Cebuana pageant bet shares Egypt experiences

FROM chasing a crown to seeking answers, Cebuana beauty queen and doctor Gabriella Mai “Gabbi” Carballo returned from Egypt carrying not only memories of an international pageant but also questions she wants organizers to address.

Carballo, who represented the Philippines at the 11th Miss Eco International pageant in Alexandria where she finished in the Top 21, called on pageant organizers to clarify several financial issues involving candidate fees, refundable deposits and payments collected during the competition.

During a homecoming press conference, Carballo said she wanted transparency regarding charges imposed on candidates and their companions throughout the pageant.

“I’m kind of here asking for transparency, I guess, as to what is the reality of what happened,” Carballo said.

“Are we just all misunderstanding it and not truly getting what had happened?,” she asked.

Among the concerns she raised was a $100 fee charged to candidates and companions who joined a scheduled visit to the pyramids.

She said participants were not informed beforehand that the activity would require additional payment.

Carballo also questioned the status of a $200 refundable insurance deposit collected from each candidate and companion.

She said she has yet to receive her refund and noted that other contestants reportedly experienced similar issues, with some allegedly receiving incomplete reimbursements.

Another concern involved payments collected for seats at the coronation night.

Carballo said she was informed that her mother and fiancé would need to pay $50 each to attend the finals.

However, she later learned that no tickets were issued and some parents were reportedly seated without making any payment.

“I’m owed $400 because of my companion and for myself,” she said. “That’s the area that I felt a little bit off about.”

The Cebuana emphasized that she was sharing only her personal experience and was not making accusations beyond what she directly encountered.

She also noted that concerns surrounding the pageant have surfaced elsewhere, citing a separate statement released by Thailand’s Miss Grand organization.

When asked about allegations of favoritism, Carballo said she did not personally witness any preferential treatment during the competition, despite being considered a strong contender after winning the Evening Wear Top Model award and sharing the Best in Talent title.

Beyond the controversy, Carballo reflected on her experience representing the Philippines on the international stage.

She carried the country’s bid for a back-to-back Miss Eco International victory following the reign of Alexie Brooks, although the crown ultimately went to Mexico’s Palmira Ruiz.

The 27-year-old said representing the Philippines came with significant responsibility, particularly at a time when the country faced various challenges and issues.

She also disclosed that she financed much of her pageant campaign through her own work, although sponsors provided support throughout her journey.

“It’s such an honor for the dream to be fulfilled to represent the country on the international stage,” she said.

For now, Carballo said she is stepping away from pageantry to focus on her upcoming wedding and plans to return to the medical profession.

She also hopes to continue hosting events, a field she discovered through pageantry and has since become passionate about pursuing.

Carballo previously placed Top 6 in the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 before being appointed as the country’s representative to Miss Eco International.

In her early pageant days, she won local titles such as Miss Mandaue in 2018, Miss Cebu in 2022, and Miss Universe Philippines Cebu 2025.