Here's A Recap Of Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados' Pageant Journey So Far
She's on the final stretch of the journey with just two weeks to go until the Miss Universe 2019 coronation night
If the 23-year-old Gazini Ganados wins the crown at the 2019 Miss Universe competition, it will be the Philippines' first-ever back-to-back win, and only the second in the pageant's 67-year-long history!
It's a tough challenge to face, Gazini admits, but one she has gathered the strength and confidence to take head on in the months leading up to the big day.
As of this writing, Gazini is preparing to leave for her trip to Atlanta, Georgia where Miss Universe is scheduled to take place on the morning of December 9. And even as she leaves the comfort of home behind, she'll be encouraged by Filipinos from far and wide who'll cheer for her with full force up to the very end—the same people who, thanks to her pre-pageant preparations and activities, have been convinced that Gazini deserves the crown.
Before her departure, Gazini had actually preoccupied herself with anything and everything from dress fittings to pageant training and workouts to press conferences; however, the most important activities of all, she did quietly and away from the cameras:
In August, she joined the annual Bayani Run to raise funds for the Coalition of Services for the Elderly. The initiative is part of the beauty queen's advocacy of raising awareness on rights of the elderly and rallying for more active participation for the public for their care.
She also paid a visit to the Luwalhati ng Maynila Home for the Aged as part of her advocacy. One of the reasons why Gazini holds a soft spot for the elderly is because of her relationship with her grandmother; in the absence of her mother, who spent much time working abroad, her grandmother raised Gazini and encouraged her to pursue her dreams until her very last breath.
Gazini participated in the Arise Mindanao fashion gala in October where she, along with her fellow 2019 Binibinis, showcased the beauty of fashion inspired by the many colorful cultures and traditions of Mindanao.
Gazini sat down with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno in September to discuss the opportunities given to the elderly residents of the country's capital. She was definitely happy to learn that senior citizens here receive a monthly allowance and are given employment opportunities after retirement for them to have a means to support themselves and uphold their quality of life!
In the same month, Gazini also paid a visit to Mrs. G cakeshop, a pastry shop that recently opened a branch in Northern Luzon. She maximized their invitation for her to join them by engaging and leading a gift-giving activity for Isabela's elderly.
Aside from helping the elderly, Gazini also gave her time to children in partnership with Smile Train PH. The organization that helps children born with cleft lips or palates by providing surgeries, and ultimately, the chance to get to smile confidently and genuinely, according to Gazini.
Gazini solidified her partnership with the Coalition of Services for the Elderly, Inc. and learns more ways in which she can tangibly contribute to their cause. More importantly, the organization's leaders also helped her better understand some of the most pressing issues affecting the elderly in the Philippines and how, together, they can bridge the gap between the reality now and the ideal future they hope to attain.
She received the ASEAN Youth Leadership Award 2019 and ASEAN Youth Icon Award 2019 from the Global Youth Parliament. The accolades were given to her for her active work in elderly care, much of which was out of her own initiative and executed without media attention.
The official Binibining Pilipinas send-off that took place in November had Gazini pose in front of a supportive audience and receive support from all her fans. The event sent off Bb. Pilipinas International 2019 Patch Magtanong and Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2019 Samantha Lo to their respective competitions and also welcomed Leren Mae Bautista who placed third at the Miss Globe 2019 competition.
It's this fuss-free and authentic way of living and walking her talk that have endeared Filipinos to her followers; the once small town girl from Cebu may have made it to the top of pageantry, but her feet have remained firmly planted on the ground and her heart in the right place, too.
We'll be keeping an eye on all the new experiences Gazini is soon to go through as she maneuvers the last two weeks of pre-pageant activities in new places and with new friends!
Photos from @gazinii @bbpilipinasofficial
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