MANILA, Philippines—After taking over the Universe, Venezuela has now conquered Earth.
Barely a month after Venezuelan Maria Gabriela Isler snagged the Miss Universe crown in Russia, compatriot Alyz Henrich bagged the coveted Miss Earth crown in the Philippines on Saturday.
The 23-year-old Henrich bested 87 other aspirants for the title, which came with a $20,000 contract with organizer Carousel Productions. The three-week competition culminated in glittering coronation ceremonies staged at the Versailles Palace in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Others in the top four were Miss Earth Air Katia Wagner from Austria, Miss Earth Water Punika Kulsoontornrut from Thailand, and Miss Earth Fire Catharina Choi from Korea.
Ecotourism
Henrich, a model from the Venezuelan state of Falcon, was earlier proclaimed Best in Evening Gown and placed third in the preliminary swimsuit contest. She also received the special award Miss Hanna Shampoo, from the product that copresented the pageant.
She is her country’s second Miss Earth titleholder, following Alexandra Braun’s coronation in 2005, also in the Philippines.
During the final round of the competition, Henrich was asked how ecotourism could contribute to the protection of the environment. With the aid of an interpreter, she said, “We people are responsible for the devastation of our nature. We should take care of our environment.”
The contestants were trimmed down to 16 semifinalists based on scores in evening gown, swimsuit, environmental awareness and overall attitude in the preliminary stages of the competition.
Final 8
During the finals night, the top 16 were whittled down further to the “Final 8.” The final results were based on the combined scores from all stages of the competition during the coronation ceremonies.
The Philippines’ bet, Angelee Claudett de los Reyes from Olongapo City, made it to the Final 8. She was earlier proclaimed Miss Eco Tourism and Miss Fitflop, placed third in the online voting for Miss Photogenic and was a semifinalist in the preliminary swimsuit competition.
The Miss Earth pageant, now in its 12th year, is based in the Philippines and is organized by Carousel Productions. The international competition was beamed live to different parts of Asia, Latin America and the United States, and will be seen later in Europe and Africa.
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