Did you know that the first-ever Miss Universe gave up her crown in order to marry a Filipino? When Armi Helena Kuusela won the pageant in 1952, she fell in love with a Pinoy and is willing to give up her title just to be with her love.
Who would have thought that a Filipino will capture the heart of the first beauty queen hailed most beautiful on Earth? When Armi Helena Kuusela won the crown in 1952, she was invited to visit the Philippines for the country's International Fair Committee to crown the winner of the 1953 Miss Philippines.
During her stay, she met her husband-to-be Virgilio Hilario through a blind date. After her visit in the country, she flew to Japan, but Gil followed her to Tokyo. Their romance blossomed while in Tokyo until they mutually agreed to get married.
With less than a year since her crowning, Kuusela chose to give up her Miss Universe crown and title, her plans to take up physical education and language and make more movies, but decided to marry Hilario instead.
Although Kuusela gave up her title as the first-ever Miss Universe, the lack of implementing rules and guidelines of the organization allowed her to keep the prestige and title even after her wedding.
Currently, Philippines holds the title of Miss Universe, thanks to the impressive win of Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, and the much awaited beauty pageant will be held in the country. The 65th Miss Universe pageant will be held in Manila, Philippines on Jan. 30.