Three for the road

December is a big month for pageant-loving Filipinos as Gazini Ganados, Emma Mary Tiglao and Resham Saeed vie for the crown in each of their competitions.

By: Regina Mae Parungao
Updated November 6, 2019, 5:20 PM

Three empowered Pinay beauty queens are raring to clinch the highest title in their respective international pageants.

At the send-off party tendered by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI), Miss Universe-Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados, Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2019 Resham Saeed, and Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2019 Emma Mary Tiglao showed readiness to conquer the stage.

Confidence and determination are the keys to winning, said Gazini. The 23-year-old is set to fly soon to Atlanta, Georgia where the Miss Universe 2019 will be held.

The Cebuana beauty said she will flaunt the “phoenix walk” there.

“We figured out we wanted a phoenix walk because it’s not just a walk, it’s more than walk, it’s a fly. It’s something like I’m soaring on stage ’cause it’s like everytime I’m on stage ever since I’m 15 years old, I feel like I’m flying,” she said.

There are no adjustments in her game plan even though the format of this year’s Miss Universe has reportedly changed.

GAZINI vies for the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown

“I’ve been passionately involving myself in every aspect of the competition. I believe I’ve done my assignment and I worked really really hard for this. But above everything, I always talk to God to keep myself focused and not mind the detractors. I just stay away from all the negativity so I can keep myself on track for my goal.”

Gazini’s name has been included in the “top-picks” list of different sites. While she’s overwhelmed by that, she won’t simply rest on her laurels.

One aspect she has heavily invested in is her communication skills.

“I’m shy kasi sometimes. I tend to stay away from the cameras. So my team helped me to socialize more kasi I will be meeting different girls din in the pageant that’s why I need to be more open in communicating with them,” she said.

For Emma Mary, there is indeed pressure in her upcoming pageant on Dec. 20 in Egypt. The 24-year-old revealed she sings Hill Songs in her mind whenever she experiences stage fright.

Dubbed the “happiest binibini,” she aims to bring joy to the international arena.

EMMA hopes for a back-to-back win in Miss Intercontinental pageant

“With so much pressure on our hands kasi, it’s best na we just enjoy the moment na lang. Live the moment kasi if we get to think too much like ‘dapat ganito, dapat ganyan,’ medyo magiging negative ’yung impression sa’yo. So you just have to be relaxed, calm and happy ’coz it will reflect to a positive attitude.”

Resham is off to Poland where the Miss Supranational pageant will happen on Dec. 6.

Talking about her pasarela, she hinted it is something people would never expect from her.

“It’s really a different side of me. No name yet, but you guys will find out very soon,” she said. “Nevertheless, I’m very eager to bring back the Supranational crown to our country. I always have to be persevere because all of this is for the better cause.”

RESHAM aims to clinch the Miss Supranational 2019 title

Among the three queens, the pressure is great for Gazini and Emma since they aim to have a back-to-back win. Note that Filipino prides Catriona Gray and Karen Gallman hold the Miss Universe 2018 and Miss Intercontinental 2018 titles respectively.

“For us, we just want to take it as motivation to keep going. It’s really big shoes to fill but it also serves as an advantage because they are our sisters, they can help us, they can motivate us. And we get the upper hand as to what expect from the competition,” Gazini said.

Enough

As Gazini sets off for Miss Universe, ace designer Cary Santiago took to social media and addressed his detractors.

Cary was the person behind Gazini’s “phoenix gown” when she was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2019.

On Facebook, he revealed that some pageant fans have been targeting him with “below-the-belt” comments.

“This is coming from my heart and I hope everyone reads this with respect,” he wrote. “I have received a lot of messages asking what Gazini will wear for Miss Universe 2019. Some gives suggestion, others are appreciative while a number of them are bashing me for my work/s. (Their) comments: I dont like it, I find it heavy or bulky, ‘tama na ang birds,’ ‘why the same style,’ a couple are even giving below the belt comments that are unprintable.”

Cary made clear he “never was an expert of pageants,” nor is he a pageant enthusiast.

“And I get all these messages every single day. Some are from troll accounts while most are from legit ones. Let me state this once and for all. I am and never was an expert of pageants. I am not a pageant enthusiasts. It just so happen that I am able to dress up a few beauty queens coz either I know them personally (they modeled for me) or I know someone that is close to them and they asked me to. Most of these are my babies hence I feel happy if I am able to see them wearing me,” he said.

Without giving details of his creation for Gazini’s Miss Universe gown, Cary hinted that its final design, silhouette, and color were decided upon by both of them.

“It is a collaboration. I am a high fashion designer for the upper crust of the Philippine society. Modesty aside, they are the ones who really know fashion. For the pageant enthusiasts and fans, no offense but beauty pageants has never been the barometer of fashion.”

He went on: “There are those who give comments that is already mocking me and my works as if they are the real experts. Very pushy and demanding that it seems if you will not hear them out and ignore their messages, they will malign your craft even more. Again, let me reiterate, fashion is never and will never be about beauty pageants. Fashion does not revolve around it.”

Nonetheless, he said that if the stars will align come finals night, “whatever Gazini will wear, it will happen.”

“If she gets a podium-finish, that’s her discipline, perseverance and a whole lot of luck. So let us support her and as we continue to join her journey towards the crown, I am hoping that we stop all the bashing. Constructive criticism is appreciated and I am all for it, just never a lambasted one!” he said.

Sisters

Going back, Gazini, Emma, and Resham are thankful they found true sisters in their batch of Binibining Pilipinas queens.

During the send-off, they gave each one good luck messages. They also congratulated Leren Mae Bautista who finished 2nd runner up in the Miss Globe 2019.

LEREN was crowned 2nd runner up in the Miss Globe 2019 pageant

“Akala ng iba pageants were so competitive but the things about us, we’ve grown so much close together. All of us are passionate to bring home the crowns. We are all strong and empowered. We are so thankful for the friendship we have,” Gazini said. “We know that we can do this. We’re very driven and we’re going to do our best in our respective pageants. Good luck to all of us!”

Gazini, Emma, and Resham also acknowledged former titleholders like Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Supranational 2013 Mutya Datul, and Miss Universe 2014 third runner-up Ariella Arida for giving them tips.

“It is really overwhelming to have a strong support system. These pageants require a lot of hardwork and determination. We’re very lucky because we have these people generously helping us. We’re forever grateful,” Gazini said.

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