IF I had to put myself in Gazini Ganados' shoes, I'd probably die due to too much pressure in securing a back to back Miss Universe win for the Philippines.
It may have been possible for our beauty bet to feel to feel this burden, to the point of this sweeping her excitement over and succumbing to the comparisons with the reigning Miss Universe Catriona Gray.
This feeling is similar to what is like living in somebody else's shadow, that if you're not successful of growing out of the shade of the person you're either looking up to or someone who's being pitched against you, then you are a complete failure.
First and foremost, Catriona's Miss Universe success is something that came to her after much losses and disappointments. Catriona Gray first joined the Miss World international beauty pageant ending up as part of the Top 5. Gazini Ganados, on the other hand, has just competed in her first international beauty contest yesterday, December 9, Philippine Time.
This means that, in the first place, Catriona and Gazini are indeed coming from different scenes. Many will agree that Catriona came is quite strong in last year's pageantry because of her previous experience in Miss World, add her unyielding grit to be crowned as Miss Universe. Gray's Miss Universe journey is entirely a different story, as how other beauty contestants' narratives are unique and special in their own way.
It is not an easy job to represent the country, or at least even join the Binibining Pilipinas contest. It takes a lot of hard work, perseverance, and confidence to feel beautiful in your own skin. To win the title and bring with you the whole nation is undeniably a tougher responsibility. We have to give it Gazini, for coming in as one of the strong candidates in the 2019 Miss Universe pageant.
Sadly though, the crown was meant for another woman in the person of Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa. We have to respect the judges' decision and do one thing now -- move forward and continue our support for our Miss Universe Philippines, Gazini Ganados.
To all the bashers of Gazini, look in the mirror and see if you can come up on stage and represent our country just like how she did last night. I'm sure by this time, you know that this will not be as easy as you think and say it is.