Miss Earth bets talk ‘green’

The Miss Philippines-Earth beauty contest has been known for its unprecedented regional search for a true Filipina who cares for and helps in the preservation of the environment.

Now on its ninth year, the contest continues to expand its search not only in provinces, cities and municipalities in the country but also in Filipino communities abroad, such as Australia, France, Germany, United Arab Emirates and the United States.

The 2009 Miss Philippines-Earth contest edition is seen as the largest beauty pageant in the Philippines with 52 official candidates and vying for top titles such as Miss Philippines-Earth, Miss Philippines-Air, Miss Philippines-Water, Miss Philippines-Fire and Miss Philippines-Ecotourism.

Eight of the candidates took time out from their hectic schedule to visit The Manila Times and talk about their advocacies: Kathleen Jebulan (Sorsogon province); Tanya Louise Hendy (Melbourne, Australia); Angelee Claudett delos Reyes (Olongapo City); Agnes Dizon (Mexico, Pampanga); Mia Guansing (Baguio City); Charmaine Chiong (West Coast, USA); Evangeline Mae Castillo (Province of Tarlac); and Jennelyn Bagsit (Batangas City) were one in saying that “it’s not yet late to save Mother Earth from dying.”

“The time to care for our environment is now,” they added. “All of us should start in our own little ways like proper waste disposal at home, joining environmental awareness programs and activities and being role models to young children.”

Earlier on Tuesday, the candidates were presented to the press at the poolside of Traders Hotel in Manila.

Today, as the world celebrates Earth Day, all the candidates are scheduled to join a motorcade to rally the people on environmental awareness and to love and care for Earth. Kick-off time is at 6:45 a.m. on Macapagal Avenue in Manila. From there, the contestants will pitch for the Earth at Legazpi Mini Park in Makati City at 9 a.m.

Coronation of the winners in the 2009 Miss Philippines-Earth beauty pageant will be on May 10 at The Arena, San Juan City, Metro Manila.