Some Miss Earth delegates have taken up the cudgles for the pageant amid the disparaging words that many observers have been throwing at the international competition, particularly toward the school-sponsored activities.
A netizen, whose username is written in Thai script, commented, ‘[philippine flag] poor country, international class event, the stage is like a birthday.’ But three candidates in this year’s contest did not let this pass.
‘This stage is made by students in their school, you know?’ said Laos’ Parami Viengmay in a video shared by international pageant platform Missosology.
Russia’s Elizaveta Guryanova, who was with Parami and Italy’s Natalia Guglielmo in the video, said they showed up in the schools not to be treated as somebody famous, but to be on the same level as the students.
For 25 years, the Miss Earth pageant has been at the forefront of environmental awareness. The queens, dubbed ‘beauties for a cause,’ take part in projects that aim to promote sustainability and help save the planet.
The pageant further expands its platform by reaching out to students through school tours, where the delegates encourage and inspire the youth to do their share for the environment.
Guglielmo explained: ‘At the end of the day we bring our support to them. And this journey is not about showing expensive luxury lifestyle, but about inspiring people. We went to a school that doesn’t have big financial funds.’
She continued: ‘They made this with their own effort. And we respect that because we are humble people and we went there. That is why ‘beauty for a cause.’ We went there with our hearts without judging. And this is what you are doing.’
Those who have been mocking or belittling the school-based activities of the delegates appear to have been expecting a flashy production on an intricately designed stage similar to what they have been seeing in other pageants’ bigger events and major spectacles.
Others argue that the international delegates deserve, and supposedly expect, to see glossier presentations, and accused the organizers of scrimping on funds by tapping schools.
But as it appears, the delegates themselves expect to take part in such activities, and have been looking forward to advocacy work, closer to the people.
Former Miss Philippines Earth Jeanne Harn commented on the video and said, ‘We also have to note that this is a ‘school tour,’ a project that started during my time in 2007. For me, it was the most rewarding part of the entire reign and pageant experience.’
She continued: ‘This is the real work. Miss Earth and Miss Philippines-Earth are deeply rooted in advocacy. We don’t just ‘talk’ about it, we actually do the ‘work,’ and we started it with public schools.’
Harn said public schools are the perfect venue for this advocacy because of the sheer population of the students. These institutions also do not have sufficient time and resources to tackle the environment.
‘Many of the schools we visited had multiple classes sharing one classroom a day, which shortened class hours per subject due to the lack of facilities. This being said, please manage your expectations that public schools won’t have the ‘glamorous’ facilities. Even if it’s extremely hot, crowded and tiring, we love what we do for them,’ she said.
‘Let’s focus our attention on what truly matters, WHAT WE DO for the environment. Miss Earth organization is doing their part. But they can only do so much. The good news is, WE CAN also take part. Listen to their relevant messages, learn from their advocacies, follow their lead and DO your part as well,’ Harn continued.
The Miss Earth pageant is holding its 25th edition this year. More than 80 delegates are competing for the crown currently held by Jessica Lane, the first winner from Australia.
The 2025 Miss Earth coronation night will be held at the Cove Manila Club of Okada Manila in Parañaque City on Nov. 5. Joy Barcoma is hoping to post the Philippines’ fifth victory in the international pageant.