Miss Sorsogon Maria Isabela Galeria announced today, Oct. 15, that she will not be continuing her journey in the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 pageant.
Note the MUP coronation night is to be held only a few days away, on Oct. 25.
In a statement, Galeria, who recently won her battle against COVID-19, shared on Instagram that she simply can't compete at this point.
She said, "My body is not well conditioned yet.
"With a heavy heart, I believe now is not the right time to join the pageant. I still feel tired, and I don't think my body will allow me to participate in the activities of Miss Universe Philippines.
"I hope you understand this is something beyond my control. I've thought hard and cried for so many nights about this. I have the willpower, but my body is not cooperating.
"I'm praying for your utmost understanding."
This leaves the number of of competitors vying for the MUP sash and crown to 48.
Her full post:
"Marhay na Adlaw tabi sa indo gabos♥️
"As you may all know, I tested positive for COVID19.
"I started to develop signs and symptoms on September 27, 2020, starting with nasal congestion and loss of sense of taste/smell. I occasionally felt like there was something heavy on my chest. Fortunately, it was bearable and didn't progress to a more severe level of DOB (Difficulty of Breathing). I then started to manifest rashes accompanied by extreme itchiness and dry skin. I woke up last October 3 with red, itchy, and teary eyes. I was under a handful of medications for more than two weeks to manage my symptoms.
"Following the 14-day quarantine, I was supposed to be released on October 8. As per protocol, I needed to be asymptomatic for three days before discharge. Unfortunately, I was still manifesting some symptoms.
"Last October 11, DOH declared my dad and me as COVID SURVIVORS. Praise be to God!!
"I'm forever grateful to each of you who invested so much time and effort in helping me through this journey; however, even with a strong will to fight, my body is not well conditioned yet.
"With a heavy heart, I believe now is not the right time to join the pageant. I still feel tired, and I don't think my body will allow me to participate in the activities of Miss Universe Philippines.
"I hope you understand this is something beyond my control. I've thought hard and cried for so many nights about this. I have the willpower, but my body is not cooperating.
"I'm praying for your utmost understanding.
"I love you all!! Mahal na Mahal ko kamo!! ?♥️
"Salamatunon tabi sa gabos ?♥️
"This is your Miss Universe Philippines SORSOGON 2020, Maria Isabela Galeria."