Beauty pageant in Bolivia postponed due to political unrest

By: Robert R. Requintina

Published October 30, 2019, 11:51 PM

Miss Philippines Katrina Llegado and other candidates competing in the Reina Hispanoamericana 2019 beauty pageant were told to leave Bolivia due to political unrest there.

OFF TO CANADA – Miss Philippines Katrina Llegado holds the Philippine flag as she leaves Bolivia due to political unrest in the country. (Facebook/Katrina Llegado)

Organizers of the Hispanic-themed beauty contest said that they are postponing the beauty contest indefinitely. It was scheduled to be held on November 9.

“See you again, Bolivia! Your people are both beautiful and tough. I admire the strength of your conviction. I humbly ask for prayers for Bolivia. Pray for protection, peace, and justice,” said Llegado on Facebook.

She added: “For those who are asking, I will be in Toronto to spend meaningful time with my loved ones.”

The political unrest in Bolivia is reportedly caused by protests over alleged political fraud.

On Facebook, pageant organizers announced: “Promociones Gloria announces that the International Contest ‘Reina Hispanoamericana’ has been postponed until further notice for the events that are happening in our country. We appreciate your kind understanding.”

Llegado, 21, is the third Filipino to compete in the 29-year-old beauty contest.

In 2017, Teresita Marquez became the first Filipino and first Asian to win Reina Hispanoamerica beauty pageant, a contest that celebrates Hispanic heritage, language, and culture.

Reigning Reina Hispanoamericana Nariman Battikha of Venezuela will crown her successor at the end of the show. Twenty-six candidates are competing for the title.

https://entertainment.mb.com.ph/2019/10/30/beauty-pageant-in-bolivia-postponed-due-to-political-unrest/