Two Filipina bets won international crowns on the same weekend.
Medical physicist Karen Ibasco bested over 84 other hopefuls to win the Philippines’ third Miss Earth title in three years at the pageant’s grand coronation event held Saturday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
And actress Winwyn Marquez edged out 26 other beauties to take home the country’s first ever Reina Hispanoamericana crown on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) in Sta. Cruz, Bolivia.
The triumph of Karen and Winwyn followed the equally remarkable feat of Nelda Ibe who last Friday finished first runner-up in the Miss Globe 2017 beauty pageant held in Albania.
En route to her Miss Earth victory, Karen bagged four gold medals including Darling of the Press, Best in Swimsuit (Group 2) and Best in National Costume (Asia Pacific). She also won silver medals in the Resorts Wear and Long Gown competitions.
Winwyn, who is the first Philippine representative to compete in Reina Hispanoamericana, also had a sterling performance throughout the pageant as she won the Ipanema Girl special award. She also had a top 3 finish in the Traditional Costume category, finished first runner-up in the Miss Personality category and was also a finalist in the Best Smile and Miss Silhouette categories.
But it was their eloquent replies in the much awaited Question and Answer portions that most likely clinched the crowns for both Karen and Winwyn.
Karen was asked who or what she thinks is the biggest enemy of Mother Earth and why.
“I believe that the real problem in this world is not climate change. The real problem is us because of our ignorance and apathy. What we have to do is to start changing our ways, to start recalibrating our minds and redirecting our steps because together, as a global community, our micro-efforts will have a macro-effect to help save our home, our planet,” was her response.
Winwyn also aced the question of how she would promote the Hispanic-American culture with the great difficulty or barrier of language.
“Language can be learned but the will and determination to contribute to the organization cannot. It has to come from the heart. It has to be natural. I believe that kindness is a universal language that if you treat people with tolerance, patience and love, you will understand each other.”
“The Hispanic culture is not about language only. It’s about love for God, love for country, love for history and culture and love for family. As a Filipina with a unique heritage, I have instilled that. I am ready to promote the Hispanic culture not just in Asia but in the whole world. It is time to celebrate the Hispanic culture. It is meant to be celebrated,” went her reply.
Both Karen and Winwyn previously competed in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant but lost. But like Pia Wurtzbach before them, the two ladies managed to put their respective setbacks behind them and ultimately emerged victorious both in the national and international pageant circuits.
