Krishnah Marie E. Gravidez of Baguio made waves with her mesmerizing and captivating performance on stage during the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 coronation night.
Aside from her impressive showmanship, there is much more to the wildcard candidate than meets the eye, as she is not just a pretty face with a snatched figure.
Let's dig deeper into Krishnah's life and find out ten unique facts about her.
Read also: Baguio's Krishnah Gravidez forgoes diet days before MUPH 2023 coronation night
Krishnah, known as Ish to her loved ones and close friends, was born on October 11, 2000 in Ilocos Sur.
FAMILY
While little is known about Krishnah's family, the beauty queen dedicated a lengthy post to her Lola Nena on February 21, 2023, detailing how much she looked up to her.
The beauty queen wrote (published as is), "She (mamalo) was never married nor had children, but she told a story about her supposed fiance, who tragically passed away before proposing to her.
"After that, she never thought of being in a relationship again. Instead, she dedicated her life to taking care of her nieces and nephews, including my papa and his brothers.
"If I were to be asked who's one of my biggest inspirations, without a doubt, it would be her. She's the loveliest, most caring, and thoughtful person I know."
An episode of Wowowin aired on May 27, 2019, showed Krishnah participating as one of the contestants, where she introduced her mom, Angel, to the crowd.
"Ayun Ma, mahal na mahal din kita, alam mo naman yun. Kasi kung hindi dahil sa iyo, di ako gaganda nang ganito," she quipped.
"Saka, Ma, nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng sacrifices mo. Kahit single mom ka, alam ko na ginagawa mo iyon kasi mahal na mahal mo kami.
"Kahit na aalis na ako, kahit sa Baguio na ako mag-aaral, hinding-hindi kita iiwan. Alam mo iyan kasi para sa iyo, kaya ako aalis."
In the same episode, she revealed that her parents separated 10 years prior, and that she and her little sister have been living with their lola ever since.
"Pupunta na po ako sa papa ko, dun na po ako mag-aaral sa Baguio," she shared.
EDUCATION
Beyond her stunning looks, Krishnah is also an industrious young woman.
She began pursuing her dream of becoming an engineer at the time she entered the pageant world.
"Pangarap ko talaga, Wil, maging engineer, Wil. Kasi yun yung pangarap ko saka pangarap ng pamilya ko, Wil," the 22-year-old beauty queen said to Wowowin host Willie Revillame.
In 2019, she began studying industrial engineering at Saint Louis University in Baguio City before transferring to the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan, Ilocos Sur to pursue a degree in civil engineering.
"Para sa akin lang din, Wil, gusto ko talaga, ako talaga yung papaaral sa sarili ko, Wil. Kasi yung mga napapanalunan ko sa pageant, Wil, yun yung binabayad ko sa tuition."
WORK EXPERIENCE
Despite the challenges of funding her education from senior high school up to college, Krishnah continues to impress with her tenacity as a virtual assistant for Agape Caregiving Agency based in California.
She later worked as a Facebook Ads specialist for PPC Boutique based in Florida, according to her interview with Miss Universe Philippines 2023 co-presenter, apparel brand Smilee.
After that, she also dabbled as a content editor for A One Media Agency, proving her skills in multiple areas.
During her personality test with Empire Philippines, she disclosed that she had also tried working as part of the service crew of a popular fast-food chain.
Alongside her impressive work ethics, Krishnah is also a budding entrepreneur, selling lip tints and other products to her classmates for extra allowance.
Krishnah is a shining example of a young woman who is creating her own path to success.
PAGEANT JOURNEY
FIRST BEAUTY CONTEST
The Baguio representative made her first step towards her lifelong goal when she entered a beauty contest in 2006, calling herself "the 6-year-old dreamer."
Her post's caption read: "The first pageant I had as a kid was when I was 6 years old in our barangay in Santiago, Ilocos Sur...
"Fast forward, and I bagged the title with almost all the special awards.
"I can't describe in words the feeling I had that night (or maybe the bouquets were so heavy), but then I had the extra push as a child to dream more."
Going on to high school, Krishnah proved even further that she was meant for pageantry after bagging the Miss Intrams 2018 title on February 12 of that year.
MISS BAGUIO-BREATHE 2022
Krishnah won the top title Miss Baguio-Breathe 2022 when she represented Barangay Irisan at Miss Baguio 2022, held at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center in Baguio City.
Her Instagram post read (pubished as is): "3 years ago, I let my doubts invade me, to the extent of making the decision to give up all the ambitions I have for pageantry," she wrote.
"I focused on my everyday survival, especially when the horrible pandemic happened... but if you have been called for a certain purpose, no matter how many times you turn your back from it, it will follow you.
"Now that I carry your name across my heart, we're soaring higher, my Baguio."
MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES 2023 BAGUIO
Carrying grace and confidence, Krishnah held her head high as she strutted down the final stage during the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 (MUPH 2023) coronation night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila, competing against 37 other hopefuls.
The 22-year-old beauty queen clinched the Best in Swimsuit award and made it to the top 5.
Read also: Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Top 5 finalists
For the final portion of the Q&A segment, the five finalists were asked the same question: "Recently, the Department of Tourism has adopted a new branding campaign, 'We give the world our best.'
"For you, what is the best that we could offer to the rest of the world? Why do you consider it so?"
Krishnah's answer was not only eloquent, but also thoughtful: "Having to struggle at a very early age, I had uncertainties, but I received kindness a lot of times.
"So now, aside from it's free, I give kindness to everyone. Because this kindness can go a long way, can motivate someone, or can give radiance to their days.
"Because this kindness also made me transform myself from a woman who had nothing, to a lady that has the universe in her doorstep."
MISS CHARM PHILIPPINES 2024
At a separate coronation which took place shortly after the MUPH 2023 big night, Krishnah was later crowned Miss Charm Philippines 2024 at the Cove Manila pool club of Okada Manila in Parañaque City, Metro Manila.
She will represent the Philippines at Miss Charm International 2024.
ADVOCACY
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) days before the MUPH 2023 coronation night, Krishnah reiterated her ambition to be the voice of the youth.
Her advocacy for the welfare of children and youth, as part of the Colors of Kindness charity, has been a significant part of her pageant journey.
"I am just expecting that all of my hard work will be manifested on that stage on Saturday. Because I'm confident that I've prepared for this competition."
She continued, "I'm ready to convey a message and to amplify the voices of the children and the youth that I'm fighting for."
INTEREST
On a more personal note, a fun fact about the young beauty queen is that she is a canine lover.
"If you'll ask me what's my breather, simply dogs," she declared in the Her Story video she did with Empire.
Her Instagram account even showed a photo of her rescued aspin in November 2020.
"They hold a special place in my heart as they've seen me in my most vulnerable point and saved me countless times," she explained.
"You know what's better? They don't ask anything in return.
"That's an unconditional, limitless, and boundless love."
Read also: Miss Universe Philippines 2023 candidates reflect on doing charity in Boracay