A new queen has been crowned and the whole country cannot be any more ecstatic about it. Miss Earth 2017 is our very own Karen Ibasco, the fourth Filipina to bag the title. Below are the reasons why it is a much-deserved (and almost expected) win.
It takes quite some time until it fully sinks in. Never in my wildest dreams have I ever thought I would represent the Philippines and win an international title in a prestigious pageant that upholds a relevant cause. I am honored and privileged to be the very first scientist to join and win in the whole history of Miss Earth as I shared my voice and represented the whole scientific community for the world to see and hear. I am confident enough to say that it was not by my own abilities that made me standout in performing during the coronation night in all segments especially in the question and answer portion, it was by the Spirit of God that led me through. Apart from Him I could not have done it. He was the One who gave me confidence and wisdom in presenting myself as a whole package in front of the whole world. It’s never easy to win the crown in your own country because you have to make double even triple efforts to show to everyone that you’re fighting the battle at your best just like everybody else but what made my journey extra special was the overwhelming support I got from my fellow Filipinos. If there’s one thing I am proud about my people despite of being known to be hospitable, it’s our camaraderie. We show to the whole world what bayanihan is all about when the spirit of communal unity and cooperation is displayed for all to see. No amount of words will change the fact that the battle has already been won. I don’t take this crown for myself, It is for the whole Philippines. This battle was not mine alone but ours. I am proud in raising our flag for the whole world to witness. I would like to thank EVERYONE for the love, prayers and support you have given me in my unforgettable journey here in Miss Earth. This once in a lifetime experience will truly be remembered and treasured forever. I am more than ready to continue the legacy of beauty and responsibility. May this be a beacon of hope for everyone to see that our micro efforts will have macro effect as we take this challenge together as a global community with a collective action. This is Karen Ibasco, your Miss Earth 2017!???? ALL GLORY TO GOD!
Beauty
Early on in the competition, the now-Miss Earth 2017 already stood out amongst the sea of 86 candidates. She won three gold medals for her national costume inspired by Maria Clara, for being Darling of the Press, and for the Swimsuit Competition for her group. She also won two silver medals for the Resorts Wear Competition and Evening Gown Competition. With all these up her sleeve, it made her a strong contender for the title.
Won gold for this exquisite national costume by Louis Pangilinan. #missphiliplinesearth #missearth #ME #beautyqueen #advocate #bethechange #empoweringwomen #empowerment #photoftheday #bestoftheday #environment #beautiesforacause #responsibility #awarenessinaction #ecowarrior #earthwarrior #teamphilippines #philippines #fashion #style #look #lookbook #friendshipgoals #pageant #ForThePhilippines
My very first Gold medal in Miss Earth for the Swimsuit competition.???? #missphiliplinesearth #missearth #ME #beautyqueen #advocate #bethechange #empoweringwomen #empowerment #photoftheday #bestoftheday #environment #beautiesforacause #responsibility #awarenessinaction #ecowarrior #earthwarrior #teamphilippines #philippines #fashion #style #look #lookbook #stylediary
Silver medal for the long gown competition in Miss Earth.? Gown by: Richie Bondoc #missphiliplinesearth #missearth #ME #beautyqueen #advocate #bethechange #empoweringwomen #empowerment #photoftheday #bestoftheday #environment #beautiesforacause #responsibility #awarenessinaction #ecowarrior #earthwarrior #teamphilippines #philippines #fashion #style #look #lookbook #friendshipgoals #pageant #ForThePhilippines
Brains
Before joining Bb. Pilipinas in 2016 and Miss Earth Philippines, the 26-year-old had a notable academic background. The beauty queen received her college degree in BS Applied Physics, major in Instrumentation. Shortly after, she earned her Masters of Science degree in Applied Physics, major in Medical Physics in the University of Santo Tomas. Think that’s impressive? Wait ‘til you hear she graduated both degrees as cum laude too. She then gave back to her alma mater when she became a professor teaching mathematics and physics for a short while.
Graduation 2013 ??? #medal #memory #student #chapter #student #life #pink #flower #igers #igdaily #instagood #instamood #instadaily #iphoneasia #photooftheday #bestoftheday #treasured #captured
We are Team SCIENCE. I love this family of mine. First people I have worked with. I loved these people while I was still a student and I am honored and blessed to work with them in the academe. Galing Science, Galing Science.?? Photo from Dean Donnie Ramos by RED Images. #family #red #ust #science #igers #igdaily #iphoneasia #photooftheday #bestoftheday #love
In the pageant, the UST alumna proved that she’s also well versed with current issues surrounding our environment. Everyone knows how nerve-wracking Q&A portions can be, but she was able to answer with confidence and her thoughts in coherence.
When asked to comment on biodiversity, she explained:
“Biodiversity is very important. We are very known in the Philippines to have a lot of biodiversity, and they’re very important because they also balances the ecosystem. It’s very important for us to protect them, because as we protect them, we protect the environment to help save our home, our planet, our Earth, to be a better place to live in. ”
For the final question, “Who or what do you think is the biggest enemy of Mother Earth and why?” she answered:
“I believe that the real problem in this world is not climate change; the real problem is us because of our ignorance and apathy. What we have to do is to start changing our ways, to start recalibrating our minds, and redirecting our steps, because together, as a global community, our micro efforts will have a macro effect to help save our home, our planet.”
She also mentioned she’s advocating for conservation of energy and embracing the use of renewable energy.
Heart
If you didn’t know, Karen Ibasco is also a licensed physicist. In fact, she had the opportunity to practice as a medical physicist at the Department of Radiation Oncology in UST Hospital before entering the world of pageants. She also mentioned that after her stint with Miss Earth, she plans to go back to teaching and practicing her field of study.
One of the things that truly made my stay worth memorable in RadOnco are the patients. This brave little 5-year old girl is battling with cancer. Underwent chemo and radiation therapy but there was never a moment I saw her unhappy. She's like a dalaga trapped in a little girl's body. Always reading a magazine or playing her tablet on her stroller with her legs crossed. I miss u little girl!? praying for your complete healing. (Posted with permission) #fightagainstcancer #radonco #photooftheday #bestoftheday #iphoneasia #love #life #igdaily #instadaily #igers
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