MANILA, Philippines — Before the humanitarian crisis worsened in Gaza, Palestine, because of its conflict with Israel, the beauty queen/model Gazini Ganados posted on her social-media accounts about her sentiments.
She was then in Italy for a series of shows with the legendary designer Renee Salud:
“Was able to attend a Holy Catholic Church devotion led by Pope Francis.
“I’m grateful for everything & I also pray for the safety of my dear family in Palestine and friends from Israel. Philippians 4:6-7
“Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
As Israel conducted more military strikes, the Miss Universe Philippines 2019 titleholder again aired her grave concerns:
“Sick to my stomach.
“This has been a heartbreaking week for so many of us. I'm scared, disturbed, deeply saddened. We can always be doing more.
“I’ve been silent about the conflict about the war between Israel and Palestine because as some of you may know I recently just kept in touch with my father and my family who are now living in Palestine, Gaza.
“I’ve been keeping my thoughts to myself because I felt like 'OH I JUST DON'T KNOW ENOUGH TO FORM AN OPINION" or “IM NOT THAT CULTURALLY INFORMED.'
“But it doesn’t have to end there.
"Get educated.
“I would like to express my deep sorrow for the Israelis who have lost their lives and been injured in the dreadful terrorist attacks.
“Hamas killing civilians was HORRIBLE but Israel countering by killing 10× more civilians is beyond insane.
“I cannot remain silent in the face of the Israeli government's attempt to seek revenge from innocent civilians for the terrorist attack. I will not remain silent about this genocide either specially that my family’s life depends on it.
“In Israel's attacks, one Palestinian loses their life every 5 minutes. Every hour, 3 children lose their lives. Can a baby be a terrorist?
“How can so many be so silent? What are you scared of? Scared to defend basic human rights as innocent people are murdered.
“It’s been a long dark tunnel since oct 7 and a long way to go to emerge from this horrendous situation.
“Sharing with you my conversations with my brother @hassan_2000_zxk and stepmother @e_no0osaaa is by far my biggest heartbreak. #freepalestine”
Even as the crisis deepened in her father’s homeland, Gazini continued to work like the consummate professional that she is.
She was one of the featured models in “Immaculate Machinations,” the spectacular show by the Dubai-based Cebuano designer Furne One of Furne Amato. It also coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.
Together with Miss Universe 2021 Top 5 Bea Luigi Gomez and Miss Supranational First Runner-up Pauline Amelincx, Gazini wore an intricate, exquisite creation that only Furne Amato can conjure. — Video by C. Mendez Legaspi