Anita Rose Gomez appeals for ‘love, not hate’ as she embraces ‘His plan’

Miss Asia Pacific International Philippines Anita Rose Gomez. ARMIN P. ADINA

Anita Rose Gomez may not have fulfilled her dream of winning the Miss Grand International Philippines crown, but she has accepted the national pageant’s outcome.

Considered by many as the “heir apparent” to 2024 winner and current international queen Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza, her fellow Zambaleña, Gomez fell short and ended up with the Miss Asia Pacific International Philippines title instead.

Emma Tiglao succeeded Opiaza as Miss Grand International Philippines at the end of the competition held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday night, Aug. 24.

Many of the fans of both frontrunners have been engaging in heated arguments online, declaring their respective bets the more rightful successor to Opiaza. This went on even after the competition had ended.

Gomez appealed for sobriety. “Let’s continue to spread love, not hate, as we raise our flag together,” she posted on social media.

“Not all plans unfold the way we expect, but God’s timing is always perfect. Today, I embrace His plan with full gratitude—finally carrying the Philippines sash across my heart,” she said.

Gomez is the first queen under the ALV Pageant Circle, organizer of both the Miss Grand International Philippines and Miss World Philippines pageants, to be sent to the Miss Asia Pacific International contest

As the country’s representative to the longest-running international beauty pageant based in the Philippines, Gomez carries important responsibilities.

Not only will she serve as the host delegate who is set to welcome to the country about 50 other participants from around the world, she is also tasked to sustain the Philippines’ impressive record in the competition.

With five winners and several runners-up, the Philippines is the best performing country in the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant. And Gomez will try to become the sixth Filipino woman to win the crown.

But she will not do it alone. Gomez has a strong support base, with her family and friends, and the Filipino people. She also has her boyfriend of six years Jasper Manalang beside her.

“Behind everything, aside from my family and my amazing core team, there is one amazing person who supports me gigantically without expecting anything in return,” she said of Manalang on social media.

“He never wanted to be credited for anything he has helped me with, not just in this journey but in everything since day one. But I just want, even for once, for people to know how proud I am and how blessed I feel to have such an amazing person..a partner,” Gomez continued.

She called Manalang her “greatest gift,” and expressed her gratitude to him. “Being with you makes life happier and easier. Thank you for always being there through thick and thin,” she said.

“You never doubted me, and you always find ways to help me take every circumstance lightly. In my victories, you celebrate me wholeheartedly, and in my loss, you still embrace and celebrate me just the same,” Gomez added.

Gomez will compete in this year’s edition of the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant that will culminate in a coronation show to be held in Cebu on Oct. 8. /edv