GAZINI Ganados raised the Philippine flag with her outstanding performance at the Preliminary Round 1 of MGI All Stars, leading the country’s five-delegation squad in the international competition.
With an impressive evening gown showcase, the 2019 Miss Universe Philippines titleholder and Miss Universe semifinalist ranked 13th overall at the end of the two-part program held at MGI Hall in Bangkok on Wednesday evening, May 27.
The Cebuana beauty received an average of 9.39 on a 10-point scale from the judges in the evening gown segment, then got an 8.01 in the “bare-face” competition for an average score of 8.70.
Ganados sashayed onstage in an emerald green column gown with a deep V-neck and pink cape created by Mark Bumgarner.
Fellow Cebuana and 2022 Miss International Queen winner Fuschia Anne Ravena, ranked 17th overall, was the second best performer from the Philippines, getting 8.26 in evening gown and 8.40 for the “bare-face” competition, for an average of 8.33.
Imelda Schweighart, resigned 2016 Miss Philippines Earth and erstwhile 2026 Miss Universe Philippines-Kalibo, Aklan, managed to place 23rd overall with her 8.65 evening gown score and 7.54 “bare-face” score, for an average of 8.10.
Fifty-six candidates from 38 countries are competing in the groundbreaking competition among international pageant veterans, organized by the team behing the Miss Grand International pageant headed by Thai personality Nawat Itsaragrisil.
Leading the pack was 2025 Miss Universe top 10 finalist Vanessa Pulgarin from Mexico with an average score of 9.69. She topped the evening gown round with a 9.84, and ranked high in the “bare-face” competition with a 9.54.
Close behind was 2025 Miss Grand International third runner-up Faith Maria Porter from Ghana with an average score of 9.62. She topped the “bare-face” competition with a 9.74, and got a 9.50 in the evening gown segment.
The Preliminary Round 2 show for the swimsuit segment took place at MGI Hall on May 28. (Armin P. Adina © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
