KRISHNAH Gravidez from Baguio was crowned Miss World Philippines 2024 in ceremonies held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Friday, July 19, besting 32 other aspirants for the crown.
Gravidez inherited the title from Gwendolyne Fourniol, who was proclaimed Miss World Philippines in the national pageant’s previous staging two years ago. The new winner is also the first queen to wear the new “Rays of Hope” crown from Oro China Jewelry.
Also on hand to crown the new queen was reigning Miss World Krystyne Pyszkova, who flew all the way from the Czech Republic to attend the staging of the national competition, and witness the coronation of the Filipino delegate who will try to inherit her international title at the global contest.
Michelle Arceo crowned her Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas successor, Dia Mate from Cavite, while the Miss Philippines Tourism title went to Patricia Bianca Tapia from Batangas City.
Another crown was added to the roster of prizes initially announced, the Face of Beauty International Philippines title that went to Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano from Bicol. She will represent the country in the Face of Beauty International pageant in Taiwan in September.
A new title — Miss Multinational Philippines — was likewise announced, and the award went to Nikhisa Buenafe of Pangasinan. She will compete in India later this year.
Jasmine Urquico Omay from Tarlac was proclaimed as First Princess, while Sophia Bianca Santos from Pampanga completed the winners’ circle as Second Princess.
The national pageant organization did not hold a competition in 2023 because Fourniol had to wait for more than a year before she could compete in the 71st Miss World contest, that the international organizers kept on postponing.
Gravidez will represent the Philippines in the 72nd Miss World pageant, and try to become the second Filipino woman to win the crown, following Megan Young who won in 2013.
She won the Miss Charm Philippines 2023 title staged by the Miss Universe Philippines organization, but she withdrew from the global pageant last June to be able to join Miss World Philippines. Her decision eventually paid off after she aced many of the pre-pageant events, and even reaped several special awards during the coronation night. (Armin P. Adina © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
