Cainta representative, Stacey Gabriel, took to her social media account a message for her mom, Khristine Gabriel, after her journey in the recently concluded Miss Universe Philippines.

On her Instagram page, Stacey posted a video of herself after the coronation night where she was seen crying as she hugged her mom tightly.

“At the end of the day, all roads lead to the warmth of your embrace,” Stacey said in her message. “I stepped into this journey with the promise of honoring the women who came before me – particularly my mother, who, at 20-years-old and against all odds, sacrificed her own dreams so she could raise me to reach mine.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stacey Gabriel (@staceygabriel)

“All my life, I have stood on her shoulders as she lifts me to new heights 🤍 That morning, we held each other in prayer knowing that the battle is not ours, but the battle belongs to the Lord,” Stacey wrote.

Stacey also shared how she felt after being crowned as the first runner-up in the beauty pageant.

“I am grateful beyond measure to be your 1st Runner-Up and will carry out my duties to His purpose, but I also know that it’s okay to be heartbroken over the shared dream that was within reach, but simply not for me last night,” she continued.

Stacey then showed her support for the newly crowned beauty queen, Chelsea Manalo from Bulacan.

“It was, instead, meant for a beautiful woman who will carry the stories of all 53 incredible delegates with her to Mexico. I pray for your success, Chelsea❣️,” she expressed.

READ: Bulacan’s Chelsea Manalo is Miss Universe Philippines 2024 

She ended her message by saying, “Thank you, mama, for being my whole Universe. Up and up… onto the next calling ☄️💫.”

READ: Chelsea Manalo shares thoughts after Miss Universe Philippines win 

Celebrities and her other co-beauty queens expressed their happiness and extended their appreciation to Stacey.

“Congratulations, goddaughter! 😍 I am so proud to call you my inaanak. Your performance at the pageant was impressive, but what's even more admirable is how gracefully you accepted the result. Your heart and values are as big and powerful as your intelligence. Women supporting women is the ultimate goal, and everyone should strive for it. Just because you didn't get the crown this year doesn't mean you never will. Perhaps the third time's the charm? God loves you, and we love you!!! 🤍🥰✨✨✨🇵🇭,” actress Geneva Cruz commented.

Former Binibining Pilipinas International Nicole Borromeo also wrote, “Your greatness goes far beyond any crown, Stace. You were truly extraordinary!! 🙌❤️.”

Another former beauty queen, Sandra Lemonon also added, “Crying tears of sadness & joy as I watch this raw moment… I feel your pain/sympathize/relate to this feeling… it’s okay to mourn/be sad… as we all saw/felt that you gave it your all. The thought part is knowing that what’s meant for you will never pass in the moment it hurts but with time it will all unfold why it happened this way 💖.”

Stacey had shown an incredible performance throughout her journey in the competition, securing her spot in the Top 5 with Chelsea, Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province, Justine Valencia of Baguio, and Christi McGarry of Taguig.

During the question and answer portion, Stacey answered how she would inspire another woman.

“You know, I’ve been told many times that I am too old to join a beauty pageant. But now I realize that pageants are a representation and a reflection of […] that very nation. And tonight, I am not only representing myself but also every Filipino woman who sees themselves in me. I hope to inspire every Filipino that just like Miss Universe, we too are limitless,” she answered.