How does it feel to be the last
of a legacy? What if that legacy did not disappear but merely changed into a
new form, under a new organization? The 56th Binibining Pilipinas beauty
pageant held June 2019 was the last time this over half-a-century old
competition has sent its “top” winner, Bb. Pilipinas – Universe (alternatively
Ms. Universe Philippines since 2012), to represent the country at the Miss
Universe pageant. Afterwards the Miss U franchise was spun off to its own
contest, Miss Universe Philippines.
Palestinian-Filipina beauty
Gazini Ganados was crowned Miss Universe Philippines that 2019 by Miss Universe
2018 Catriona Gray. In October 2020 she crowned the first separate Miss
Universe Philippines in Rabiya Mateo. But her tenure actually ended this past
Sunday, July 11, at the 57th Binibining Pilipinas (2021). Though, as
Inquirer.net tells it, Rabiya’s farewell
walk and speech might not have made it to the airwaves during simulcast due to technical
issues. Thus, the now-former Miss Universe bet from Bb. Pilipinas posted photos
of herself that evening on her Instagram, along with her musings on her
journey, and appreciation for those who shared it with her.
In acknowledging her supporters
and fans during her time in the Bb.Pilipinas and Miss Universe pageants, Ganados
writes, “Our journey has finally come full circle. My life changed forever. I
was blessed not only with seven beautiful queen sisters, but also a Family.”
She was referring of course to her fellow five Bb. Pilipinas 2019 winners and
the two runners-up. The original Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2019 Samantha
Lo had resigned and 1st Runner-Up Maria Abesamis replaced her, while
2nd Runner-Up Samantha Bernardo was arbitrarily appointed the
representative for Miss Grand International 2020. Thus, everybody in the Top 8
that year became Queens without exception, from Gazini’s point of view.
“Tonight is a celebration of
gratitude,” she continues. “Binibinis, congratulations for taking this leap of
faith. In all that you do, do it with all your heart. A binibini has the voice
to inspire others, a compassionate heart to act, a determination to carry on…that,
is Beyond Beautiful.” She signed off her Instagram message as the last Bb.
Pilipinas Universe, a worthy if not winning (Top 20 finish) final successor in
the legacy of Miss Universe as part of Binibining Pilipinas. She may have
already crowned her successor in Rabiya Mateo back in 2020, but it was in July
11 that the story was brought to a close. And as expected, Gazini’s fans were
greatly appreciative of her words online.
Image courtesy of Panay News
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