MANILA – After nearly a decade, the Philippines dropped out of the Top 10 of the Miss Universe pageant.

Gazini Ganados finished in the Top 20 of Miss Universe 2019, which was won by Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa.

• South Africa crowned Miss Universe 2019; PH finishes in Top 20

She was aiming to score a back-to-back victory for the country with Catriona Gray, who is the fourth Filipina Miss Universe.

The past decade by been dubbed as the “golden age” of pageantry in the Philippines, as beauty queens from the country consistently placed in Miss Universe and other competitions.

Since Venus Raj’s became fourth runner-up in Miss Universe 2010, the Philippines has consistently made it in the Top 10, at the very least. These were highlighted by the title wins of Pia Wurtzbach (2015) and Gray.

Nevertheless, Ganados’ Top 20 finish is no small feat. She was able to beat out 70 other Miss Universe candidates from across the globe as a semi-finalist under the “wild card” category.

Ganados was also able to make her opening statement, which was consistent with her advocacy for elderly care, before millions of viewers.

Watch it below:

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