SOUTH Korean beauty and Miss Earth 2022 bet Mina Sue Choi won gold in the “Air Group” long gown competition held at the VIP Pavilion of the Jose V. Yap Sports and Recreational Park in San Juan de Valdez, San Jose with Puerto Rico’s Paulina Aviles Feshold and the Philippines’ Jenny Ramp winning silver and bronze medals respectively.
The competition, held on November 21 and hosted by the provincial government of Tarlac, featured the 21 “Air Group” Miss Earth 2022 candidates likewise held a swimwear fashion show.
This year’s Miss Earth competition takes on the theme “Me Loves Fauna” to emphasize the importance of caring for animal life. The theme also gives awareness of how animal life, whether wildlife or domestic, and especially the endangered species are essential members of the environment which must be given proper care and attention.
In Governor Susan Yap’s message, she said that, “I am very proud and happy that Miss Earth considered Tarlac to be a venue for the long gown competition. I am sure everyone here is happy.”
She likewise thanked everyone who came and joined the event and congratulated the winners of the competition.
Other candidates that composes the Air Group are Katharina Sarah Prager of Austria, Marcie Reid of Scotland, Lilly Sodal of Norway, Ekaterina Velmakina of Russia, Andela Jakimovska of North Macedonia, Julia Baryga of Poland, Milica Krstovic of Serbia, Sofia Martinoli of Argentina, Oriana Pablos of Venezuela, Esther Oluwatosin Ajayi of Nigeria, Shalom Prosperia Ella John of Sierra Leone, Melang Kuio Monyluak Dak of South Sudan, Lauria Nishimwe of Burundi, Diana Andimba of Namibia, Mahrou Ahmadi of Iran, Jintana Khidaphone of Laos, Thawn Hantar of Myanmar and Simram Madan of New Zealand.
Before the swimwear fashion show and long gown competition, the 21 candidates, who arrived in the province on November 20, visited the Ninoy Aquino Museum in Luisita and the Capas National Shrine, a photoshoot at the provincial capitol, and a tree planting at the sports and recreational park.
Judges for the long gown competition were Nayong Pilipino Executive Director Gertie Duran Batocabe, Cebu City first district Representative Congresswoman Rachel Margfarutte del Mar, businessman and content creator Popoy Caritativo, Vougue Philippines editor Audrey Carpio, World Natural Body Building Federation president Christopher Byrne, Nueva Ecija lawyer Atty. Joma San Pedro and Bataan first district Board Member Tony Roman.
Candidates were divided into four regions; Asia and Oceana, Europe, Africa and the Americas. They were also divided into four elemental group; Air, Eco, Fire and Water.
Other gold, silver and bronze medal winners in the long gown elemental group are (Eco) Chile’s Daniela Riquelme, Portugal’s Maria Rosado and Haiti’s Paul Anne Estima; (Fire) Cuba’s Sheyla Ravelo, Peru’s Gianella Paz and Columbia’s Andrea Aguilera; (Water) Ecuador’s Susan Toledo, Spain’s Aya Kohen and the United States’ Brielle Simmons.
The Municipalities of Sta. Ignacia, Capas and San Jose, La Maja Rica Hotel, Luisita Golf and Country Club, the Aquino Center, Kart City, Rustica Restaurant, Betty’s Native Cakes, The Gentle Sparrow Café, L Square Hotel, Unigo’s Birya and But First Coffee co-sponsored the event.
Bataan Vice Governor Cris Garcia, Bataan Board Member Popoy del Rosario, Vice Governor Carlito “Casada” David, Board Members Henry Cruz, Joy Gilbert Lamorena, Harmes Sembrano, Joselito Capitulo and Jude Joseph David, Mayors Nora Modomo, Romeo Capitulo, Celso Banag, Estelita Aquino, Jappy de Dios and Elma Macadamia also graced the affair.
The event was hosted by Miss Earth Philippines 2007 Jeanne Harne and the coronation night will be on November 29 at Hokada Resort and Casino, Manila.—Arvin F.M. Cabalu
