Miss Grand International (MGI) All Stars 2026 Top 5 finalist Gazini Ganados was praised by Filipinos for being vocal about the armed conflict in Gaza during the question-and-answer portion of the pageant.
The Filipina-Palestinian beauty queen was among those who represented the Philippines in the spin-off of the MGI pageant that concluded in Thailand on May 30.
Despite not winning the crown, her participation was still commended by fellow Filipinos who lauded her for raising awareness about the conflict involving Israel and Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist political and military organization.
In the pageant’s Q&A portion, Gazini was asked, “What practical steps should society take to reduce cyberbullying,” as it “has become one of the biggest threats facing young people today.”
The beauty queen used the opportunity to raise awareness about the conflict in Gaza, a city in the Gaza Strip in Palestine.
“I was once a victim of cyberbullying. It is not easy to go through something that you didn’t ask for. As a Filipina-Palestinian, I have raised my voice and I have conquered through my fears because I faced the struggles that I’ve been facing,” she answered.
“My family is still stuck in Gaza and now that I’m fighting for their lives, I just want to do my best and be their representation and raise their flags, just like who I am today as Filipina-Palestinian,” Gazini added.
A clip of the moment went viral on X (formerly Twitter), where a Filipino praised her for using the pageant platform to speak about her personal experiences and advocacy.
“Until the very end. Regardless of results, Gazini has succeeded in reminding the world that Gaza is still suffering. From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” the X user wrote.
Until the very end. Regardless of results, Gazini has succeeded in reminding the world that Gaza is still suffering. From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. https://t.co/3jCYAPXdwx pic.twitter.com/t4AJxpIfe0
— marv (@mvn_dn) May 30, 2026
The post has so far garnered 17,000 likes and 3,400 reposts.
“Sobrang gets ko na hindi niya sinagot ‘yung question kasi she has something important to say to the world. I’ve met many kids [who] were able to escape Gaza and while some of these girls talked about resilience, none of us can imagine what they’ve gone through,” the X user commented. i
“Kahit she didn’t answer the question directly, I love that she brought up her Palestinian roots in her answer. What a redemption, Gazini!! We’re so proud of you!!” another wrote, adding emojis.
“Kahit hindi mo sinagot ang tanong, mahal pa rin kita for speaking up and reminding us about Gaza, no one will make me hate you,” a different X user commented.
“I know na kahit anong tanong ibato sa kanya, pilit niyang ipapasok ‘tong family niya sa Gaza. Sobrang vocal niya na ayan ang purpose niya of why she joined and I’m so proud of her. At that point of the competition, wala na siyang pake kung manalo o hindi, basta ma-voice out niya ‘yan,” another Pinoy said.
Gazini has a Palestinian father. She honored this heritage with her evening gown at the pageant, designed by Rian Fernandez.
Her gown featured patterns inspired by the Palestinian keffiyeh combined with the Filipino pinukpok metalcraft, incorporating gold metal details and blue crystals.
Rian said the design symbolizes strength, hope and the spirit of people longing for peace.
“Beauty is most powerful when it stands for humanity,” the designer said in a post.
Meanwhile, violence has continued between the Israeli forces and Hamas despite the ceasefire agreement in October 2025, with reports of ongoing military operations and attacks in Gaza.
The conflict, which has been ongoing since 2023, has already resulted in thousands of deaths and displacement of millions of people.
Gaza has also been under a blockade that restricts travel, trade and daily life for its more than two million residents for over 17 years.