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In an unexpected turn of events, Sorsogon-bet Maria Isabela Galeria has decided to withdraw from the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines competition as she is still recovering from the coronavirus or COVID-19.

The announcement came from the beauty queen herself as posted on her personal social media account.

“As you may all know, I tested positive for COVID19,” she wrote.

“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.”

According to Isabela, she was supposed to be released after following the 14-day quarantine. However, she was still manifesting some symptoms.

On October 11, Isabela and her dad had been declared by the Department of Health as survivors of the respiratory disease.

“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,” she added.

“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.”

View this post on Instagram

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

A post shared by Maria Isabela Galeria (@mariaisabelagaleria) on Oct 15, 2020 at 2:45am PDT

Being one of the top contenders in this year's pageant, Isabela received a lot of love and support from former beauty queens and even Kapuso actress Heart Evangelista.

“I love you tabi always, and [I am] always here to back you up! You know that,” Heart said.

“I believe in you so much because I know your heart! Love you @mariaisabelagaleria! Your story will only make you stronger. The future is already shining for you.”

Source: mariaisabelagaleria (IG)

The first Miss Universe Philippines grand coronation night will be held on October 25 in Baguio City and will air on GMA-7.