Gazini returns with purpose beyond the crown

Gazini Ganados is stepping back into the international pageant arena with a renewed sense of direction—one that goes far deeper than titles and placements. As she prepares to represent the Philippines at the inaugural Miss Grand International All Stars in Thailand this May, the beauty queen and Sparkle artist is embracing a journey shaped not just by experience, but by identity and advocacy.

For Gazini, this return is not a simple continuation of her pageant career—it is a transformation. Once recognized for her work in elderly care, her advocacy has evolved into something more personal and expansive. At the heart of her mission now is her identity as a Filipina–Palestinian woman, a truth she carries with both pride and responsibility.

“For me, this is no longer just about competition. This is a calling,” Gazini shares.

Her perspective shifted profoundly after reconnecting with her Palestinian roots following her Miss Universe stint. Meeting her father and understanding the realities faced by her extended family opened her eyes to the far-reaching impact of conflict—how it shapes lives, fractures families, and lingers across generations. What was once a personal journey became a deeper commitment to represent stories that are often left unheard.

Through Miss Grand International All Stars, whose core advocacy centers on ending war and violence, Gazini sees a platform that aligns closely with her own lived experiences. Rather than speaking in abstract terms, she hopes to bring a human face to global issues—grounding them in real narratives of resilience, pain, and hope.

As the fourth Filipina to take part in the special All Stars edition, she carries not only the pride of the Philippines but also the weight of a dual heritage that bridges cultures. Raised with Filipino values of compassion and community, and shaped by her Palestinian lineage marked by endurance and remembrance, Gazini stands as a symbol of unity in a world often divided.

“This time, I am showing up fully—mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared. I’m not here just to wear a crown. I’m here to stand for something bigger than myself,” she affirms.

Beyond the pageant stage, Gazini continues to expand her creative horizons. She has ventured into acting, taking on a role in Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, where she portrays one of the ancient Kambal-Diwa. The experience has opened new doors, with the actress expressing a growing interest in physically demanding, action-driven roles that match her dynamic energy.

As she gears up for Miss Grand International All Stars, Gazini Ganados is no longer just chasing a crown—she is carrying a message. One rooted in identity, strengthened by experience, and driven by a desire to turn representation into meaningful impact on the global stage.