2021 and I'm still hopeful that you'll still have your chance to represent the country on the international stage…but you will always be a queen.
"A queen is someone who impacts lives by sharing her story, her experience, & advocates for things she's passionate about. She is someone who uses her platform and is a messenger of truth and hope. You are all of these things and more, because you are the epitome of a multidimensional woman! I truly believe you have what it takes to use your voice to create ripples in the water and eventually impact a whole generation."
Hannah's fellow Binibining Pilipinas 2021 candidate Pat Babista also sent her a thoughtful message.
She wrote, "Still hoping and praying to see you rock the international stage, @arnoldhan_. You are a queen, an inspiration, a friend, a scientist and so much more. You embrace the infinite variability of womanhood and inspire other women to do so too. I know you’ll have a meaningful reign, Han! We love youuu [emojis]"
Hairstylist Jonas Lucas' response to the announcement was short and sweet, and perhaps what all of Hannah's supporters are thinking now: "Beautiful things always take time and [it's] always worth the wait."
Before directly addressing the situation, Hannah shared a quote on Instagram that seems to allude to the pageant cancelation. It reads, "Our real blessings often appear to us in the shape of pains, losses, and disappointments; but let us have patience and we soon shall see them in their proper figures."
A few hours later, Hannah responded to the highly-anticipated pageant's postponement through an Instagram post. The beauty queen fortunately seemed to remain in high spirits despite the news.
"I have to admit that yesterday I was upset and in shock with the news of the 2021 edition of Miss International being cancelled [emoji]," she wrote in her caption.
"However waking up today and discussing it with my loved ones, BPCI and my MI sisters from all around the world, we realised it's in the best interest of the org. to keep us safe at this time. I will definitely use this reign to grow more, focus on my advocacy work and most importantly pursue the goal of 'cheering all women'.
"Let's remind ourselves that a new month means a new beginning, a new mindset and a new result. First, let’s start the BER months with a little laugh in the rain [emojis]"
Hannah Arnold is currently 25 years old, which means she will remain eligible for the Miss International crown by 2022 if the pageant pushes through. The age limit for the competition is 28 years old, according to Miss International director Stephen Diaz.
Read the Miss International Organization's official statement below:
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
