Miss Universe Philippines candidate Christelle Abello is the new 2021 calendar girl

Miss Universe Philippines candidate from Aklan, Christelle Abello, was launched as Ginebra San Miguel 2021 Calendar Girl in a virtual media event held recently.

She takes the reins from Kapuso actress Sanya Lopez.

"I'm so thrilled, I'm so excited, and I'm so overwhelmed all at the same time.

"It's just a blessing from up above. I just can't believe that I'm actually chosen to be the Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl," Christelle said after she was introduced to the media.

She added, "This is more than just a dream come true for me. This is a dream that has turned into a reality and I am so excited for what's to come next."

Since she was still at the competition at the time she was introduced as a calendar girl, Christelle mentioned about how she felt about competing in a beauty pageant during the pandemic.

The 26-year-old model said the "never say die" spirit kept her motivated all throughout her Miss Universe Philippines journey.

"When the pandemic hit us, it's been really hard for us candidates. I've reached a point where I thought about quitting and going home and say good bye to the pageant.

"I thought to myself at first that this might be a way for me to focus on myself and to kind of keep myself sane.

"But then, at the end of the day, I've thought, 'I've come this far, why do I have to quit?'

"And I have all these people supporting me, from my family from Aklan and my family from Cavite.

"And I told myself that I've come so far and I've worked so hard to prepare for this not to quit.

"So, I really wanted to push myself and that's what I said never say die talaga. I really have to push hard kaya laban lang."

Christelle indeed gave her best until she ended her Miss Universe Philippines stint being at the top 16 candidates.

Meanwhile, Chrtistelle admitted that there's a pressure on being the new calendar girl.

"Of course, there's a pressure because I'm just a simple girl, as you've seen from the video.

"I'm just here as a candidate for Miss Universe Philppines and then, this happened for me.

"So, there definitely is some pressure because I'm compared to other previous calendar girls such as Sanya Lopez and Pia Wurtzbach.

"Grabe sila, di ba? Parang ang taas na nila.

"Of course, there's much pressure on me because I wanna be on the same level as them.

"Of course, as a person, I wanna deliver the role as the Ginebra San Miguel calendar girl.

"So, there is some nerves there, but it's exciting all at once. I'm very happy for this, sobrang thrilled," she concluded.

Learn more about 2021 Calendar Girl Chrtistelle Abello in this gallery.