BY ADRIAN P. NEMES III
Two Bacoleña beauties made it to the top 100 delegates for the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 pageant.
Nikki de Grano and Shane Pia with 98 other Filipinas will have to undergo a series of virtual challenges in the following weeks.
From 100 delegates, the number will be narrowed down to 75, then to 50, and finally to the top 30 finalists, who will compete during the coronation night on September 25, the MUP announced.
On her Facebook page, De Grano said the desire of joining pageants has been in her heart for so long, but she never tried due to the height requirement.
MUP had removed the height requirement since the inaugural pageant in October last year under the new licensed franchise holder, led by 2011 Miss Universe 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup-Lee.
De Grano said there is no pressure or expectation, adding that she will enjoy this journey and make new friends.
As for Pia, she said the love and support coming from Bacolod and Negros are so gratifying that she is still in awe.
She said that just thinking that she is going to represent the city and the province makes her heart full.
Pia was second runner-up in the MassKara Queen 2018 pageant.
The two beauties will vie for the coveted title currently held by Ilongga Rabiya Mateo, and the chance to represent the country in the Miss Universe pageant in December.*
