Gazini Ganados seeks Manila‘s help to take elderly to beach, mountain trip

MANILA—Miss Universe-Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados on Tuesday asked the local government of Manila to help her bring some senior citizens on a beach trip, her latest effort to promote “active aging” among senior citizens.

The Filipino-Palestinian model has been planning to take some 200 elderly residents of the Luwalhati ng Maynila Home for the Aged to a nearby beach or mountain to help them relax and unwind.

“I asked for transportation help because some of the elderly feel depressed inside the home for the aged and they want to go out to see nature, be more active, be more sociable,” Ganados told ABS-CBN News.

“They are already in their sunset years and the things that are most important for them is how to spend well their remaining time here on earth.” 

The 23-year-old Cebuana has been advocating for elderly care even before joining Binibining Pilipinas, said Rodgil Flores, head of Kagandahang Flores where Ganados has been training for pageants.

“Laking lola siya. Based on first-hand experience yung nangyari sa kaniya so she wants to give back to the elderly,” Flores told ABS-CBN News.

Ganados’ “genuine” concern for senior citizens gives her an edge in the pageant, he said.

“Aside from performance on stage, ngayon ang hinahanap na nila, ang standard ng beauty queen ay may social commitment na din,” he said. 

“So sa kaniya, genuine talaga hindi ito ginawa lang for the pageant.”