By JAY PATAO
A 6-foot-2 American-Dominican university student who admitted she was a child of rape was crowned as Miss Grand International 2015 at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok, Thailand last Sunday, besting 77 other delegates worldwide, including the Philippines’ Parul Quitola Shah who finished as third runner-up.
Anea Wauneegunn Garcia, 20, who wore the banner of the Dominican Republic, was crowned as Miss Grand International 2015 and succeeded Daryanne Lees Garcia of Cuba in the 3rd edition of the annual pageant that campaigns to “stop wars and violence” in the world.
Born and raised by her grandmother in Cranston, Rhode Island, Anea is pursuing a double degree in Legal Studies and Philosophy in Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. She competed for Miss USA 2015 where she finished as second runner-up.
During the final question-and-answer round, Anea was asked who is the most influential person in her life. She replied it was her father and cried when she admitted she was a child of rape and tied up her answer to forgiving and peace.
Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism 2014 Parul Shah, 27, a BS Nursing graduate from the University of the Cordilleras in Baguio City, finished as third runner-up and won the Best in National Costume award for her glittering gold Muslim-inspired ensemble created by Manila designer Edwin Uy. The other finalists included Claire Elizabeth Parker of Australia, 1st runner-up; Vartika Singh of India, 2nd runner-up; and Rattikorn Kunsom of Thailand.
During the “Stop the War” speech segment of the 10 finalists who were dressed in white gowns, Parul said: “Our ancestors have died fighting for the lives we live today. Let us honor them by choosing peace – peace for our homes, our children, our future generations…Peace even in the smallest homes, when multiplied by millions, can transform the world. So join me and be one with the world. Let us stop wars and choose peace.”
At the final interview round, Shah replied: “The most influential person in my life would be my father. I do believe that peace starts at home. I was born by a Filipina mother who is Christian and an Indian father who is Hindu, in a country (Dubai, UAE) that is governed by Muslims. And I do believe that we could co-exist together if there is understanding, and when there is no power struggle and no one tries to be above another. I’ve learned this from my father; he taught me that with having humility and respect, peace can ultimately be achieved.”
Parul, who is scheduled to arrive today from Bangkok, is the second Bb. Pilipinas titlist to win at an international pageant this year. Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism 2015 Ann Lorraine Colis won as Miss Globe 2015 in Toronto, Canada last October 8. On November 5, Bb. Pilipinas-International 2015 Janicel Lubina will vie for the country’s 6th Miss International crown in Tokyo, Japan.
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