Check Out Miss Universe PH Gazini Ganados' Pre-Pageant Activities
She has visited charities, brought smiles to children's faces, made new connections, and showcased the best of Filipino design while gaining confidence for the universe's most beautiful night that's happening soon!
Philippines, are you ready?
In two days, Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados could make history by giving Filipinos their first-ever back-to-back Miss U win when she takes the stage in Tyler Perry Studios at Atlanta, Georgia for the Miss Universe pageant.
The 23-year-old landed in the Southern City a week ago and is in full swing preparing for the big night while making the most out of her first time in the American destination and of course, showing the world the beauty of the Filipino.
Her Instagram feed has been doubling as a digital diary, showing everyone what she's been up to in the past days; so far, she's worked with a non-profit and a hospital, wowed with different outfits by local designers, made new friends, and rehearsed for the competition!
The next big reveal Gazini's fans are waiting for is her national costume piece (last year, Catriona Gray impressed with her ensemble that was essentially a wearable art piece), which she's still keeping a secret! Given Gazini's many Ifugao-inspired outfits that she has showcased in this trip, we wager that her national costume could be en extension of this, or, it could also be an ode to the beauty of Visayan or Mindanaoan cultures and traditions, given Gazini's heritage from both regions.
With anticipation of the pageant about to reach fever pitch, Gazini is likely feeling the pressure to succeed, but with the unconditional support of Filipinos everywhere, we're sure she'll keep her focus, feet planted firmly on the ground, and eyes always on the prize.
As we count down the hours to the big day, we look back at all the pre-pageant activities Gazini has participated in and with her, say, "Pilipinas, laban!"
Scroll through the gallery below to see what Gazini has been up to:
Gazini arrived in Atlanta, Georgia one week ago. She was greeted at the airport by adoring Filipino fans eager to cheer her on on the night of the competition!
For Thanksgiving dinner, Gazini donned a Maguindanao-inspired piece from designer Akmad Kari. The dress' highlights were its sexy bustier top, figure-hugging skirt, and of course, the local textiles that shone the spotlight on Filipino artistry and tradition.
This Miss Universe 2019 hopeful paired wide-legged chartreuse trousers with a pretty turtleneck top for the pageant's orientation day.
Gazini expressed support for those with HIV/AIDS and posts a message on Instagram in time for World AIDS Day. Sje said, "Everyday we feel judged by the world for what they see. I find courage for what makes me who I am. Under my skin, I find empowerment. HIV is a battle that goes beyond the infection, we need to fight stigma by changing perception. With love, we can go beyond the superficial World AIDS day. We can help end AIDS together."
Smile Train got a visit from Gazini and the other Miss U candidates. The organization that helps children born with clef lips and palates has been a longtime partner of Miss Universe.
Best Buddy (an organization that helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities) celebrated its 30th anniversary this year and invited the pretty Miss Universe ladies to spend a day with the people they serve.
Gazini gave her followers a sneak peak of what goes on behind closed doors come serious rehearsal time!
The Southern Gentleman, a gastro pub famous for its uniquely Southern twist on indulgent favorites, hosted a dinner for Gazini and her newfound friends after a full day of shoots, rehearsals, and other pageant responsibilities.
Sisters! Gazini posted a photo of her posing next to candidates from Brazil and Colombia. Her fans were quick to comment on how pleasantly surprising the photo was, considering the Philippines' history of fierce pageant competition with South American countries. It just goes to show how the pageant has become a venue to make meaningful friendships over the years, rather than foster competition between participants.
On their way to an official engagement, Gazini bonded with her bus seatmate, Sharon Pieksma from the Netherlands.
Gazini got an opportunity to show off the best design ideas from the Philippines, this time in the form of an Ifugao-influenced coat. She describes it as a "Kandama made by weavers from Julongan village in Kiangan, Ifugao. This wardrobe tells a story through an ancient weaving tradition. The pattern on the lapel of the coat depicts two elderly women helping each other in the pounding of rice kernels to remove its husk while the rest of the garment carries symbols of a shield or 'happiyo' in the Tuwali language, which is used by ancient Ifugao men when they go for tibal wars."
Atlanta's Children’s Hospital got a dose of inspiration from beauty queens paying them a visit for the day. The girls, including Gazini, joined in on activities organized for them to bond with the hospital's patients.
Wearing a jumpsuit handwoven with Ifugao and Abra textiles and featuring a pretty shield pattern, Gazini was more than ready to compete in the national costume segment that followed later that day.
Aiming for a back to back win: Gazini posed with reigning Miss Universe Catriona Gray at a pre-pageant event. Will Gazini bring home the crown come coronation night?
Photos from @gaziniganados
