Before heading to India for the Miss World 2025 pageant, Filipino contestant Krishnah Gravidez left a heartfelt message for her mother, knowing she would be away for Mother’s Day.
“I will make sure I will make you proud,” Gravidez told INQUIRER.net during her sendoff press conference at the Savoy Hotel Manila in Pasay City last week.
And indeed, Gravidez made her mother proud with an impressive performance during the Miss World Opening Ceremonies on May 10 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad.
For the “Dances of the World” segment, the tall Baguio native wore a striking hot pink and gold Muslim-inspired ensemble designed by Simeon Cayetano. Channeling “Princess Gandingan” from the Filipino “Singkil” folk dance, she gracefully waved fans in both hands, embodying the poise of a royal princess.
Gravidez addressed her mother, Gel Perez, who raised her and her younger sister on her own, saying, “In every step of the way, I will carry with me all your advice, and your love [blows kiss].”
She credited her mother for her success, saying that everything she had achieved was thanks to her mother’s unwavering support throughout her pageant journey.
“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.
Her mother, who never doubted that her daughter would become a beauty queen, supported Gravidez’s journey all the way from local competitions to the nationals, including the 2023 Miss Universe Philippines and 2024 Miss World Philippines contests. “I am so, so proud of my daughter,” Gel Perez said.
Gravidez expressed her deep gratitude, saying, “Thank you, not only for loving me as a daughter but showing me that through quiet courage, we can achieve everything.”
She added, “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.”
Gravidez, who is aiming for the Philippines’ second Miss World crown after Megan Young’s win in 2013, is competing against 109 other delegates in the 72nd edition of Miss World. She hopes 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.
