Even though she was considered as one of the early favorites, actress Vickie Rushton failed to win a crown during the recently concluded Binibining Pilipinas 2019 pageant.
During the first half of the pageant, pageant fans thought that Rushton was going to be one of the winners after she bagged six out of the 13 special awards.
She won Jag Denim Queen, Miss Ever Bilena, Manila Bulletin Reader’s Choice, Poten Cee Gandang Palaban, Miss World Balance, and Bb. Cream Silk.
However, during the question-and-answer portion, Rushton disappointed her fans with her mediocre answer when she was asked about her opinions on mental health.
Her question was: “Why is mental health as important as physical health?”
Unfortuantely, Rushton said in post-pageant interview that she got distracted with an audience member.
“Nasayangan ako. I know kung ano ang sasabihin ko, pero may nag-distract sa akin sa audience. May tumayo at nag-make face,” she said in an interview with “Umagang Kay Ganda”.
After her question-and-answer gaffe, one netizen commented that Rushton was not able to win a crown because she is simply “overrated”.
“Overrated, she’s just sponsors’ favorite. Lol, the question she got for Q&A was even bias because her advocacy is mental health yet she didn’t answer well. Maybe Ms. U isn’t really for her. #JustSaying,” the netizen said.
Actor Jason Abalos, Rushton’s boyfriend, quickly came to his girlfriend’s defense and replied to the netizen.
“Sali ka. Mag-cheer kami for you,” Abalos said.
Even before the pageant, Abalos has already expressed his support to Rushton by uploading a photo of her on Instagram.
“Nakatingin ka sa bituin. Hindi sya, ikaw. Tingnan mo syang mabuti! Makikita mo sa mga mata nya ang sinasabi ng puso nya. Lumalaban sya hindi para sa sarile nya, don sya naiba sa iba,” Abalos captioned the photo.
Due to the results of the pageant, many netizens are encouraging Rushton to join again next year. However, it is not certain if she will still be allowed to compete since she is already 27 years old and the age limit for the competition is only 26.
Cebuana model Gazini Gadanos was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2019 during the said event.
