Miss Universe Philippines 2020 2nd Runner Up Michele Gumabao broke her silence on why she left the Baguio Country Club after the competition’s telecast.
In an interview, she said that the Miss Universe organization knew why she left and that they okayed it. Then, it came as a surprise to her that there were no statements or messages from the organization explaining her departure.
“Alam po ng organization kung bakit ako umalis. I messaged Mama Jonas Gaffud the reasons why I left and he said okay. So I’m really surprised that there was no message from the organization as to my departure,” said Michele.
Michele added that negative comments from social media were not surprising to her as well.
“With social media, I’m used to it, I’m used to all the comments. So hindi naman po sakin nakakasama yon. Yun lang po talaga, nagulat lang ako na walang sinabi from the organization why I left,” Michele added.
Michele also added that since no one is coming to her defense, she will be releasing her official statement regarding her departure.
“Although, I will be issuing my statement as to why, and my reasons why. I hope it clears up a little bit sa lahat ng mga issues ng mga tao. Syempre kung walang magtatanggol sayo kailangan ipagtanggol mo ang sarili mo,” said Michele.
Michele came under fire when netizens questioned why she wasn’t present at the press conference of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 despite placing at the 2nd runner up spot of the pageant.
So asan siya sa presscon?
— Darren Sanchez | 🐻 (@SanchezDarren) October 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/mrswabesunghoon/status/1321744172852785152
Sa mga Guestings ng winners ng Miss Universe Philippines bakit kaya wala lagi si @gumabaomichele ?
— Baby (@thewanderbaby) October 29, 2020
nagpakita na si michele gumabao omg hahaha
— gabriel (@ogpings) October 29, 2020
Ganitong oras sana may coverage na dapat sa The Buzz sa pagkapanalo ni Rabiya Mateo, pa-tea ni Sandra Lemonade, o pagkawala sa eksena ni Michele Gumabao sa presscon after coronation of #MissUniversePhilippines
I miss Sunday entertainment talk show. #MissUniversePhilippines2020
— Joken (@jokenkenAR) October 25, 2020
Michele left the pre-taped pageant before the announcement of the winners and didn’t attend the presscon the next day. On social media, she revealed that she already knew who won the night before the announcement.