International pageant organizations such as the Miss Earth, Miss Cosmo, and Miss Grand International, which are all based in Southeast Asia, have expressed their solidarity with those affected by typhoons in the Philippines and Vietnam.
‘Miss Earth is one with the Philippines in spirit, heart and prayer in its most devastating hours amidst the continuing, relentless destructive strength of Typhoon Uwan which is causing destruction that is massively affecting families and the environment,’ the Manila-based pageant said in a statement on Nov. 9.
Newly-crowned Miss Earth Natalie Puskinova from the Czech Republic also issued a statement in a video posted on the pageant’s social media pages, and said, ‘we’re all in this together, we are facing this together. So please, protektathan natin ang kalikasan (let us protect the environment). My prayer is with you guys.’
Miss Earth-Air Soldis Vala Ivarsdottir from Iceland also shared her video. ‘I know the typhoon here in the Philippines has been bringing a lot of people fear and uncertainty right now. But I wanted to remind everyone to please stay safe. Take care of yourselves, your family, your neighbors,’ she said.
Both European pageant titleholders are currently based in Manila to fulfill their responsibilities with the organization, and have personally witnessed the rage of Typhoon ‘Uwan.’
Miss Earth-Water Trinh My Anh from Vietnam expressed her solidarity with the people of her own country and the Philippines, both battered by back-to-back typhoons.
‘When a family has lost a home, their livelihood, and are struggling to recover, as someone who has witnessed it and truly understand the pain caused by natural disaster, I deeply empathize with everyone affected,’ she said.
‘I wish to send my love, sharing and hope to all, both in the Philippines and Vietnam. Let us stay strong, united, and continue spreading love for Mother Earth because we all share the same home,’ Trinh continued.
The Miss Cosmo pageant that is based in Vietnam also released a statement of solidarity with its home base and neighboring Philippines.
‘We mourn the tragic loss of lives and the immense suffering caused by this devastating storm. In this time of hardship and uncertainty, we stand united with both nations-sending our compassion, strength, and unwavering hope for swift recovery and healing,’ the budding organization said.
‘We are working closely with our partners and local authorities to deliver humanitarian support to affected communities. We stand hand in hand with the people of Vietnam and the Philippines, believing that every act of kindness can help rebuild hope after the storm,’ continued the statement.
The Thailand-based Miss Grand International pageant, whose reigning queen is Emma Tiglao of the Philippines, also sympathized with the Vietnamese and Filipino peoples.
‘During this period of sorrow and uncertainty, the organization sincerely hopes that all relevant authorities will provide timely assistance, support, and relief efforts to alleviate suffering and help those impacted return to stability as soon as possible,’ the organization said, which is currently hosting another pageant, the Miss Universe, in Thailand.
Typhoon ‘Kalmegi’ (named ‘Tino’ in the Philippines) wrecked havoc in the Philippines and Vietnam last week. Over the weekend, Super Typhoon ‘Fung-Wong’ (‘Uwan’) unleashed its might in parts of the Visayas and Luzon, and is projected to hit Taiwan up north