Leren Mae Bautista ‘signs off’ from pageantry after Miss Universe Philippines loss

Leren Mae Bautista of Laguna is officially "signing off" from pageantry after failing to win the crown at the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 pageant on Thursday.

The 2019 Miss Globe 2nd runner-up made the announcement in an Instagram on Friday, saying: "The crown is my dream and representing the Philippines is my pride and honor."

Leren thanked her fans and her team for their love and support before officially bidding pageantry farewell.

"We might not have the crown but having you fight with me all through out the competition made me realized that the true crown is in front of me and that crown is you," she said.

“There is no such thing as defeat if you try," she added.

Leren Mae Bautista gracefully bowed out of the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 competition as part of the Top 10, while the crown went to Beatrice Luigi Gomez of Cebu City.

The 28-year-old stunner from Laguna made her mark in the Philippine pageant scene after being crowned Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2019 and coming close to winning the Miss Globe crown as 2nd runner-up.

Leren took one last shot at a crown in Miss Universe Philippines 2021, looking gorgeous in a shimmering gold evening gown.

“Pageantry, you changed my life. Salamat!” Leren said in her caption.

“I will forever hold on this: ONCE A BINIBINI, ALWAYS A BINIBINI,” she said.

“For the last time, Leren Mae Magnaye Bautista, LAGUNA! Now signing off.” — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News