Parul Shah places 3rd in Ms. Grand International

MANILA, Philippines – Only 17 days after Ann Lorraine Colis was crowned 2015 Miss Globe in Toronto, Canada, another Binibining Pilipinas queen shone on the international pageant stage.

Parul Shah (extreme left, photo) was adjudged third runner-up and Best in National Costume (she wore a shimmering gold Muslim-inspired costume by Edwin Uy) in the 2015 Miss Grand International pageant held in Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday evening, Oct. 25. 

The crown went to 20-year-old, 6-ft tall Anea Garcia of Dominican Republic (center, photo). Anea’s other runners-up were (from left, photo) Claire Elizabeth Parker of Australia, first; Vartika Singh of India, second (also Best Social Media winner); and Rattikorn Kunsom of Thailand, fourth.

During the final Q&A segment, Parul’s answer to ‘Who is the most influential person in your life?’ was, ‘The most influential person in my life would be my father. I do believe that peace starts at home. I was born by a Filipina mother who is Christian and an Indian father who is Hindu, in a country that is govern by Muslims. And I do believe that we could co-exist together if there is understanding, and when there is no power struggle and no one tries to be above another. I’ve learned this from my father, he thought me that with having humility and respect, peace can ultimately be achieved.’

Seventy-seven beauties worldwide participated in the three-year old pageant. Parul duplicated Ali Forbes’ third runner-up placement in the maiden edition (2013) of Miss Grand International.

The first two titleholders Janelee Chaparro of Puerto Rico (2013) and Lees Garcia of Cuba (2014) graced the pageant. Chaparro visited the country last year when she attended the Miss Grand Philippines 2014 coronation night.