Baguio beauty crowned Miss Philippines Earth
ROXANNE Allison Baeyens of Baguio City was crowned Miss Philippines Earth on Sunday, beating 33 other hopefuls.
Because of quarantine restrictions, the pageant was held virtually, with the contestants in their own homes. GMA Network aired the show live at 10 a.m., which marked the first beauty pageant in the Philippines to be held online.
This year’s pageant was themed “ecoangels” with Baeyens advocating urban gardening to encourage people to add more plants to their homes and business areas.
She also won the following categories: Beauty of Face, Best Eco Video, Darling of the Press and Best Covid Craze outfit. She placed third in the Best Beach Wear competition and landed a spot among the Hana Beauties.
She was crowned by her predecessor, Janelle Tee of Pasig City.
During the question and answer portion, the 23- yearold was asked: “What important quality should a leader display
amid a pandemic?”
Her reply, which secured the crown, was: “A leader should display having a green thumb because, at this point in time, we have a shortage in food supply. So, it’s important to open the eyes of people to embrace having a sustainable life to start urban agriculture at their own homes. After all, having a green life is a better life, and I hope the leader will give that to us.”
Baeyens was joined in the winners’ circle by Miss Philippines Air Patrixia Shirley Santos of Daraga, Albay; Miss Philippines Water Maria Gianna Llanes of Mandaluyong City; Miss Philippines Fire Marie Sherry Ann Tormes of Atimonan, Quezon; and Miss Philippines Eco Tourism Ilyssa Marie Mendoza from the Filipino Community of Melbourne, Australia.
The Baguio beauty will represent the Philippines at the Miss Earth 2020 grand coronation, which also marks the pageant’s 20th anniversary.