Gazini Ganados (Instagram)

Gazini Ganados opened up and looked back at her challenges and accomplishments during her reign as Miss Universe Philippines 2019. 

In an interview on MJ Lastimosa’s YouTube Channel, Gazini revealed that she felt burned out from her duties, working for two different organizations – Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) and Miss Universe Philippines organization. 

“Mahirap talaga siya kasi during the time i was working BPCI, MUPH was already tapping into me. Whenever I have free time, from  BPCI, I would pre-occupy that time for MUPH,” the beauty queen said. 

(It was really difficult because during the time I was working at BPCI, MUPH was already tapping into me. Whenever I have free time, from BPCI, I would pre-occupy that time for MUPH.)

Gazini then realized the importance of prioritizing work while also managing time for friends, family and herself. 

“Na burnout lang talaga ako kasi paubos na yung energy towards the end. Yun siguro yung mali ko kasi work, work, work. Dun ko nalaman na dapat talaga mag set aside ka ng time mo for yourself, your people, your core,” she added. 

(I'm really just burnt out because the energy is going down towards the end. That's probably my fault because work, work, work. That's when I learned that you should really set aside your time for yourself, your people, your core.)

Being the last Miss Universe Philippines from BPCI, Ganados was grateful for having to work with organizations and brands who advocate for positive change. 

More than the crown  

For Gazini, her experiences in different pageantry competitions in Cebu led her toward the title. 

“It's not a walk in the park to join Binibini, I joined a different pageant before. Every time I join a pageant, I always think na Binibini na para best foot forward,” Gazini said. 

(It's not a walk in the park to join Binibini, I joined a different pageant before. Every time I join a pageant, I always think that it’s the Binibini so it is the best foot forward.)

The most unforgettable moment for her during the 2019 competition was when her family traveled all the way to Atlanta to witness her representing the country.

“I was just looking forward to the time na magkasama kami after the pageant,” Gazini said. 

(I was just looking forward to the time we were together after the pageant.)

Gazini also expressed how her grandparents' childhood stories and their strong connection have served as her inspiration to advocate for elderly care, a cause she plans to promote during her Miss Universe journey.

The beauty queen, who is regarded by pageant fans as the “Prettiest Filipina Miss Universe,” also cited how pageantry changed her perspectives in life, affecting her outlook on finding a life partner. 

“I would be leaning towards a guy who's understanding, patient, because sa industry natin kailangan talaga ng patience,” she said. 

(I would be leaning towards a guy who is understanding, patient, because, in our industry, patience is really needed.)

In addition to her modeling career, Ganados will be venturing into acting in her debut movie for the Metro Manila Film Festival. Entitled "Hiwaga," this action-comedy horror film also stars Isko Moreno. (Mondriein Mikolei Lizarte/OJT/University of Santo Tomas)

For the full show, click: https://youtu.be/0NuoDO3gU_I