Michele Gumabao has announced her departure from the beauty pageant scene for good because of her age.

“Unfortunately po, because of my age, there will be no more beauty pageants for me,” said the 28-year-old beauty queen.

She also stated that this is the beginning of a “brighter journey” for her as she plans to put up different businesses in the future.

Aside from this, she said that she is also eyeing a career, but she has yet to reveal this detail “in God’s perfect time.” When asked about her volleyball career, she said that she will continue to advocate for sports, since this is her passion and she believes that it will help the youth get into prestigious schools.

After being MIA during the pageant live viewing, as well as being the only winner who was not present in their Wowowin TV guesting, Michele attended the first public event of the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 for Frontrow in Sampaloc, Manila, last October 29.

In an interview, she explained how hectic her schedule was because she had to attend to her responsibilities as an athlete and as a businesswoman after being away for the pageant. She goes on, saying:

“So I’m just really thankful na very understanding din sila po about my personal obligations and also my career, dahil siyempre being the breadwinner of the family, I have to put them first. And always think about the people, my employees.”
She also does private mentoring for beauty pageants as of the moment.

Michele Gumabao is Miss Universe Philippines 2020 2nd runner up, representing Quezon City. She was crowned as Miss Globe Philippines in 2018 — the same year Catriona Gray bagged the Miss Universe title.

Photo Credit: Instagram/gumabaomichele