Michele Gumabao's brother Marco on her Miss U Philippines finish: 'Now is not the time to be bitter’

Michelle Gumabao's brother Marco has taken to Instagram to express his support for his sister, who finished second runner-up at the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 pageant on Sunday.

The actor shared a photo of his sister in an IG story with a text saying: “I’m proud of you! Of course, I don’t agree with the decision, but now is not the time to be bitter about it. I know this is God’s plan. We’re just getting started.”

“Love you @gumabaomichele,” he added, tagging his sister.

Courtesy: Marco Gumabao/IG

Michele, who was representing Quezon City in the pageant, lost to Iloilo’s Rabiya Mateo, who was crowned the winner.

As of the finale aired Sunday, Ysabella Ysmael of Paranaque City was named first runner-up, while Michele clinched second runner-up honors. Pauline Amelinckx of Bohol and Kimberly Hakenson of Cavite also made the top 5.

In a statement shared by Aces and Queens after the announcement, the former volleyball star said she left the venue “while the pageant was still going on.”

"I knew who won last night pa. I tried to go to the viewing party but everyone kept asking what happened. All the hugs, all the looks, I couldn't handle that,"  Michele said.

She also clarified that she "can handle defeat” but not "people asking why why why."

Michele’s statement has drawn criticism on social media, with some netizens expressing disappointment over the professional athlete-turned-beauty queen’s supposed lack of “sportsmanship.” — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News