Miss Cavite Kimberly Hakenson opens up being a survivor of 'gender-based abuse'

Miss Universe Philippines candidate from Cavite, Kimberly “Billie” Hakenson, opened up about being a survivor of gender-based abuse on her opening statement at the 2020 Miss Universe Philippines.

Host KC Montero asked Hakenson, “Throughout this journey, you have discovered that you are a phenomenal woman who is conditioned for greater. How can you create a positive and lasting impact to the world around you?”

She answered, “I was a survivor of gender-based abuse. And without knowing it, maybe so are you.”

“And I am not here to just be a voice. I am here to amplify voices because we will not be silenced by fear anymore.

“We are here to be empowered by truth.”

Hakenson “stated the truth” that she is bisexual, in a Facebook post last October 23.

Hakenson was part of the Top 16 alongside Miss Biliran Skelly Ivy Florida, Miss Albay Paula Ortega, Miss Bohol Pauline Amelinckx, Miss Aklan Christelle Anjali Abello, Miss Iloilo City Rabiya Mateo, Miss Cebu City Tracy Maureen Perez, Miss Davao City Alaiza Malinao,Miss Cebu Province Apriel Smith, Miss Misamis Oriental Caroline Joy Veronilla, Miss Mandaue Lou Dominique Piczon, Miss Taguig Sandra Lemonon, Miss Quezon City Michele Theresa Imperial Gumabao, Miss Romblon Maria Fee Tajaran, Miss Pasig City Riana Agatha L. Pangindian, and Miss Paranaque City Ysabella Ysmael.

The Miss Universe Philippines 2020 coronation was aired on GMA Network earlier.

Watch the replay telecast tonight at 10:30 p.m. on GMA-7.