A 20-year-old aircraft maintenance technology student has been chosen as Iloilo City’s official screening candidate for the Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) 2021 pageant.

The selection of Kheshapornam Empedrad Ramachandran was announced by the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) on Thursday, June 10.

“Ms. Ramachandran is the next in line, by order of succession, to be the rightful representative. She was crowned as first runner-up during the Miss Iloilo 2020 competition. She follows right after the three title holders of Miss Iloilo 2020: Miss Iloilo-Universe and now reigning Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo, Miss Iloilo-Binibining Pilipinas Karen Laurrie Mendoza and Miss Iloilo-World Ann Palmares,” the IFFI explained.

Mendoza and Palmares are competing for their respective national titles next month.

IFFI and its Miss Iloilo Committee decided to defer the staging of the Miss Iloilo pageant to select a representative for Miss Universe Philippines due to the continued surge of COVID-19 cases in the city.

“At this time, everyone’s safety is the main priority and it is best to adhere to the guidelines and protocols set by both the local and national government,” the IFFI said.

In an interview, Ramachandran said she was “shocked” and “overwhelmed” upon learning the decision of the IFFI and the city government.

“It was just a childhood dream joining miss universe and now it is really happening!” she told IMT NEWS.

Ramachandran vowed to do her best to win the MUP 2021 crown.

“Himuon ko gid ang tanan para mapuli ta ang korona sang Miss Universe Philippines Palangga ko kamo tanan,” she said.

Ramachandran was crowned as Mutya ng Iloilo 2018 and eventually Miss Tourism Queen of the Year during the grand finale of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2018. She also bagged the title as Hiyas ng Iloilo 2016.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas gave his full support to Ramachandran’s endorsement as the official representative of Iloilo City.

“Gifted with alluring beauty, eloquence and unquestionable intellect, she proves to be a luminary representation of the City of Love. With this recommendation, may she be found worthy to be taught and trained by no one else but the best,” he said.IMT