A 23-year-old civil engineering student who resigned as a Philippine representative in an international pageant was crowned Miss World Philippines 2024 during a competition held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City which lasted until early morning of July 20.
Krishnah Marie Gravidez, of Baguio City, bested 32 other candidates for the coveted crown. She will represent the Philippines at the 2024 Miss World pageant, which will be held later this year. The Miss World pageant is the longest-running beauty pageant, established in the United Kingdom in 1951.
During the question-and-answer portion, Krishnah was asked: "Should inclusivity be a top priority among pageants? Yes or no? Explain your answer."
Krishnah answered: "Pageantry is a platform where we express ourselves as women and men. I feel like this is a platform to promote our advocacies, the cause we are fighting for, and the things that we love. I think that in a world [that’s] evolving, we as humans, we should evolve too."
In 2023, Krishnah was crowned Miss Charm Philippines 2023 shortly after the 2023 Miss Universe Philippines pageant at Okada Manila.
Krishnah was expected to represent the Philippines at the Miss Charm International 2024 pageant but she resigned in June 2024. Her full statement:
"After much consideration and reflection, I regret to inform you that I have decided to withdraw from the Miss Charm International competition.
"I want to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible opportunities that Miss Universe Philippines and Miss Charm Philippines have afforded me. It has been an honor to be part of such prestigious competitions, and I am truly grateful for the experiences and friendships I have gained along the way.
"I want to thank Mama J especially, who has been one of the best mentors and gave his valuable support for the decisions I needed to make.
"Thank you once again for the incredible journey with Miss Universe Philippines and Miss Charm Philippines. I will always cherish the memories and lessons learned during my time of reign.
"As I embark on this new chapter of my life, I hope to have your continued support in all my future endeavors. To God be the Glory."
Later, pageant fans rejoiced when Krishnah was announced as one of the official candidates for Miss World Philippines 2024.
Krishnah also received special awards during the finals: Miss Photogenic, Best In Swimsuit, and Best In Evening Gown.
Jasmine Omay, Tarlac, was named 1st Princess while Sophia Santos, Pampanga, 2nd Princess.
Other winners were: Patricia Bianca Tapia, Batangas City, Miss Tourism Philippines 2024; Deanna Marie Mate, Cavite, Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2024; Nikhisah Buenafe Cheveh, Pangasinan, Miss Multinational Philippines 2024; and Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano, Bicol, Face of Beauty Philippines 2024. They will represent the country in respective competitions abroad later this year.
Krishnah values education
In May 2019, Krishnah appeared as a contestant on Willie Revillame's popular game show, "Wowowin."
In 2019, she studied industrial engineering at St. Louis University in Baguio City. However, she transferred to the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, to pursue a degree in civil engineering.
"Pangarap ko talaga, Wil, maging engineer, Wil. Kasi yun yung pangarap ko saka pangarap ng pamilya ko, Wil.
"Para sa akin lang din, Wil, gusto ko talaga, ako talaga yung papaaral sa sarili ko, Wil. Kasi yung mga napapanalunan ko sa pageant, Wil, yun yung binabayad ko sa tuition," Krishnah said.