In a conversation with MEGA, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 First Runner-Up Stacey Gabriel opens up why her title is not on her head, but more in her heart
Wearing a crown atop one’s head bears weight in a literal and figurative sense. Stones of varying kinds, shapes, and sizes adorn the piece, symbolizing their seat of power that ultimately includes privilege. But while others live for the added pressure of balancing a crown in one’s head as they represent the country and forward her own advocacies, Stacey Gabriel feels lighter without a crown on her head—and yet, still, with the same weight of force, passion, and purpose to instigate change in the world.
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Five days after the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 coronation night, the beauty queen said her piece about going home without a crown—one that her own fans, and even the audience who witnessed her charm and fighting spirit—were adamant to accept. But Stacey herself said it best in her caption. “I realize some might not understand my reasons, but my heart wants what it wants. What many don’t realize is that joining a pageant tests and stretches you in ways you never imagined, and I knew I would only do it all over again for my lifelong dream—Miss Universe.”
Talking the Walk of Her Journey
To set the record straight, the Miss Universe crown was not the 26-year-old contender‘s be-all and end-all. Reiterating her statement, others may not perceive why considering another crown was not part of her game plan. But for her, that meant standing her ground and simply honoring her destiny.
“It is rare to access this platform without looking forward to my next crown; rather, in God’s plan,” she points out in a conversation with MEGA. “As first runner-up, I continue living out my purpose. I’m expanding my women’s prison ministry while honoring the stories of the women who come before me, and those who will continue the work long after me.”
Concluding her response, she honors her own inner child for her steadfast decision. “To rise above every challenge and to pour my heart into every opportunity was enough for the little girl who dared to reach for the Universe,” she says.
Letting Her Actions Talk
The truth is, rooting for the Cainta representative was easily a given even before the actual competition began. Like her contemporaries, she had pageant experience and a runner-up title that created buzz on her Miss Universe Philippine application. In their months-long journey to the crown, she exhibited consistency and force that made her the talk and bet of numerous pageant fans. Of course, it also came with the price of being out there as an easy target of rumors and false accusations. Stacey luckily had her past interactions to speak for her own character, including those with pageant trainer and Miss Universe Philippines 2022 contender, Kali Huff.
“I love this Maya Angelou quote: ‘People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ The individuals who have rallied around me on this journey have affirmed these words. I’m grateful to have made a lasting connection with so many beautiful people who have my back like I have theirs,” Stacey affirmed.
Besides subjecting herself to public judgment in the lens of pageantry, her acting experience was her baptism by fire as well. “Living in the public eye has definitely made me more intentional in protecting my heart,” she opens up in all honesty. “My acting background has definitely helped with navigating this world, and taking any scrutiny in my stride. Just like when playing a character, I remove myself from the situation and remember that it’s not me they see, it’s simply their idea of me. Framing it that way allows a sensitive soul like myself to keep the anxiety at bay.”
Still Dreaming, Still Working
It has long been known that a woman’s nature has her built for resilience, endurance, and power. With an assured sense of self, Stacey proves that fact about herself with her plans. First one on the list? Acting. “It has always been my big love, so I would be thrilled to find my way back on set and play characters that portray the complexity of being a woman,” she declares. Next, her business. “I’m in the beginning stages of dropping a new capsule collection for my sustainable swimwear brand, GABRI, so it’s been fun to create again.”
Last and definitely not the very least, her advocacy of uplifting women’s lives. Inspired by her late Lola Daisy through and through, Stacey’s movement for women continues through the Daisy Legacy Prison Ministry. Besides their mission to meet the basic needs of the elderly inmates in Mandaluyong City’s Correctional Institution of Women, the beauty queen is forwarding a tomorrow of hope and redemption for them—one that she also applies to herself. “There are still a few unknowns, but one thing’s for sure – my new dreams are as big as the last one, dreams I share with every Filipina who believes in the limitless potential of the Universe.”
Photos and Featured Image: GRANT BABIA
The post EXCLUSIVE: Stacey Gabriel Sets the Record Straight About Refusing the Crown appeared first on MEGA.
EXCLUSIVE: Stacey Gabriel Sets the Record Straight About Refusing the Crown
Source: Insta News Pinoy
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