The Philippines has won 3 Miss
Earth crowns over the past 4 years including a back to back win in 2014 and
2015, not to mention the numerous top 4 placements almost year after year. However some are quick to defend saying that this is not a surprise at all
since the Philippines has been consistently winning in major international
pageants specially during the last 8 years and has now joined the ranks of the elite group of pageant powerhouse
countries like Venezuela, USA, Puerto Rico, Colombia and India.
I want to be fair and honest as
much as I can, the truth was that during the pageant, I was thinking if Karen clinch into the top 4 she would surely nail the Q&A and she could easily win the crown and
this is exactly what happened. I felt that if Philippines win this year, it may not
do any good to Miss Earth and the organizers would be flooded with complaints; this early there are reports that several countries intend to boycott the pageant
next year.
Yes, Karen is bright no doubt, she's articulate, graduated cum laude, teaches physics at a reputable school and all that stuffs, but Miss
Earth is still a beauty pageant. While other major international pageants like Miss Universe and Miss World chooses their winners
based on beauty, poise and personality, Miss Earth chose to be different. They are looking for a girl who could best
fit the role of an ambassadress to promote environmental awareness. Yes Karen possesses the qualities and the passion however it does not make enough sense if the Philippines
win most of the time in her home country as the other girls have also prepared hard for the pageant so
why not give others a chance? What's the use of holding pageants and invite the world to join if the host's representative gets special treatment? Remember the winner of Miss Earth Air this year is also
half-Filipina. And how many half-Filipinas placed in the past? I feel that Miss Earth should limit the number of Filipino judges to two only to eliminate favoritism. Karen was also voted “Darling of the Press” at the press presentation held a few days prior the
coronation night. When she was announced
the winner I overheard a certain TV entertainment commentator say “ano ba yan?” (which literally means “What is that” or it could
also mean “what the hell” if meant negatively). The local press tend to favor the local girl and this is where lies the problem.
On a positive note, this year's edition has leveled up in terms of production values, stage and format. The opening number was upbeat and unique so let's give credit to Carousel Productions, they hit it right this time. I wished they give more air time for the swimsuit segment as it was rather too short. The choice of guest performers and emcee were great.
Miss Earth is a valuable pageant and I’ve
seen several videos showing environmental advocacies of individual candidates and I must say I am really impressed. There were numerous pre-pageant activities promoting environmental causes. It would be a good idea if they trim down the number of
competitions a bit. The girls are divided into 3 groups and consider this - each
group will go through various competitions such as swimsuit, evening gown,
resorts wear, national costume and talent competition and each
competition are held separately in different venues. In addition there are 3 other main
competitions - the body and form category, intelligence and beauty of face competition (whatever they call it where girls
did not wear make-up at all). The pre-pageant activities were enormous and the candidates visited various in the country places like Ilocos, Zamboanga and Batangas to name a few.
To sum it up, the judges have spoken and their decision is final. Let's give Karen a chance and prove her worth and I am sure she can do it. I hope the organizers review the whole process and come up with ways in order to avoid further negative discernment from national directors of participating countries and of course the fans.
To sum it up, the judges have spoken and their decision is final. Let's give Karen a chance and prove her worth and I am sure she can do it. I hope the organizers review the whole process and come up with ways in order to avoid further negative discernment from national directors of participating countries and of course the fans.
Miss Philippines is ugly. Hometown decision.
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