Kisses Delavin faced criticisms in the runway video challenge of the Top 75 candidates for the Miss Universe-Philippines beauty pageant.
Netizens were not satisfied with her outfit and ‘pasarela’ [walk] with most comments saying that “she needs more practice.”
Others also said that although she’s got the beauty, wits, and talent–it is not the right time for her to win the pageant.
On August 8, the Miss Universe Philippines Organization announced that the names of the Top 75 candidates and Delavin’s name is included.
It was also stated that the selection criteria included votes from the Headshot, Intro Video Challenges, and the MUPH Organization [not based solely on the fan votes].
Delavin ranked first for the video introduction challenge for having the most votes. She also topped the first challenge, the headshot challenge.
Here are some reactions from netizens on twitter:
https://twitter.com/z3ushad3s/status/1425261145460396041?s=20
https://twitter.com/KissesForNow/status/1424679393788514306?s=20
hahaha natawa ako sa baka mabulonan..well! wag nilang e under estimate c Kisses..She's very good in Q&A. more practice lng sa pag rampa ang kailangan.
— Marlyn Larcena (@Sweetlyn081) July 18, 2021
Despite being heavily criticized online, the aspiring beauty queen said she is very confident.
Her training with the credible pageant camp Aces and Queens also helped her refine her skills.
“I feel very blessed to be in this moment in time, to be in here, to be competing with girls that are equally accomplished, and equally empowered.
“I feel blessed.
“At the same time, I feel very confident because I carry in my heart all those Filipino people who would also like to be on that stage,” she said in an interview with pageant expert Gerry Diaz on August 11.
Delavin became known after joining Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7 in 2016. Before that, she won beauty contests in her province.
