For the first time, all the Miss Earth contestants were sent to Zamboanga City, the “City of Flowers” in the Mindanao region of the Philippines as part of their eco-tours and the highly anticipated swimsuit competition.
Along with Miss Earth Destiny Wagner and Miss Earth 2019 Nellys Pimentel, over 80 beauties visited the city’s historical, eco-tourism and cultural sites, including the 115-year-old city hall and Grande Santa Cruz Island, a small inhabited island. in the southern region known for its pink coral sand, where they planted mangroves.
Supported by the city government headed by Mayor John Dalipe, the necessary preparation was put in place for the safety and security of the contestants. The contestants were accommodated at the Garden Orchid Hotel and they not only experienced the local cuisines and natural beauty of Zamboanga, but also received the kindness and warm hospitality of its people.
Despite unprecedented weather conditions, the swimsuit competition took place at Azzura Beach Resort on Wednesday, November 16. Organizers decided to move the show to another location within the resort instead of the beautiful outdoor stage which was complete with LED walls, lights, and a runway.
Speaking about the unfortunate situation, host delegate Jenny Ramp said: “I feel sad because I know all the work, manpower, time and effort that went into this event. But, I don’t want to put the factors that we can’t change ignoring the amazing experience for us.”
She added: “The Zamboangueño people have shown true Filipino hospitality and kindness, and that is something to be proud of. The effort showed the resilience that we Filipinos have like no other. The views of Zamboanga were so breathtaking.”
Heavy favorite Sheridan Mortlock of Australia also shared, “My heart goes out to Zamboanga and all the wonderful people who were making this pageant a reality. I know it’s something many have been looking forward to for a long time. “
Miss Earth Belarus Liliya Levaya made another notable statement supporting the cause of Miss Earth – “No one can control the weather. We are the queens of Miss Earth and we are able to accept any challenge given to us by Mother Earth. We are here to protect the environment, not for fancy scenes and perfect photos.”
The art studio owner and model even went so far as to compare the show to memorable catwalk moments from luxury fashion brands. She said: “Balenciaga did their fashion show in the mud. Jacquemus did it in the fields. And Miss Earth did it in the rain, I say we’re on trend.”
Meet the winners of the swimsuit competition:
America – ColombiaAndrea Aguilera (Gold); CubaSheyla Ravelo (Silver); ChileDaniela Riquelme (Bronze)
ASIA AND OCEANIA – koreaMina Sue Choi (Gold); AustraliaSheridan Mortlock (Silver); PhilippinesJenny Ramp (Bronze)
Europe – BelarusLiliya Levaya (Gold); RussiaEkaterina Velmakina (Silver); IrelandAlannah Larkin (Bronze)
AFRICA – NigerEsther Ajayi (Gold); zimbabweSakhile Dube (Silver); DR CongoAbuana Nkumu (Bronze)
Events and activities leading up to the Miss Earth 2022 pageant continue with more trips to several tourist destinations in the Philippines leading up to the grand crowning on November 29 at Okada Manila.
Photos: Miss Earth, PIA Western Mindanao
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