Fashion model crowned Miss Earth

  Manila, Philippines – A 22-year-old freelance fashion model and de- signer who vowed to actively promote walking and take part in cleaning the environment was crowned Miss Earth Philippines 2012 in Pasay City last Sunday night.

Stephany Dianne Stefanowitz of Quezon City, who also is a singer, bested 46 other candidates in the environment-driven beauty contest. She will represent the Philippines in the 2012 Miss Earth beauty pageant to be held in Indonesia later this year.

The Miss Earth Philippines pageant is indeed lovelier the second time around for Stefanowitz who first competed in the same pageant two years ago. She placed in the Top 10.

In the final question and answer portion of the pageant, Stefanowitz was asked by judge actress-model Rachel Grant: “If you were a superhero, what power would you choose to have and how would you use it to save the Earth.”

Stefanowitz, who also won Best In Long Gown, answered: Defintely, I will use my power to clean-up the environment. My advocvacy is the preservation and conservation of our environment. It is essential for us to realize how our decision would affect us.”

Other winners of the night were Miss Tabuk City Glennifer Perido, Miss Philippines Air; Miss San Juan City Samantha Purvor, Miss Philippines Water; Miss Puerto Princesa City Thoreen Halvorsen, Miss Phil ippines Fire; and Miss Vigan City Mary Candice Ramos, Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism. Organizers said that the four elemental court of Stefanowitz were all equal winners.

Runners-up in the pageant were Miss Negros Oriental Glenna Christina Duch, Miss Fil-Belgium Roxanne Corluy; Miss San Francisco, Cebu Princess Lieza Manzon; Miss Indang, Cavite Jaydielou Dilidili; and Miss Muntinlupa Kathleen Subijano.

Other winners of major special awards were Purvor, Best In Swimsuit; Miss Manaoag City Zandra Flores, Best In Cultural Attire; Miss Pagadian City Cristelt Gerona, Miss Photogenic; Miss Lucena City Jennifer Japor, Miss Congeniality; and Miss Marilao Aufelyn Zabala, Miss Talent.

Stefanowitz also vowed to be a strong leader and role model to educate, inform and spread awareness on environment conservation and preservation. “I believe this year is a time for positive change.
It’s time to put our foot down when it comes to conserving and preserving our natural resources.”

Asked about tips on the promotion of sustainable energy, she said: “Turn off your lights at home when not in use. Choose electric fan when it is not too warm instead of aircon. Walk!”

Other members of the board of judges include Cristine Cunanan, Joey Mendoza of SM Supermarket, actress Empress Schuck, entrepreneur Brian Benitez, politician Shalani Soledad-Romulo, and Senator Koko Pimentel III. (Robert R. Requintina)