Miss Earth mediacon

 Miss Earth 2024 queens share insights during their reign

By Earl D.C Bracamonte 

Carousel Productions, together with Reign Project Management, held a media conference for reigning Miss Earth Jessica Lane and her elemental court - Hrafnhildur "Raven" Haraldsdottir of Iceland (Air) and Bea Milan Windorski of the United States (Water) - at the Luxent Hotel ballroom in Quezon City.

"I fell in love with the Philippines not only because my close friend back home is a Filipina, but also because I saw the same passion families and communities share with their loved ones. 

"After my reign, I will be back in Manila more often in the future, just like other Earth queens before me," enthused Jessica.

"I'll run away with the crown, I'm not giving it up," chided the Australian beauty, whose victory allowed her country to become a pageant powerhouse.

"I'll graduate next year and finally complete my college education. My advocacy is centered on sustainable fashion. Ten per cent of global waste comes from fast fashion. The Miss Earth platform has empowered young women to create changes and somehow rectify excesses left by earlier generations.

"To all global leaders, please listen because people around the world are affected by the onslaught of climate change; as scientists have shown proof, especially the youth whose future you are impacting. I've experienced bush fire and flooding in Australia, too! Protection against climate crisis is so important! We are all Earth citizens.

"I remembered a beach cleanup with children volunteers. They had a difficulty discerning between waste and natural things because shells and garbage were the same to them, having grown up with trash all their lives," lamented the Aussie beauty.

The mid afternoon event was graced by Miss Earth 2004 Priscila Mereilles of Brazil and Miss Earth Air 2016 Michelle Gomez of Colombia, as well as Miss Charm Germany 2025, Luisa Victoria Malz.

"I'm planning to study Law here in the Philippines after my reign. I intend to continue my journey in a legal capacity. The realities of climate change is felt by us, especially here in the Philippines.

"Miss Earth is a ripple effect of change. I will support it for the next 25 years, and the 25 years after that. Miss Earth should connect with a multitude of people. During a recent Manila rally I joined, I realized how politics is connected with environmental protection. We should communicate more about disaster preparedness, especially in light of recent events," intoned Bea, who is half-Filipina, as her mom's side of the family hails from La Union.

"Climate will manifest itself until you're the one filming it. This summer, my hometown in Milwaukee was flooding. As a climate refugee, and if you feel that pageantry can help propel your advocacy, then join the Miss Earth platform. My home state has the largest number of misplaced individuals from causes not of their doing. That's the reason why I volunteered to be a tutor for English as secondary language since middle school," Bea added.

This year, the Miss Earth Organizations is expecting more or less 80 international delegates. They will all be formally presented to members of the media next week.

"As for me, I'd like to continue my Chemical Engineering degree. Twenty five years is a long time. With the Miss Earth crusade, their annual pageant is something we all can contribute to. The new Miss Earth who will be crowned should use her voice and advocate more for environmental protection like those before her.

"I gathered girls from the pageant community in my hometown and went on a cleanup drive. I remembered my mom telling us how she survived a snow avalanche when she was 16. Growing up with this tragic story changed my outlook in life.

"My hometown has 312 people living therein and I felt incredible going on a beach cleanup drive. Don't let people stop you from doing what you believe in," pointed out the Icelandic beauty.

The 25th Miss Earth edition finals will unfold on November 5 at the Okada Manila. Stay tuned!