Dismayado ang kandidata ng Pilipinas sa 71st Miss World na si Gwendolyne Fourniol dahil hindi man lang siya nakapasok sa Top 40.
Read: How is Gwendolyne Fourniol faring at the Miss World 2023 pageant?
Ginanap ang grand coronation ng Miss World 2023 sa Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai, India, noong March 9, 2024.
Sa kanyang Instagram post kagabi, March 13, 2024, naglabas ng hinanakit si Gwendolyne dahil tila kulang ang ginawa niya para pumasok man lang kahit sa Top 40.
Nagpasalamat naman siya sa mga mensaheng nagpapakita ng suporta sa kabila ng kabiguang makuha ang korona ng Miss World 2023.
Mensahe niya, "As I write this, I am dumbfounded by the love and support being sent to me across my social media. I can’t help but be emotional. My eyes are swelling with tears trying to hold it all in so the world can see a brave woman who gave her all.
"But like any human being, I think it is normal to admit that it is okay to be vulnerable, it is okay to be hurt, it is okay to be in shock and question myself and my capabilities.
"I am admittedly still in a state of confusion. And I keep asking myself what went wrong, what I did differently or what was missed because I tried to cover all possible angles.
"But the overthinking brought me at a standstill and I now rest in the thought that this is something I can learn from. I also have faith that a divine being is guiding me to a bigger yet an unknown path for now."
Hindi rin daw naging madali ang pinagdaanan ni Gwendolyne kaya masakit para sa kanyang may mga taong sumusuporta na baka nadismaya ring tulad niya.
Saad niya, "My journey was not an easy one and the thought of disappointing people who believed and continues to believe in me really breaks my heart.
"Most of all, the thought of disheartening the people who I am fighting for, the children of ERDA, the mother volunteers who tirelessly devote their time to the cause, really crushes my soul.
"But these same people: YOU, ERDA, My team, My family, are the same people giving me hope, touching me with a glimmer of light, and providing me a reason to stand up and continue advocating for causes close to my heart."
Gayunpaman, malaki pa rin ang pasasalamat ni Gwendolyne sa pagkakataong maiwagayway ang bandila ng bansa sa pageant.
Aniya, "Now, I am seeing the bigger picture and I am filled with grattitude.
"I am thankful to the Miss World Organization for the wonderful experience. I have met 112 gorgeous women with impactful voices and social causes that will make a difference in the world. And this brings me so much joy.
"I have come to realize that there are things within my control that I gave my best on. And there things not within my control that I lifted up to destiny and to God.
"I shall soldier on… because I know I will be stronger, better and wiser.
"This is your Miss World Philippines, Gwendolyne Fourniol! Mahal na mahal ko po kayong lahat! At maraming salamat po sa suportang ibinigay ninyo."
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Si Krystyna Pyszková ng Czech Republic ang itinanghal na Miss World 2023.
Read: Krystyna Pyszková of Czech Republic is Miss World 2023