MGI 2019: Welcome Ceremony happens without Philippines. The country won´t compete this year.

The MGI Welcome Ceremony is always big news in the pageant world, but confirmation that Miss Grand Philippines, Samantha Lo, won´t make it to Venezuela after all, was the most talked about subject among fans around the world.

After departing photos of her circulated the internet, the Filipino representative ended up not arriving in Caracas. A missing connection flight, visa problems, disqualification, or a decision to withdraw? The mystery remains, and whatever happened, a pageant powerhouse such as the Philippines will be highly missed on this Grand Slam contest…

Meanwhile, other stunning 59 young women took part in the Welcome Ceremony, leaving the impression that we will have a very strong competition this year!

Clara Sosa, Miss Grand International 2018, looked very regal standing next to a happy Nawat Itsaragrisil, who going against all odds, so far has pulled a great event in Venezuela, and the always elegant Teresa Chaivisut, vice-president of Miss Grand International.

Missed it? WATCH IT HERE.

See photos from behind the scenes of this event, as we wait for the official ones: