Double win for PH in Miss Earth, Mister World
TWO Filipinos once again showcased the beauty and talent of the country after being declared runner-ups in two prestigious international pageants.
Miss Philippines Stephany Stefanowitz was named Miss Earth Air at the 12th Miss Earth pageant won by Miss Czech Republic Tereza Fajksova. Rounding up the winners are Venezuela’s Osmariel Villalobos, Miss Water ( 2nd runner- up); and Brazil’s Camila Brant, Miss Fire ( 3rd runner- up).
The 23 year- old student from Ivancice bested 79 other international candidates vying for the crown of the environmentally themed pageant, during the grand coronation held on Saturday night at the Versailles Palace in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Delegates from South Africa ( Tamerin Jardine), Russia ( Natalia Pereverzeva), Nepal ( Nagma Shrestha) and the United States of America ( Siria Bojorquez), completed the Top 8 finalists.
For the pageant’s final Question and Answer portion, the Top Four beauties were asked, “What would you consider as your defining moment as a woman?”
While Fajksová had a bit of trouble answering the question, Stefanowitz’s reply drew loud cheers from the audience. The half- German, half- Filipina said that it is about being a woman of the Earth and to fight to conserve and preserve the environment.
Since winning the Miss Earth Philippines title, the 22-year-old fashion model/host from Quezon City has been an advocate of positive change.
“It’s time to put our foot down when it comes to conserving and preserving our natural resources. I will stand as a strong leader and role model to educate, inform and spread awareness, not only for ourselves but also, of course, for the future generations.” she said.
Before the coronation night, several special awards were also given out to India’s Prachi Mishra for Miss Congeniality; Venezuela’s Osmariel Villalobos, Miss Photogenic; and Thailand’s Waratthaya Wongchayaporn for Best in National Costume.
This year, the Miss Earth pageant aligned with the United Nations ( UN) General Assembly’s declaration of 2012 as the “International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.”
The panel of judges was headed by Mayor Edward Hagedorn of Puerto Princesa City and composed of United States Agency for International Development deputy Head for Environment and Energy Joseph Foltz; Versailles Palace Alabang President Allen Roxas; Best Western Premier F1 Hotel Manager Lawrence “Louie” Pena; Basketball Player Bobby Ray Parks; Philippines Volcanoes Rugby Captainball Harry Morris; Malaysian Media Maven Nancy Yeoh; Mayenne Carmona; and Starworld executive Eddie Tan.
Mr. World
Meanwhile, The Manila Times also received a text message from Miss World- Philippines Pageant Director Cory Quirino announcing the first runner- up victory of Andrew Wolff at the Mister World 2012 pageant held on Saturday night ( Sunday morning in Manila) in Kent, England.
“Andrew Wolff wins first runner up, Mr. World! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” read Quirino’s message.
Wolff, a Filipino- British model and member of the Philippine Volcanoes rugby team, lost to Francisco Escobar of Colombia, who was hailed Mister World 2012. Leo Delaney of Ireland was named second runner- up.
Although no public competition was held to determine the Philippines’ representative, Quirino said that a “private judging” of over 25 candidates was done before Wolff was chosen.
Mister World is the official male counterpart of the more popular Miss World beauty pageant. It held its maiden competition in 1996 and has had six pageants, held every two or three years.