MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Year after year, Filipinos look forward to the coronation of their beauty queens who will represent the country in various prestigious international pageants.

One of the most anticipated of these pageants is Binibining Pilipinas which chooses the Philippines’ representatives to the Miss Universe, Miss  International and other prestigious international contests.

Alas, this year’s national pageant may be cancelled altogether, as contestants withdraw en masse from the competition.

The reason? The beauty queen hopefuls are fearful of the epidemic that’s gripping many countries in the world: the coronavirus.

No matter that the crown (corona) this year is even more bejeweled and pearl-studded than ever.