Philippine representative Krishnah Marie Gravidez is now in India to compete in the long-awaited 72nd edition of Miss World, which returns after more than a year. The pageant will be held in Telangana, a state in southern India, on May 31.
The 24-year-old Baguio native was formerly a Top 5 finalist in Miss Universe Philippines 2023. She was named Miss Charm Philippines 2023 but resigned to be able to compete in Miss World Philippines 2024, which she won in July 2024.
Currently pursuing an Industrial Engineering degree, Gravidez is the founder of “Color the World with Kindness,” a non-government organization where she and student volunteers encourage acts of kindness and spread positivity, like transforming a daycare center into a vibrant learning space to create a more stimulating and inspiring environment for the children.
“I’m proud of what we have achieved in ‘Color the World with Kindness’ in promoting youth empowerment, education, and animal welfare. We have rebuilt seven daycare centers in Baguio City through fundraising activities,” enthused Gravidez, who intends to use her project as her Miss World platform, ‘Beauty with a Purpose.’
“I feel a hundred percent ready to go to India and represent the Philippines. I’ve been preparing for months with my whole team. I hope to show to the world the core values of the Filipino people, the essence of the Filipino, who are very compassionate, kind, and resilient people,” said Gravidez.
The Philippines has not placed well in Miss World since Michelle Dee’s Top 12 finish in 2019 and earlier in Catriona Gray’s Top 5 in 2016. Gravidez, whose name in Sanskrit carries the metaphorical meaning of ‘all attractive’ or ‘all auspicious,’ reflecting the divine qualities attributed to Hindu deity Krishna, could break the spell and even win the country’s second Miss World title.
Reigning Miss World is Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic, who visited the country and graced Gravidez’s coronation.
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PH scores back-to-back win in Miss Elite Global 2025
Francine Gabrielle Tajanlangit achieved a rare back-to-back win for the Philippines after being crowned Miss Elite Global 2025 during finals held in Goa, India, on Monday. She succeeded compatriot and outgoing Miss Elite Global 2024 Jean Tumang.
The runners-up were Miss Benelux Esmee Weegenaar (first), Miss Indonesia Arra Shafira (second), Miss Malaysia Gittanjali Pathmanathan (third), and Miss Netherlands Iris Van Eijk (fourth).
The 22-year-old former Miss Manila 2023 2nd runner-up also took home the special awards Best in Rampwalk and Best in National Costume, designed by Stephen Alvarado.
Tajanlangit, a graduating student in Nursing at Far Eastern University, conducts outreach projects in healthcare. A strong believer in the importance of nurturing self-care, she aspires to make a meaningful impact in healthcare in the field of nursing in the country.
Tajanlangit was congratulated by Arnold Vegafria, national director of Miss Elite Global Philippines and Mister Elite Global Philippines organization, for bringing pride and honor to the country by winning the title for the second consecutive year.
Miss Elite Global pageant, established in 2020, aims to unite race, culture, and society as one.