MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles®) – The Philippines became the first Asian country to drop out of the Miss Universe pageant in protest over Donald Trump’s comments about Mexican immigrants. It is joining several Latin American countries in boycotting the most popular international beauty competition owned by Trump.

Earlier, Mexico dropped out of the pageant, followed by Panama. More Latin American countries are expected to follow suit.

The Philippines has close historical ties with Mexico, dating back to the days of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade which began in the 16th century.  The country was also colonized by Spain for more than three centuries.

Mexico (1991, 2010) and the Philippines (1969, 1973)  each have two Miss Universe title holders, while Panama has one (2002 runner-up Miss Panama took over as Miss Universe after the winner, Miss Russia, was dethroned four months into her reign). All three countries have previously hosted the Miss Universe pageant.

So what happens with reigning Miss Philippines-Universe Pia Wurtzbach (who has been romantically linked to President NoyNoy Aquino)? Perhaps, she can become the queen of Malacañang, the presidential palace. But that remains to be just a rumor.

Actually, the Philippines has decided to send two representatives to this year’s Miss World Pageant, one of them being Wurtzbach.

Double the chances for the crown,  eh?