Ma. Claudia Talatayod

 A dream come true

By Earl D C. Bracamonte

Ms. Earth Philippines 2023 Ma. Claudia Talatayod is all revved up for the forthcoming international finals slated sometime next month. "I am completely ready to represent the Philippines in the Ms. Earth International tilt. I am proud to showcase my talents and advocacy to the world.

"Before, I only dreamt of joining a beauty pageant. It's been a long-standing dream of mine to represent the country. Now, I'm fulfilling said dream as I'll be competing in an international pageant. So when the doors opened for me to do just that, I grabbed the opportunity," she told members of the media, during a confab at the Luxent Hotel recently.

Born and raised in Bohol, Claudia believes that it is critical to be directed and educated between what is good and bad because, she said, who we are today is a mirror of our future. "If we teach children, and humanity in general, to be good and do good to the environment, we can ensure a good legacy for generations to come," she enthused.

The Ms. Earth International is Elite International Pageant's platform for diverse and empowered women. The organization's mission is to combine beauty, nature, and the celebration of being a woman! Their main goal is to showcase women as they fulfill their dreams while providing a forum that celebrates and rewards some for their outstanding accomplishments and experiences.

"The earth provides every resource for sustaining all life forms. Planet-harming activities are causing irreversible damage to the environment. By taking care of our planet, we also improve our wellbeing. A healthy environment will help in improving the quality of life for all," intoned national director Ginee Loew.

The winner of the pageant will become the the organization's face and voice - its spokesperson - in promoting the messages of tourism, friendship, peace & harmony, awareness of specific causes, and the preservation of Mother Earth.

Claudia will join more than 40 other international delegates next month when they'll all compete for the coveted title in Okada Manila. The preliminary competition unfolds on July 20 while the coronation night happens the next day, July 21.

Outgoing queen Ave Tarend of Estonia will crown her successor at the culmination of the coronation rites. Stay tuned