A few days before the coronation night, Joanna Marie Rabe from Zambales announced that she's no longer competing in this year's Miss Universe Philippines beauty pageant.
"Hi everyone!! With great sadness, I would like to inform you that my Miss Universe Philippines journey has been cut short. I got Dengue Fever earlier this week and my doctors advised that I would need more time to recover my strength," Rabe wrote on Instagram.
Rabe reiterated that she will be forever indebted to the people who helped her in her pageant journey.
"I have grown so much," she declared.
Rabe hopes to see everyone in a bigger stage and much brighter circumstances in the future.
"Maraming Salamat po! Stay safe & God bless everyone."
Rabe's colleagues in pageantry were quick to extend their well-wishes.
Maureen Wroblewitz wrote: "Jojo missing you here!! I hope that you feel better soon! I am sooo proud of you! Love youuu Jojowannabe."
Reigning Bb. Pilipinas International Hannah Arnold said: "Love you so much, beautiful! I remember the first time we met in 2019 I already knew you were a queen! We are so proud of you and will wait for your great comeback! Get well soon, Jo."
Ayn Bernos commented: "We are thinking of and praying for you sis. Get well soon."