Newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2019, 23-year-old Cebuana Gazini Ganados, has finally spoken out about the negative responses that she has received since bagging the top crown in the recently-concluded Binibining Pilipinas 2019 Grand Coronation last Sunday, June 9.
The model, who was hailed by predecessor Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, sat down in her first interview with ABS CBN News’ Mario Dumaual, Ganados admits that she is aware of the negative feedback she’s received from her performance. Ultimately, to her critics, she says, “thank you that you are there. If not because of you, I won’t be motivated to fix my Question and Answer portion.” She explains in a mix of English and Filipino, ‘That’s what their concern is for me – not articulate, can’t answer. I hope we become friends, because this is for the Philippines,” concluding, “Respect begets respect.”
One of the biggest judgements on the beauty queen’s answer during coronation night was her inability to directly answer how her win will improve the rights of women in the workplace, but the Filipina-Palestinian explains her reasoning for inserting her advocacy for elderly care into her answer. “That’s what they really showed in Binibini this year, our advocacy, what we stand for,” she elaborates, “We’re not just here to be beautiful, but to have something to offer.”
She also reveals what Catriona was saying to her as the most coveted crown of the prestigious national pageant was being passed on, revealing, “Relax, I know how you feel. You will feel this for the next few weeks. Just enjoy the moment.’” Gazini adds, “I calmed down after that.”
Born in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte and raised in Talisay City, Cebu, Gazini has a bachelor’s degree in Tourism at the University of San Jose-Recoletosin. She has previously competed in Miss World Philippines 2014, becoming part of the Top 13. As Miss Universe Philippines 2019, she will be representing the country in the 68th Miss Universe at the end of this year.