Benazira Djoco to represent Guinea-Bissau in Miss Supranational 2012

23 year old Benazira Djoco will be the very 1st representative of her native African country, Guinea-Bissau to an international beauty contest. She will be competing in Miss Supranational 2012 to be held in Poland later this year.

Benazira currently a student and also works as a model. She was raised in Bissau City and tried her luck into the modeling industry in Brazil. She moved to Joao Pessoa few years ago and now has a duo citizenship. She has done modelings in Rio de Janeiro and have appeared in some soap operas.

Djoco stands 1.83m tall, also studies Tourism.

Raquel Arias wins Miss Venus Espanola Internacional 2012

19 year old Raquel Arias won the title of Miss Venus Española Internacional 2012, a Spanish national beauty pageant organized by Showstars agency and was held this year last April 22 in Benidorm. As the winner, Raquel will represent Spain in Miss Earth 2012 contest.

Another titleholders were the 20 year old Miriam Ruiz, who will compete in Miss Intercontinental 2012. And Nieves Sanchez who will enter the Miss Supranational 2012 contest.

The runners-up were Estela Cruz (Miss Latina Spain) and Marina Romero (Queen Española).

Okinawa Japan is the venue of Miss International 2012

The 52nd annual Miss International 2012 was scheduled to take place in Okinawa, Japan on October as publicly announced by the International Cultural Association (ICA) during a press conference held last April 23.

Attending the event were former and reigning Miss International beauty titlists: Maria Fernanda Cornejo (2011) of Ecuador; Anagabriela Espinoza (2009) of Mexico; and Alejandra Andreu (2008) of Spain.

The pageant was held back in Japan since 2007. In 2008-2011, it was held in People's Republic of China.

* Miss International 2012 Complete Coverage

Miss International Beauty Pageant 2012

The Miss International was formerly known as Miss International Beauty or The International Beauty Pageant. It was highly acclaimed to be one of the four biggest and grandest international beauty competitions in the world.

The main theme of the pageant was to promote world peace, understanding and goodwill among nations. The delegates are not judged on physical beauty alone, they must serve as a "Ambassadors of Peace and Beauty", showcasing the benevolence, tenderness, beauty and intelligence, ability to take words and action publicly, and great international sensibility of a woman.

Many of pageant experts or enthusiast have described the Miss International as the most traditional beauty contest despite of our present modern day and age.

MISS INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY PAGEANT 2012 COVERAGE:

Venue: Okinawa, Japan

Panel of Judges

Official Candidates

Photo Gallery: Headshots | National Costumes

Winners and complete results

Watch Live Stream

Representing Sierra Leone in Miss World 2012 is Vanessa Williams

Last February 28, Vanessa Williams was officially announced as the new Miss Sierra Leone 2012 to the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Victoria Saidu Kamara. Presenting her to the Minister was the executive members of the Madam Yoko Entertainment Group led by the Director Cida Ansumana Mansaray.

Williams will represent the West African country in Miss World 2012 in Ordos, Inner Mongolia on August 18. Vanessa, in cooperation with the United Nations Fund for Population Activities is establishing vital projects for combating obstetric fistula and maternal mortality which is among the issues of health that are a concern to the country.

Miss World Fiji 2012 winner is Torika Watters

16 year old Torika Watters from Nadi was crowned as the new Miss World Fiji 2012 held at the Suva Civic Centre, in Suva.

Torika has Fijian, Australian and Irish descend. She will compete representing her island in Miss World 2012 on August 18 in Ordos, Inner Mongolia in China.

The first run-up was Koini Vakaloloma and the 2nd run-up was Tuula Aitcheson.

Aishwarya Sukhdeo, Miss World Fiji 2004, crowned her successor (she had been the first and only Fijian representative in Miss World history).

New Zealand-born supermodel Rachel Hunter was a VIP guest and judge in the pageant which was organized by Andhy Blake.

Lubica Stepanova wins Miss Universe Slovenskej Republiky 2012

24 year old Lubica Stepanova won the coveted crown of Miss Universe Slovenskej Republiky 2012 also called internationally as Miss Universe Slovakia 2012 pageant which was held last April 20 at the Aegon Arena NTC in Bratislava.

Lubica is from Prievidza and stands 1.75m tall. She will represent Slovakia in Miss Universe 2012 competition on December.

The 1st run-up was Martina Gresova, who will enter Miss Earth 2012. The 2nd run-up was Alexandra Klimekova, also winner of “Miss Tip” and “Miss Media”. She will compete in Miss Intercontinental contest.

Kristina Cassandra Buac (Zamboanga) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Zamboanga

Kristina Cassandra Buac

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
When I was a child, I was often bullied by my classmates and because of that, I hated going to school. But my mom told me to stop weeping and to never let anyone step on me. She even added that I should learn to fight and be strong because I wasn't raised to be stepped on. That's why, to this day, I always fight for what is right and stand up for myself.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
Never let anyone control you, dominate your decisions and step on you because every human being is born with dignity and self-respect is something we owe to ourselves. Another lesson I learned is to accept my encounters with failure and use them as tools for growth because experience is the best teacher.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
When I won the Zamboanga's Top Model contest because it was the first time I saw how proud I made my family. The pride I saw in them matters more to me than winning the title.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE
Falling in love with someone who's already taken.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
My ambition in life is to take my family on a trip abroad because I really hate it when my dad envies his brother who has already been outside the country. I want to take my parents to all the places they want to explore because it's the least I can do as their daughter. I wouldn't be the person I am today without them. I will do everything I can just to achieve my goal, which is to fulfill my parents' dreams, especially Papang's dream, because fulfilling their dreams would already fulfill mine.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
My advocacy is to strengthen the implementation of the 'polluter pays' principle. The 'polluter pays' principle makes the party responsible for producing pollution pay for the damage done to the environment. Through the said principle, not only would we be more aware of our environmental problems but people would also learn about the ill effects of pollution and they would think twice before they decide to pollute again. I believe that this principle, if implemented strictly, would make a good starting point in achieving a pollution-free country in the future.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
The best way to promote sustainable energy is to educate people about sustainable energy and its effects. For instance, charging your laptops, cellular phones and other gadgets only when needed will not only save money but also conserve energy. Let's promote change by starting with ourselves and being examples for the future generations.

* Back to Miss Philippines Earth 2012 Contestants

Mary Candice Ramos (Vigan) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Vigan City

Mary Candice Ramos

Age: 24

Occupation: 4th year, BS Tourism Management, University of the Philippines

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
My childhood was more of strict rather than nurturing. I was expected to lead my younger sister and brother to perform our tasks successfully. In our house, we had time for watching TV, playing, doing our homework, and doing our chores. My father was an egalitarian and he would always want to instill that in us. Later on, I've realized the value of the lessons they have passed on to us.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
I've learned how to be independent and how to dream big. These are two important factors that are pushing me to be thankful for all the things I have now. These are the factors that are pushing me to achieve my goals in life.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
It was when a robber held me up at knifepoint. It was when I realized that self-defense is a must. I soon started to carry all sorts of things in by purse, a folding knife, a taser, a whistle, and whatnots. But the most important thing I am carrying is presence of mind, and of course, the intelligence of how to use everything in your purse.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE?
When I went to Thailand to be an exchange student and a trainee, I've experienced climbing up and going down the waterfalls one time. It was unusual because the rest of the foreigners who were with us did not take the risk. More curious than scared, I took the challenge and forgot that I have this fear of heights.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
I dream of having my local business, living in my dream house, and teaching kids one day. When I was young, I thought that my teachers were superheroes so I wanted to be just like them. Up to now, I still think they have super powers and I still want to be just like them: honing young minds into becoming great citizens not just in their own little way, but to be the best person in every single field they choose.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
I support local organic products not just because of the goodness that these organic products bring but also because of the boost it offers to the local producers and manufacturers.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
Maximize the use of social media in the awareness of the current situation we are facing when it comes to the issues about sustainable energy.

* Back to Miss Philippines Earth 2012 Contestants

Kaylee Calaguas (West Coast) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Filipino Community of USA West Coast

Kaylee Calaguas

Age: 19

Occupation: Model

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
When I was a little girl, I had always wanted a sister or brother. By the third grade, a little sister came to me as a Christmas gift. From that day on, I spent most of my days adoring my little sister- reading to her, feeding her and playing with her. I spent a lot of time trying to act like the older sister and show that I knew a lot of things (i.e. tying my shoes and rollerblading). At a young age, I was already trying to be a role model and set a good example. Besides this, I would read so much that I would get in trouble with my teachers and parents. I wrote stories and dreamed of them coming to life in a movie or in the form of a book.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
I learned many lessons growing up. But two that stuck by me through all of the years were "always be yourself" and 'always live life with passion and to follow your dreams'. Seems very cliché, but growing up, I was a very hyper child and many people would scold me and tell me to change my ways. My parents stood by my side in every altercation -- every time I would get in trouble or spill the paint in class. I grew out of my hyper stage and channeled my energy into becoming an outgoing woman. I thank my parents everyday for believing in me and knowing that who I am is exactly who I should be.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
The most memorable thing that I've done was moving to the Philippines. It's very memorable because I've always loved Filipino culture and now, by living here, I get to experience it firsthand. It was mostly memorable because I came to the Philippines alone and came to make it my home. I had no prior friends here, but I was ready to take on another country and start a new adventure. It was my first time living alone or away from home, but I wanted to explore with my own eyes and taste the flavors of the land.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE?
The most unusual thing I've ever done was join a pageant. I was 16 years old and a tomboy (sporty) when I first joined a pageant in LA and it was the most out-of-character thing for me to do. I had never worn makeup, heels, and I had dreaded every time my parents would make me wear a dress. But I was growing up and I wanted to learn more about that side of being a woman. So at a young age, I went headfirst into the glamorous world of pageantry, though I still kept my basketball shoes close by. I've loved the glitz and glam ever since.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
My ambition in life is to become a doctor. As a child, I've always loved the field of medicine and volunteered at the local Children's Hospital Los Angeles. I was in a special medical program in high school and was lucky enough to experience being an up-close observer in some of my uncle's surgical procedures. My ultimate dream would be to become like Dr. Oz. I admire how he promotes healthy living and shares the wealth of his knowledge with the world. I'm very passionate about knowledge and spreading it to people. It is my dream to put to use the knowledge that I've learned and to save lives in the process.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
When it comes to environmental advocacy, I choose a sustainable living for all. I believe that change is possible, especially within our own self. Change starts at home. If a person is taught how to conserve electricity, purify water, or even how to install solar panels, they are taking the first steps towards saving the environment. I was taught that it is better to teach a person how to fish rather than to give them fish.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
A tip I can give is that 'a little can go a long way', meaning that just by changing your light bulbs or turning off the lights before you leave the room, you can save money and conserve energy.

* Back to Miss Philippines Earth 2012 Contestants

Glennifer Perido (Tabuk) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Tabuk City

Glennifer Perido

Age: 22

Occupation: Nursing Graduate

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
I grew up in the province of Kalinga with my grandmother and cousins since my mom was working abroad and my dad lived in Laguna. I used to sell meriendas like mangos, bananas, coconut and corn in school so that I'd have enough money for the next day. During my summer break I would also go with my aunt to sell food and clothes at the barrios in exchange for bananas and coconuts. These experiences are some of the things that molded me into who I am now.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
I learned that we can survive only if we give importance to what God has given us. Instead of destroying our environment, why not use it for our survival and preserve it for the survival of the future generations?

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
When I passed the Nursing Licensure Examination

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE?
Surviving the trauma of a hold-up incident that happened a night before my debut celebration is, for me, the most unusual thing I've ever done. It's very traumatic. At first I couldn't even go around by myself because I was really afraid they might get me, but I prayed and conditioned my mind not to allow myself to live in fear forever but to learn from it instead.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
To be able to help people without anything monetary in exchange is my ambition. That is the reason why I am not considering working abroad as a nurse to earn money.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
Green energy or renewable energy is the energy of the future. It is cost efficient and environment-friendly. It doesn't contribute much to greenhouse gas emissions, which is the main cause of climate change. I believe that we must harness the full utilization of renewable sources of energies.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
Let us go towards using solar panels, bio fuel, windmills and other sources of renewable energy, which are much favorable for us.

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Fermira Dianne Ramos (Subic) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Municipality of Subic Zambales

Fermira Dianne Ramos

Age: 22

Occupation: Management Information System Graduate

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
Just like other normal kids, I had a happy childhood. I was raised solely by my mother and she transcended all expectations. I was lucky enough to be pampered, with an abundance of love, by my family. I preferred staying at home and spending my time playing with my pets, reading books and watching television shows/movies.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
At a very young age, I was taught the value of having a robust relationship with God and this resulted in me being labeled as "the kid who is best in religion" for four consecutive years in our family. I've also learned the significance of humility. I believe that a person should always be humble because all the material things, fame and luck are either temporary or blessings that we should and appreciate just be thankful for. Having a good personality, on the other hand, could bring me further in life. Lastly, I learned the essence of respect in general, applicable to respect for other people and for oneself, as well for all living things.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
My three-day charity visit was the most memorable moment for me. We were asked to participate in one of the projects of our group called, "The Helping Hands." We went to remote places and witnessed several problems, which I believe requires attention in our society, such as hunger, lack of education, poverty and abandonment, to name a few. I even remember a kid who I initially thought had difficulty writing, until I saw that his pencil was only 2 inches long. This made me admire students like him because they don't consider problems like that a hindrance in pursuing their education. Then we went to the home for the disabled and though some of them are abandoned children, they still have one thing in common: a positive outlook in life, It was an eye-opener and life changing experience for me. Even though it seems like I was the one who helped them, I believe they helped me more. I understand that it is human nature to often complain or get sad about what we don't have instead of appreciating what we have but after this experience, I've realized that it's not about the bad things that happen to us but about how we see and react to the challenges that life will give us.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE?
As a pet lover, I have this huge interest in animals, particularly dogs, cats, parrots, rabbits and hamsters. There was this one time when it was raining hard and I saw four kittens on the sidewalk, all wet and trembling so I asked the driver to stop and I took the four kittens. Some people gave me a puzzled look since it was raining hard and I didn't have my umbrella with me. I immediately ran back to my car and that night I gained four new pets at home.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
My goal is to be successful in the field of business and beauty pageants since I have the passion for both.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
My environmental advocacy is to start our efforts to protect our environment now through simple means, such as: recycling, proper waste management and disposal, energy conservation, decreasing our dependency on luxury items and using viable forms of energy to curb the destruction of environment because I believe that there should be a concerted effort on the part of every single human being to preserve and conserve the vast resources of our environment.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
Do not leave appliances such as television sets and fans on stand-by because it is estimated that 5-15% of household electricity consumption worldwide is wasted on stand-by mode.

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Samantha Purvor (San Juan) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

San Juan City

Samantha Purvor

Age: 24

Occupation: Sports Sciences Student from the University of the Philippines

Notes: She competed before in Bb. Pilipinas 2011 and one of the 12 semi-finalists in Miss Philippines World 2011 Pageant.

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
Strange and Beautiful.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
My grandmother always tells me: Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Charity starts at home, but take it everywhere you go.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
Seeing a rainbow… when everything seemed so hopeless, with the company of someone I truly care about and sharing that moment.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE?
I cooked rice with soap.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
To have a free clinic where doctors can dedicate their time freely to the less fortunate Filipino community.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
I want to promote & reinforce the use of solar bottles & solar panels to reduce the usage of coal fuel & consequently reduce the carbon emissions in the Philippines.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
Time management, self discipline & initiative to start and continue the sustainable use of energy to improve an active participation in environmental advocacies in the Philippines.

* Back to Miss Philippines Earth 2012 Contestants

Princess Lieza Manzon (San Francisco) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Municipality of San Francisco Cebu

Princess Lieza Manzon

Age: 25

Occupation: Model, Actress

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
Growing up with my grandparents was a little tough because of the big generation gap. I've always been jealous of kids who grow up with both their moms and dads, as well as their siblings. This experience, however, has also taught me to be independent, God fearing and be respectful to elders.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
My grandmother always tells me: "Learn how to take care of yourself because at the end of the day, all your friends and loved ones will be gone and you'll have nothing but yourself."

I also learned from my grandfather that "Change is not an overnight process." I was reminded this every time I got sick as a kid and I would always cry because I wanted to get better right after I took my medicine. So he had to make me realize that nothing can be done in an instant. Patience is a virtue my lolo taught me.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
Feb 13, 2005 -- finally reuniting with my mom in Japan.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE?
Cooking and eating a frog in the Big Brother house.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
To be a celebrity make-up artist in the Philippines and to be able to build my mom a house wherever she wants to retire.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
Lessen product packaging -- we can save so much energy by using less packaging in every product there is, regardless of its size and price.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
Have only one TV set and not that many cars per household. We don't need n 3 television sets and 5 cars in a house that contains a family of three.

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Margaret May Liavor (San Fernando) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Municipality of San Fernando Romblon

Margaret May Llavor

Age: 21

Occupation: BS Nursing Student

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
My mother inspires me in everything that I do. I was once a very shy girl who lacked confidence when it came to exposing myself in crowds. Whenever I had exposures, she was always there pushing me to give my best. My childhood years were very meaningful because I had my number one fan and believer, my mother.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
I learned to be independent and to believe in myself. I also learned how to be strong and how to be responsible for every action and decision I make.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
My most memorable moment was when I was crowned Miss Romblon State University because I never expected to win despite the fact that I was my high school department's representative in the competition. Also, being the youngest among the candidates, there was a lot of pressure for me to get the title. Since I won, I have implemented an organization called the ECO-youths of RSU. I led this organization and encouraged the youth to become more responsible with our environment. Being God's instrument in environmental stewardship was one of my biggest accomplishment.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE?
I led my high school schoolmates in environmental awareness activities on our island. We had tours, tree planting and cleaning operations to beautify mother nature.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
YOUTH: together for environmental preservation and conservation!

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
We must use water, solar and wind power for transport. Business centers should also stop demanding for nonrenewable resources like fossil fuels. In this way we can contribute to environmental protection and conservation.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
One tip that I can share is to unplug household appliances when not in use. We should also use alternative ways in doing our everyday chores depending on our natural skills and not just on electrical energy.

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Mary Joyce Cruz (Rodriguez) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Municipality of Rodriguez Rizal

Mary Joyce Cruz

Age: 19

Occupation: BS HRM Student at Our Lady of Fatima University

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
I was an ordinary kid. In school, I used to joined different organizations, such as dance groups.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
One of the most important lessons that I have learned during my childhood days is the importance of paying attention and being focused.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
What I consider one of my most memorable moments was the first time I ever joined a competition. I joined a singing contest in our school (high school) and won 1st place.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE?
I can say that the most unusual thing I've done is when I dressed like a man for our activity in school. Though it was quite embarrassing, I knew I'd surpass the embarrassment since it was for a school activity anyway.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
My ambition in life is to finish my studies, to put up my own business, to be the next Miss Philippines EARTH and to provide a better living for my family

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
My environmental advocacy is forest preservation and the massive rehabilitation of our nature. Since the Philippines is blessed with abundant natural resources, I think we should focus more on how we can preserve and regain the beauty of our nature. After all, we are all dependent on our mother earth.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
One tip that I can share is to unplug household appliances when not in use. We should also use alternative ways in doing our everyday chores depending on our natural skills and not just on electrical energy.

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Stephany Stefanowitz (Quezon City) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Quezon City

Stephany Stefanowitz

Age: 22

Occupation: Freelance Model, Designer, Host and Singer

Notes: She is a top 10 semi-finalist in Miss Philippines Earth 2010.

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
I had a very happy childhood. I was a very happy and energetic little girl! I was pretty much friends with everyone. Also, I was an honor student and a teacher's pet. My hair, which was light blonde at that age, eventually grew to Ash blonde/brown.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
Enjoy every bit of it, never be in a rush to grow up.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
We would celebrate every Christmas in our home and the family would be complete. It has always been tradition to have turkey-- really good turkey, prepared by my mom! Also, when I was 9 years old, my mom threw me a huge Tweety Bird birthday party! Everything was Tweety Bird, down to the cake, 'palayok', and loot bags!

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE?
I climbed a mountain, Mount Makulot, with my brother. Never thought I could do it, but I did. It was a great experience and I would love to do it again!

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
If God wills it, to finally take home the title of Miss Philippines Earth 2012, and eventually Miss Earth 2012 in the International pageant! To become successful, contented, happy! To live life to the fullest and to live it how God has planned it for me!

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
The year 2012 I believe, is a time for 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.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
Turning off your lights at home when not in use.
Opt for the electric fan when it is not too warm instead of the AC.
WALK!

* Back to Miss Philippines Earth 2012 Contestants

Thoreen Halvorsen (Puerto Princesa) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Puerto Princesa

Thoreen Halvorsen

Age: 19

Occupation: Tourism Student

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
As a child, life was very challenging for me. When I was 7 years old, my dad had a medical condition which caused memory loss to the point that he couldn't even recognize us. He then passed away the following year. It was extremely hard to move on but I still managed to keep a smile on my face and enjoy my life with the help of my friends, my family and prayers.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
My childhood experiences made me grow as a person. I learned the importance of that facing all of my trials and developing a deeper faith in God because, whatever happens, He's always there to help us, guide us and make us a better people

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
My most memorable moment was my academic achievement in 3rd grade because that was the first time my Dad attended a school activity for me. He even placed the medal around my neck. Seeing him very proud, especially since it was the last thing he ever did for me, is something I will always cherish.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE?
For me, it's joining the different environmental activities of the city government in Puerto Princesa. There's the Pista y ang Kagueban or Feast in the Forest every 3rd week of June, where we plant trees. We also have a love affair with nature every February where we plant mangroves. I never really attended events like this before because you have to wake up at 5 o'clock in the morning, but since I started joining them, I've been attending every year. I eventually realized the events' significance and that all your efforts, such as waking up early or getting your hands dirty planting trees is for the future generations.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
After graduating from my course in B.S. Tourism, I want to further my studies by taking up law and hopefully becoming a successful lawyer.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
"No To Mining" -- a current issue that our province is facing is the mining activity in the southern part of Palawan. It affects the livelihood of the residents there, especially those in the Agriculture industry. The southern part of Palawan is now experiencing calamities they haven't experience before, such as flooding. I know it's not too late to take action and stop mining, not only in Palawan but in other parts of the Philippines as well. Let's preserve and save mother earth for the future generations.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
Renewable energy is a solution for sustainable energy because the level of fossil fuels today are steadily declining and by using renewable energy such as solar energy, wind energy or geothermal energy, we could definitely help mankind and mother earth as well. Let's all use cleaner and safer alternatives for energy to slowly mitigate climate change, lessen pollution and fight against global warming.

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Valerie Gail Garcia (Pasay) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Pasay City

Valerie Gail Garcia

Age: 24

Occupation: Account Executive

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
We are a close-knit family with lots of family reunions. We grew together in Church wherein we were active in the ministry.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
One important lesson that I learned from childhood is the importance of staying close to our relatives and helping each and every member with unconditional love. Another important lesson that I learned is obeying the elderly and listening intently to our parents.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
My most memorable moment was when I surprised my mother on her 50th golden birthday celebration. The look on her face and the tears from her eyes at that moment, for me, was priceless!

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE?
The most unusual thing I have ever done was to jump the falls in Camiguin and have that body of water hit my head. It felt like being hit by a heavy rock. The pressure of the falls was exhilarating.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
My ambition in life is to be a blessing to my family and my closest friends by setting a good example as a follower of God, and by helping my community with the resources that I have. I shall plant seeds and make them grow, and with that I know I have succeeded in life.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
My environmental mission statement is utilizing our natural resources and conserving Mother Earth with a refreshed, renewed and relived lifestyle.
I chose this advocacy because we are faced with depleting resources and as stewards of the Earth, we are called to take care of what was given to us. It is our responsibility to handle our God-given resources and share it with others. We shall attain this by starting with ourselves. We have to be refreshed for us to stay aware of our surroundings, renewed for us to grow, and relived to create a better world for us all.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
What we can do is to raise awareness to enlighten the masses that there is sustainable energy for all. We should have the rich commit to finding a way to make sustainable energy available for all. This way, we can build good foundation amongst divisions. In fact, we all have a right to clean, efficient and sustainable energy.

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Krystal Alonday (Paombong) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Municipality of Paombong Bulacan

Krystal Alonday

Age: 20

Occupation: BS Computer Engineering Student

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
I can say that I had a very happy childhood. Though, we had limited financial resources, we still managed to survive because of the limitless love of God.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
I learned that in life, it's not all about doing the right things, sometimes you also have to do things for the right reasons.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
Being crowned as Bb. Bulacan-World 2011.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
To be a computer engineer and a beauty queen, so that I can reach out to more people. In that way, I can encourage them to join me in my advocacies.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
Proper Waste Management -- for me, it is of great importance to both rural and urban areas. Not doing this may bring danger to us in many ways and I'm sure everybody knows this. Time and again, people are always being educated about the importance of waste disposal. I believe that proper waste management education is important and should continue.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
I think we can make use of tides and geothermal heat, which are renewable and naturally replenished. We only have one planet, so it is our responsibility to take care of it.

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Crislet Rase Gerona (Pagadian) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Pagadian City

Crislet Rase Gerona

Age: 21

Occupation: Model, Nurse

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
My childhood years were a bit weird because I grew up not knowing about girly stuff. I was surrounded by boys so I was very boyish as a child. I had to be independent at an early age because not only was I the middle child of the family but my mom was also busy with her work. so I had to take care of my younger siblings. I developed a close relationship with God at a very young age and I was very active at church. I gained a lot of experiences through my adventures and that is what made me who I am today.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
My teacher used to always remind us that "Honesty is the best policy," and back then I never realized how right she was. When I was growing up, I noticed that trust is gained through honesty. Though it can sometimes get you in trouble, you gain someone's trust, which is more important than getting a quick fix in life.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
I have so many memorable moments but these are my top 3 :
1. I witnessed my mom being held up and taken hostage by a guy
2. Passing the Nursing Licensure Exam last february 2012
3. When I found out that I am one of the candidates for MPE 2012

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE
I am very shy and conservative. I used to avoid glamour and attention until I tried joining beauty pageants, which was totally the opposite of who I am. By doing that, I got myself out of my comfort zone. I felt that there's more to life than one's daily routine, and that life has so much to offer if you are willing to take it on, take a deep breath and dive in.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
I'm hoping to further my studies in Medicine so I can help my countrymen through quality health care services.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
Sell and buy products made from recycled materials.
This is close to my heart because our city government supports this advocacy. We even have livelihood projects where we "convert trash to cash." Not only does it show that Filipinos are creative and resourceful, it also allows us to do our part in saving our beloved mother earth.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
Avoid relying too much on electricity and unplug unused electronics because even when electronic devices are turned off, they use up energy.

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Glenna Christina Duch (Negros Occidental) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Province of Negros Occidental

Glenna Christina Duch

Age: 18

Occupation: Business Management Student from Siliman University

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
During my childhood years, I was focused on different activities to develop my personality and well-being. I danced ballet, played the piano and violin and consistently did well in school. I also enjoyed playing with my neighbors and engaging in indoor activities like playing with dolls. I was very shy as a kid.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
My childhood has taught me the value of education. I am very happy that my mom was always very particular about having good grades and being diligent even at a very young age because now, as a college student, I don't have a hard time adjusting to the responsibilities and the workload.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
My most memorable moment was when my parents exposed me to travelling. Through these experiences, my eyes were opened to the many different cultures and beautiful places in the world.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE?
Taking a leap of faith and choosing to travel all by myself to Europe just before i turned 18. Through this experience, I was able to prove to myself that I am brave and strong. I also stepped out of my comfort zone when I was game enough to brave the cold so i can enjoy the nature and the mountains in Norway -- hiking.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
I want to become a flight attendant, be successful in the business industry, and to live a life full of happiness, peace and love.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
I would initiate activities of tree planting and growing programs specifically in our province, which has been hit by two calamities recently: "Sendong" and the earthquake. I would create information awareness through seminars and workshops so that children may be taught the value of our mother earth. I am taking the informative approach in dealing with these problems we are facing. Environmental education is everyone's concern, so we need to educate our people, especially those in the rural areas.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
We should all be smart when it comes to maximizing what we have and saving energy when we can. Instead of driving too much, park your car in one place and walk. Not only are you saving oil, but you are also making yourself healthier. Save as much power and energy as you can. I also encourage the government and business establishments to utilize solar power.

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Ivy Salvino (Nabua) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Municipality of Nabua Camarines Sur

Ivy Salvino

Age: 23

Occupation: Sales

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
I grew up in Bicol and my growing years were full of enjoyment. I loved playing with our neighbors after school then doing my assignment, as well as some light house chores.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
Growing up, my parents kept on reminding me to always be strong and to thank God for all the blessings he gave us. I may have been a kid then but I will always cherish the lessons I learned during that period time the most.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
My most memorable moment was when I graduated from college! It's because after years of my parents' sacrifices, at long last I managed to finish my studies with my head held high! Thanks to my dearest parents and to God.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
To be successful in whatever career I pursue.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
"Be an example! Save the EARTH" -Today earth is facing its greatest menace. Our mother nature is experiencing continuous degradation. It is man's selfish motives and neglect that cause these threats to arise. But right now, there is still hope to make our home regain its flourish and abundance. Let us not wait for the time to come when's it's too late. Let us all act accordingly. Save the earth! Let's make it happen!

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
It's all about the Natural. We must always bear in mind the future of the succeeding generations. It has something to do with them. Let's support and promote sustainable energy for all!

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Kathleen Subijano (Muntinlupa) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Muntinlupa City

Kathleen Subijano

Age: 24

Occupation: Lifestyle Columnist/Assistant Editor

Notes: She is a top 15 finalist in Bb. Pilipinas 2011 Pageant.

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
I was a very shy child. So shy, in fact, that I wasn't fond of joining workshops or playing sports because I wasn't comfortable around new people/children. Thus, I spent most of my childhood leading a quiet existence at home and in school.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
In hindsight, I definitely regret not having the courage to try new things, so I've tried to be braver and more adventurous in my twenties.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
It would have to be going home empty-handed after the coronation night of Binibining Pilipinas 2011. Experiencing such profound disappointment (on national television, no less) and picking up the pieces during the aftermath was a lesson in resilience and strength and I'm sure there will be a lot more lessons that I will be able to glean from that as I mature and further distance myself from that event.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE?
Quite frankly, joining a national beauty pageant was the most unusual thing I've ever done.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
To be completely honest, my ambition in life is to be able to try as many of the opportunities that are available to me throughout life so that when I'm old, I'll be living with as little regret as possible. Since I studied and work in media, I am working towards becoming a positive media personality through my own merit.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
My personal environmental advocacy would be paper recycling and the conservation of forestry because I work in the publishing industry. Obviously, it's one of the industries that's responsible for excessive consumption of paper and perhaps as a result of that, deforestation. Ever since I was a grade school student, I made a point of saving paper by turning it into scratch paper and it's a practice that I've been consistent with until today. At present, I'm pleased with the gradual shift of the publishing industry towards digital platforms. However, an e-book can never replace the feeling of holding a cherished, dog-eared book in your hand, so I hope that one day, paper recycling will become the norm so that the publishing industry, along with several other industries, will adopt the practice of printing on 100% recycled paper and as a result, we will be able to conserve our rapidly diminishing forests and their inhabitants.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
From what I've learned, the most effective way to encourage sustainable energy (or any environmental advocacy for that matter) is to target and pressure multinational companies to discontinue environmentally unsound practices and adopt more earth-friendly alternatives. For instance, if consumers become more insistent with the demand for solar powered cars, car companies will be convinced to produce them for mass consumption. If that happens, almost everybody will be relying on the sun, an entirely renewable energy resource (until it burns out millions of years from now), to power their vehicles and it will drastically change the way we consume energy. In that sense, engine fuel will be sustainable indefinitely. However, if we are talking practical tips for everyday consumers, the easiest way to go about it would be to purchase compact fluorescent bulbs. They use 75% less energy in comparison to traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. The fewer times you need to replace a bulb, the less resources are consumed. On top of that you can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 67 pounds over the lifetime of the bulb. As a result, you can reduce your carbon footprint and minimize your contribution to greenhouse gases.

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Jade Charmaine Manago (Misamis Occidental) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Province of Misamis Occidental

Jade Charmaine Manago

Age: 19

Occupation: Information Technology Student

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
I was boyish as a child. I didn't like light and colorful colors, I hated girls and I didn't want to talk to anybody. I always stayed at home and did all the household chores, before and after class.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
I've learned many things from my childhood, which I apply at present. I've learned discipline and how to be more sociable. I am a lot friendlier now compared to how I was as a child.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
My most memorable moment was when I was chosen Festival Queen of Tangub City for Sinulog 2011. Even though I didn't win, I value the experience and it's something I will always treasure forever and ever

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE?
The most unusual thing I've and I ever done was to climb a coconut tree at the age of 15. It was my first time and I was so scared, but I was able to make it because of the people who encouraged me and cheered me on, while I was climbing. I also believe that it was because of God and because I trusted myself.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
My ambition in life is to have a better future someday. I want to finish my course, so that I can get a good job and help my parents. I also want to help my siblings with their education because I believe that education is important.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
Preserve our mother nature – I choose this because, in our province, we are experiencing power supply shortage. Climate change is the product of irresponsible human actions. Deforestation leads to rising temperature levels in the ecosystem, drying up bodies of water that are detrimental to the livelihood of many people.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
Always switch the lights off when not in use-- to sustain the energy balance between a fragile eco system.

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Aufelyn Zabala (Marilao) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Municipality of Marilao Bulacan

Aufelyn Zabala

Age: 22

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
My childhood was pretty normal. I went to school and I was a good student. I was the athletic type when I was a kid.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
You don't need to be independent all the time. In this life you have to learn, if possible, almost everything to survive.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
My first kiss.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
To be a musical artist.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
Nowadays, people aren't responsible about disposing their garbage. My advocacy is to promote proper waste disposal.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
Before we rest at the end of the day, we should always unplug our electrical appliances so that we can conserve energy.

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Zandra Flores (Manaoag) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Municipality of Manaoag Pangasinan

Zandra Flores

Age: 22

Occupation: Biomedical Science Graduate at University of Bradford United Kingdom

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
From the age of 8-10, I was in a private Catholic institution in Manila, Philippines where I was very active with school activities. When I graduated I was voted and awarded "Artist of the Year". After graduating from elementary school, my parents then decided for us to move to England and I continued my life there from the age of 11 onwards. I have been able to adjust quickly with the new environment even though I could only speak minimal English at the time. That didn't hinder me from learning more about the English culture and the language itself. Due to my persistence in doing well at school in a foreign country, I won many awards in class. This made me to want to join Miss Earth and serve as an example for other aspiring beauty queens like myself.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
I have learned that starting to work hard early on in life serves as a good foundation in becoming a better citizen. This discipline will influence others to be responsible and strive towards a good direction in life. Having to move to different countries and meeting multicultural societies helped broaden my understanding and perception about today's world. The experience taught me to distinguish right from wrong, and to be accountable for all my life decisions. Also, my parents taught me the value of hard work, which has made me become more independent at the age of 16. Handling my own personal burdens and valuing my education is a learning experience that became very important to me.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
When I was studying at the University of Bradford in England, I was independent and living away from my family. I worked at a nursing home nearby to cover my living expenses. At the same time, I went through an emotional breakdown because my relationship of six years ended abruptly, and the people I once regarded as good friends weren't there for me. I was left both emotionally and physically drained. Working with the elderly clientele then became my coping mechanism as they listened and supported me all throughout this trying time. They uplifted my spirit and inspired me to do well and go on with my life. I was able to start anew with friends who were both real and trustworthy. Altogether, because of this new experience, I have learned to be more cautious and careful in choosing friends and that there is nothing more important than your family. Whatever happens, your family will never fail to give you a helping hand when you need it the most.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE
There are many unusual and random things I have done in my life. One would be jumping into the deep end of swimming pool at a children's party because I was confident that I could swim without having to learn how to. I almost drowned, but, luckily, was saved by my neighbor. Another incident happened when I was 10 years old. I was quite the "tomboy" then and I was sent to the guidance office for getting into a physical fight with boys.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
My ambition in life is to be the next Miss Philippines Earth so I can represent the Philippines and advocate ecotourism as a means to provide livelihood for our fellow Filipinos and promote Filipino culture and nature. I would also like to promote the place I love the most, Pangasinan, which is the home of the first Philippine national park and the Hundred Islands. I want to show that Pangasinan has its share of ecotourism destinations that my fellow Pangasinenses and Filipinos can be proud of.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
My environmental advocacies are: waste segregation and massive tree planting.

We should practice separating biodegradable from non-biodegradable wastes and promote the three "R's": Reduce, Re-Use, and Recycle because bio-degradable wastes can be converted into effective garden and farm fertilizers while non-biodegradable wastes can be converted into re-usable household materials like market bags. Tree-planting, on the other hand, helps convert carbon dioxide into the oxygen we all need to survive. This helps prevent global warming and restores the beauty of our beloved Philippines.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
There are many ways of promoting sustainable energy like the use of wind energy from windmills that can be found, for example, in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. They use sustainable energy but do no harm to our environment because the energy comes from the wind. Another example is solar energy, which comes from solar panels that provide energy from sunlight. Last but not the least, is biogas, which is produced from the breakdown of organic matter such as dead plants, animal waste and kitchen waste. We should advocate the use of these sustainable energy resources because they help prevent global warming.

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Abbygale Rey (Makati) - Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Makati City

Abbygale Rey

Age: 20

Occupation: BS in Commerce Major in Tourism Management

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
"Children have the ability or the desire to believe that anything can happen." I can relate to that since I am dreamer myself. I owe this to my mom who encouraged me to become one. As a child, I was never afraid to try new things. I even competed and joined various activities in and out of school. My father was an OFW and growing up with this was a challenge. It made me stronger, more responsible and more independent.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
I learned to be brave and independent in making decisions for myself. I also learned to never stop believing that you can because, with determination, prayer and luck, nothing would be impossible.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
I did not have a grand celebration. I just stayed at home with family. But what made it special was the gift I received from my college friends: a scrapbook full of messages from almost all of my friends from the university. I was touched because of the effort it took to make all of them write on the scrapbook. Reading their messages was an inspiring and heartwarming experience.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE EVER DONE?
I didn't sleep for two straight days to finish and comply with my school requirements.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION IN LIFE?
Aside from acquiring a doctorate, I want to write a book that would influence the younger generation to dream and to achieve their dreams.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS?
All environmental issues are connected. We need to choose which environmental problems we want to stand against and collectively do the best we can possible to save our home, the earth. And I am against global warming. In fight against global warming we need to go green: green energy and a green environment. Through our own little efforts, we can bring about huge changes, for we hold the future and it's up to us to make it a better place for the next generation.

WHAT TIP CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL?
Since we are in the generation of social media, we can use the popularity of facebook, twitter, multiply, etc. to captivate the attention of the younger generation as well as the adults. This can help make people aware of the help they can give in saving the earth. Moreover, using social media as a tool would make the campaign for sustainable energy a visible one.

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