MANILA, Philippines – Miss Grand International 2015 3rd runner-up Parul Shah said she enjoyed her time at the pageant held in Thailand and that she has met many friends along the way.

In an interview with the press at her welcome party, Tuesday, October 27, Parul, 27 said: “The best part of it was just having fun and enjoying the pageant. You get to experience the Thai culture first hand.”

She also told the press that she was confident that she would be called as part of the top 20 during the finals night Sunday, October 25. 

“I have to be there. I know that there was no doubt in my mind and in my heart that di ako pwedeng hindi matatawag sa (I can’t not be called to be part of the) Top 20. In my head nagpapasalamat lang ako kay God na nakapasok ako sa (I was thanking God that I was able to enter the) Top 20.”

Asked which between the two questions was difficult to answer, Parul said she found the stop the war, end violence speech as the more challenging portion. 

“For me it would be the first one. The final question asked was who was the influential person, it’s more personal. It’s easier to answer something that’s personal and nothing scripted and about the war and something heavy. So for me, if you answer something that comes from your heart, it’s easy, the flow is very easy. You know like your values, go back to your personal life, your core values, it’s easy to answer that,” she said. 

She also spoke about people’s thoughts that she should have won the pageant. Parul said she was flattered but believed that time was really right for Anea Garcia, who was crowned the winner.

“Happy. I had so much fun with the girls traveling around. At the end of the day, if it’s a show they want, a show is what they’ll get. Dapat performer ka hindi ka lang ganda (not just about beauty). [I’m] happy because all the 5 of us were already winners…maybe it was Anea’s time. For me it was her night. We all had good answers,” she said. 

Parul also said that she never hesitated to take on the pageant assignment when she got the call. Prior representing the Philippines in the Miss Grand International, Parul was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Tourism 2014.

“Hindi ako nawalan ng pag-asa (I did not loose hope) because Madame Stella (Araneta) was telling all the time ‘Don’t  worry, I’m sending you to a pageant. I’m just looking into it.’ And in all fairness kay Mrs. Stella, she will not send you to a pageant without a complete background check ng pageant. It has to be legit, has to be safe like every angle as possible,” she said. (READ: Ann Colis, Parul Shah to represent PH in Miss Grand International, Miss Globe 2015)

Aside from placing 3rd runner-up, Parul also won the Best in National Costume award. She received two trophies plus cash prizes for the recognitions. 

Asked what’s next for her, Parul said she will resume her work as a nurse. While others use pageants as a stepping stone for showbiz, Parul said she would rather practice her profession, but she is open to doing TV guestings. 

With the Philippines set to compete in a few more international pageants, Parul said that the ladies shoud not be pressured to win.

“Hindi sila ma-pressure (They should not be pressured) because I did not feel pressured… I was motivated more to do better everyday. Just do their best, give it their all so hindi sila ma-stress (so they won’t get stressed),” Parul said.

Parul is the latest beauty queen from Bb Pilipinas to place at a pageant. Last October 8, Bb Pilipinas Tourism 2015 Ann Colis won the Miss Globe title in Canada. (Miss Globe 2015 Ann Lorraine Colis shares her winning answer at pageant QnA)

Another beauty queen, Bb Pilipinas International Janicel Lubina is currently in Japan for the Miss International pageant scheduled on November 5. – Rappler.com