BEFORE she flew to India for the Miss World 2025 pageant, Filipino bet Krishnah Gravidez left her mom a Mother’s Day message, knowing that she would not be in the South Asian country to celebrate it with her.
“I will make sure I will make you proud,” she told INQUIRER.net when asked for her message at the sidelines of her sendoff press conference at Savoy Hotel Manila in Pasay City last week.
Gravidez had most definitely made her mother proud with her splendid performance during the Miss World Opening Ceremonies held at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday evening, May 10.
During the “Dances of the World” performance, the statuesque Baguio lass appeared in a hot pink and gold Muslim-inspired ensemble by Simeon Cayetano, channeling “Princess Gandingan” of the “Singkil” folk dance. She masterfully waved her fans with both hands, exuding grace and elegance like a royal princess.
“In every step of the way, I will carry with me all your advice, and your love [blows kiss],” continued Gravidez, addressing her mother, Gel Perez, who raised her and her younger sister by herself.
The beauty queen said everything that she has accomplished was mostly because of her mother, who supported her in her pageant journey all the way.
“Ever since I was a kid up until now you have still been here. You showed me how much you love me, not just as a daughter, but as a person pursuing her dreams,” Gravidez shared.
Not doubting her daughter would one day become a beauty queen, she supported Gravidez’s pageant journey all the way to the nationals, the 2023 Miss Universe Philippines contest, and the 2024 Miss World Philippines competition. “Sobrang super, super proud po ako sa anak ko,” she said.
Gravidez expressed her immense gratitude to her mother. “Thank you, not only for loving me as a daughter, but showing me that through quiet courage we can achieve everything,” she said.
“Not only do I admire you as a mom, but I admire you as a person, who you are. You raised me and my sister in the most graceful way. Of course, there were some challenges and struggles along the way, but we trusted the love that we shared within our family. And that’s what matters for me,” she continued.
Gravidez is eyeing the Philippine’s second Miss World crown, an elusive feat first accomplished by Megan Young in 2013.
She is among the 109 delegates from around the world competing at the 72nd edition of Miss World, and seeking to succeed Czech beauty Krystya Pyskova.
The final competition will be held at the HITEX (Hyderabad International Convention and Exhibition Center) in Hyderabad on May 31. (Armin P. Adina © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
