Sorsogon bet Maria Isabela Galeria, a COVID-19 survivor, withdraws from Miss Universe Philippines

Sorsogon candidate Maria Isabela Galeria announced on Thursday evening  that she will be withdrawing from the Miss Universe Philippines pageant.

"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," Isabela wrote in the caption of her post.

Isabela said she "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)," she added.

Aside from the symptoms she felt, Isabela said she "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," she wrote.

"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," she added.

Isabela said it was only on October 11 when the Department of Health (DOH) declared her and her father as COVID-19 survivors.

However, Isabela thinks her body is not "well conditioned yet."

"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 wrote.

Given her situation, Isabel said "with a heavy heart" she believes now is not the right time for her 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," she added.

She continued and asked for everyone's understanding admitting she has been emotional about the decision.

"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," she said.

"I'm praying for your utmost understanding. I love you all!! Mahal na Mahal ko kamo!!" she added.

Last September, Isabel announced she tested positive with COVID-19.

The Miss Universe Philippines coronation night will air on GMA-7 on October 25. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News