Miss Earth 2019 taps ‘Flower Power’

BY ARLO CUSTODIO

OCTOBER 03, 2019

Close to 90 candidates from all over the world gathered at the poolside of The Diamond Hotel Manila on Wednesday, each hoping to win the 2019 Miss Earth crown.

Miss Earth candidates carry messages as they posed for photographers when they were presented to media on Wednesday at the Diamond Hotel Manila. PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

The theme for its 19th edition is “Flower Power.” And based on the looks and bearing of the candidates, it can be said that this is one of the most competitive batches Miss Earth has ever seen.

“Their striking physical attributes already make them a standout, and once you hear them speak their minds, they become even more attractive,” said Miss Earth founder and organizer Lorraine Schuck who is also the executive vice president of Carousel Productions.

Schuck explained that as each candidate showcases the national flower of her country, she brings with her a positive vibe and a message that nature can bloom once again if people do their part to protect Mother Earth.

Filipina beauties

Very much a headturner, Miss Philippines Janelle Tee also carried a sign that said, “#Luntian: Let’s make Mother Earth green again.”

Asked if she’s ready to be the Philippines’ fifth titleholder, she replied she is bent on making her country proud.

“Hopefully, yes, for my countrymen, I promise to give my best and my all [in this competition] for the Philippines.” she told The Manila Times.

The former host of ANC’s “Chinoy TV” and GMA’s “Wowowin” won the right to represent the country when she was crowned Miss Earth Philippines 2019 in July at a similarly flower-themed pageant held at Okada Manila. Should she win the crown, she will join the winners’ roster of Filipina Miss Earth global title holders — Karla Henry (2008), Jamie Herrell (2014), Angelia Ong (2015) and Karen Ibasco (2017).

Meanwhile, Miss Australia Susana Danielle Downes who is half-Filipino (her mother hails from Cavite) felt very much at home mingling with media. She told The Manila Times she often comes to the Philippines for vacations but is very excited this time to be representing two cultures in Miss Earth.

Tree campaign

In this edition, Miss Earth also promotes the #MeAndMyTreeCampaign amid alarming natural calamities, particularly the burning of the Amazon, Borneo and the Africa rainforests, which are considered the lungs of the earth.

Through the campaign, the organization and the delegates encourage people in different parts of the world to plant a tree.

The girls handed out seedlings to members of the media, and encouraged the recipients to plant the trees for a greener earth. The Manila Times received a jackfruit seedling from Miss Australia.

The candidates will tour various parts of the country while promoting the pageant cause, with pre-judging competitions as well as the three rounds of preliminary judging held in selected stops and venues.

“It’s a hectic yet worthwhile month for the delegates. Competition aside, the whole process is a learning experience for these ladies. We hope that this year is another memorable edition of Miss Earth,” Carousel Productions President Ramon Monzon shared.

Miss Earth 2019 culminates at the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum in Naga City on October 26, telecast live on FoxLife, with delayed telecast on ABS-CBN “Sunday’s Best” on October 27.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/10/03/news/top-stories/miss-earth-2019-taps-flower-power/625417/