Gazini Ganados, Maureen Montagne, Anna Lakrini bat for access to beauty tools

Bb. Pillipinas queens (from left) Anna Lakrini, Maureen Montagne, and Gazini Ganados/ARMIN P. ADINA

Before they became beauty queens who made pageantry their playground, Binibining Pilipinas alums Gazini Ganados, Anna Lakrini and Maureen Montagne were once little girls who could only dream of wearing a crown and have fun doing makeup with friends.

Fast-forward to the present, these queens recognized the unique position they are now in: to become an inspiration for young girls who, like them, also aspired to become the country’s representative to various global pageant competitions.

The Binibining Pilipinas queens recently spoke with INQUIRER.net at an event mounted by a global beauty brand where they shared their thoughts about the ever-growing industry that has made the country an international powerhouse. They believed that just like any kid whose dream was to become a doctor or nurse, or teacher, aspiring young beauty queens, too, should have a place to shine, and they deserve to have beauty tools accessible to them.

“I actually am happy that little girls have access to those products,” said Lakrini, The Miss Globe 2023 second runner-up. “But I also think that we should use it to enhance themselves, instead of them just seeing ‘Oh I have to use that product to be beautiful.’ No, it’s just an enhancement of the beauty that you already have,” she added.

Ganados, semifinalist in the 2019 Miss Universe pageant, likewise imparted a message to young girls who may get too excited with getting their hands on beauty products: “Just a gentle reminder that the simpler, the better.”

Montagne, The Miss Globe 2021 titleholder, for her part said, “I think beauty should be something that’s accessible to everyone, no matter your gender, no matter your age. So I love the fact that Avon is available everywhere in Watsons now.”

Inclusivity

Lakrini also touched on inclusivity of beauty standards. “I think we have to make the world as inclusive as we can so that everyone, no matter their gender, no matter what they look like, no matter what background they come from, has the possibility of joining a pageant or being who they want to be,” she said.

The three queens also shared pieces of advice to aspiring beauty queens. “Have fun, experiment, and just to always be yourself,” Montagne said.

“I think being unapologetically you sets you apart. And I know that sounds cliché, but it’s really about starting new conversations, having the right mindset to focus on relevant issues. And of course, just to spread positivity and empower others,” she added.

Lakrini, for her part, vouched for the value of hydration. “First of all, drink water. Because water is really the foundation, so you glow from within. And also, even if you can’t afford any makeup, always make sure that you put sublock on your face. Because sunblock is keeping your skin from aging, and we have to protect our skin from the UV rays,” she said.

Ganados zeroed in on where, for her, it should begin. “Start with your bare skin first. As soon as you are confident with your bare skin, and you are investing in skin that is moisturized, that is healthy, whatever you put on your face will go well,” she shared.

“They should know themselves better before using a product, because that will affect your performance. If you look beautiful, if you feel confident with the things that you’re using with your face, that actually affects your confidence. Choosing a product that’s right for you is very important,” Ganados further said.