Fay Fernandes was crowned the first Miss Goa International during a beauty pageant held at a London hotel.
The inaugural event brought together 12 contestants representing Goa’s 12 talukas, with participants travelling from Goa, Canada and across the UK.
Fernandes, who lives in East London, was selected as the winner, with two runners-up also named during the finale.
The pageant was organised by filmmaker Milroy Goes, Vilber DeCosta and Jason Diniz through their entertainment and film-related companies.
It was created to celebrate Goan talent, culture and achievement while providing contestants with opportunities in film, media, fashion and brand partnerships.
“This is not just about winning a crown,” said Goes. “We want to create opportunities for the contestants after the event, including potential film and brand opportunities. We want the winner and finalists to be remembered for their talent and achievements, and to have a platform that can help them build their careers.”
The contestants competed in three main rounds: confidence and catwalk, talent, and question and answer.
A panel of three judges selected Fernandes as the winner, awarding her the title of Miss Goa International and making her the face of the pageant’s promotional campaign.
All 12 finalists will also feature in a forthcoming calendar and limited-edition magazine launched alongside the pageant.
The event additionally recognised two women from Goa who had achieved success in their personal and professional lives. They were honoured during the finale for their contributions and achievements.
Fernandes, 24, was born in Mumbai and moved to the UK with her mother at the age of 12. She attended secondary school in East London and is in her final year of studying accounting and finance at university. She hopes to become an accountant while continuing to pursue her interests in pageantry and creative work.
“I don’t think I will ever move out of London because it is so close to my heart,” she said. “My best friend is here, as well as my mum. My father passed away when I was young, so it has always been the two of us. I wouldn’t want to leave my mum.”
Fernandes said she entered Miss Goa International because she wanted to represent her Goan heritage. Although she was born in Mumbai, her family has roots in Goa, which she visited towards the end of last year.
“I am British and Goan, and I believe I can represent both,” she said. “When I found this pageant, I thought there was nothing better I could do because it felt like me.”
During her year-long reign, Fernandes plans to promote Goa through social media, particularly Instagram Reels. She intends to highlight the region’s history, culture and attractions, including its beaches, celebrations and colonial past.
“I want to speak about our past, our colonisation and the beauty of Goa,” she said. “I want people to know what Goa has to offer, as well as its rich history and culture.”
She also hopes to support charitable and community causes. Fernandes has been researching organisations where she could volunteer and donate, and planned to contribute part of her pageant prize to Nepal flood relief efforts.
Fernandes began her pageant journey earlier this year when she entered the Miss London heat for Miss Great Britain. It was her first competition, and she reached the top 10 while winning the Miss Radiance Award.
However, the experience also exposed her struggle with stage fright.
“I was literally shaking before I went on stage,” she said. “Even after I finished my second round, I felt exhausted backstage because I was so anxious. I knew I hadn’t performed at my best, so I told myself I would do it again.”
She said the Miss Goa International experience had helped improve her confidence.
“I worked so hard for this,” Fernandes said. “I was nervous, but I think I did pretty well compared with the stage fright I experienced during my first competition. It has increased my confidence a lot.”
She hopes to use her new platform to discuss feminism, confidence and representation, while encouraging other young women to believe in themselves.
“I want people to know about Goans, our rich culture and our rich history,” she said. “I also hope I can help girls feel more confident, because beauty does not just come from the exterior; it comes from within.”
Fernandes said she wanted to be remembered as herself rather than solely by her title.
“Before the crown, I am Fay, and I want to be remembered as someone who enjoys helping other people,” she said. “The crown is not my only identity.”
The pageant was also filmed as a reality-style entertainment programme. Filming began during the contestants’ initial meetings and interviews and continued throughout the build-up to the grand finale. The programme was directed by Goes, with the organisers intending to present it to television and streaming channels.
Goes is a filmmaker, writer and director based in Los Angeles who regularly travels to London. He is also a voting member of the Emmy Awards.
His previous film, Welcome Millions, was released in cinemas and on Amazon Prime and qualified for consideration for the 91st Academy Awards.
Alongside the pageant, Goes has been developing a romantic comedy set entirely in England. The film was inspired by life in the UK, including the country’s distinctive humour and cultural character.
“The story is very English in nature,” Goes said. “It was inspired by mentors Anthony Coombs-Humpreys and Christine, and other people I have met here, particularly their sense of humour. The entire film is planned to be shot in England.”
The organisers said Miss Goa International was intended to establish a long-term platform for new faces in entertainment and promote Goan culture internationally.
WINNER: Fay Fernandes
1st RUNNER-UP: Luanna Fernandes
2nd RUNNER-UP: Erika Martha D’Costa
