After Joy Barcoma missed a finalist spot in the recently-concluded 2025 Miss Earth pageant, even with an applauded performance in the interview round, the Filipino beauty queen is still grateful, penning a list of those who have been instrumental in her journey.
‘I am beyond grateful to stand as one of the Top 8 Finalists and a runner-up among 79 remarkable women in this year’s Silver Lining Edition of Miss Earth,’ she posted on social media on Wednesday, Nov. 12.’Carrying the Philippine sash on the international stage has been one of the greatest honors of my life. It is a journey that taught me resilience, gratitude, and the power of authenticity,’ Barcoma continued.
Many of her fans and other pageant followers expressed their shock with her non-inclusion in the final four of the Miss Earth coronation night in Parañaque City on Nov. 5, especially with how well-received her response to the previous round was.
Barcoma’s gift of gab and expansive environmental knowledge have etched her as one of the favorites to win the title, with the Miss Earth pageant’s propensity for crowning great speakers.
But her journey ended in the Top 8, and was rewarded with a runner-up spot, along with the delegates from Brazil, Chile, and Ukraine, whose answers in the earlier round also earned applause.
‘This journey would not have been possible without my core team, the incredible people who poured their hearts, creativity, and patience into this journey,’ Barcoma said, as she enumerated names from a long gratitude.
Barcoma acknowledged the immense contributions of Mark Agbayani, Ken Adrienne Batino, Jevin Salaysay, her Mama PJ, Mama Zeea, Mama Keiv, and Ed Mark. She also thanked RL Lacanienta, ‘who not only taught me how to walk on stage but also how to walk through this journey with purpose. Your guidance and advice grounded me, and reminded me that confidence paired with humility creates true grace.’
Australian beauty queen Jessica Lane who won in last year’ competition also trained under Lacanienta, whose clientele list boasts of beauties from different countries.
Barcoma also thanked all the people behind Carousel Productions, organizer of both the Miss Earth and Miss Philippines Earth pageants. ‘I don’t know of any other organization that supports authenticity the way Miss Earth does. Thank you for trusting me to carry the Philippine sash and represent our country with pride,’ she said.
‘To all my fellow Miss Earth candidates, especially Eco Group, thank you for sharing this unforgettable journey with me. Your passion, authenticity, and kindness inspired me every day, and I am grateful for the friendships, memories, and support we shared,’ Barcoma added.
‘Being part of your sisterhood reminded me that together, we can lift each other higher and shine brighter, carrying the spirit of Miss Earth wherever we go,’ she continued.
Barcoma went on to thank more people, including her ‘friends and cheerleaders, local government officials and public agency officers, her designers, members of the media, and her family and loved ones.
‘And finally, to all the Filipinos who rallied behind me, sa lahat ng mga Jusaaa, maraming maraming salamat po (to all the goddesses, thank you very much). From every comment, message, vote, and cheer, maraming salamat (thank you),’ she said.
Barcoma said her Miss Earth journey was never just about the crown, but about purpose, resilience, and love. ‘I am proud to have shown that the true essence of a queen is not measured by the glamour the stage brings, but by how she raises her voice for her people, champions her nation, and leads with unwavering purpose,’ she said.