YESTERDAY at the Okada Fountain in Parañaque, the 20 finalists of the 22nd Miss Philippines Earth Pageant were presented to members of media and the public who were eager to see the advocacy-driven tilt go live once again after conducting their last two editions on the virtual platform.
One of the beauty-and-brains finalists is Ma. Lourdez Chiong de Leon, 26, a graduate of Centro Escolar University Manila who majored in Business Management, representing Quezon City.
“I’ve dreamt of becoming a doctor but my heart belongs to teaching, De Leon enthused.
“I’m happy that I’m currently an online English and Biology tutor. And someday I want to be a motivational and environmental speaker.”
“My advocacy is about urban biodiversity conservation which is very relevant to my city.
Because of the inflation crisis, I encourage people to do urban farming, maximize the space you have at home,” Lourdez continued eagerly. “I also support (water) refilling stations; just bring your own reusable plastic bottles or glass to help reduce the waste in the landfill.
I also encourage everyone to join tree planting activities as it helps not just our environment but also our mental health. Even though Quezon City is a highly urbanized city, let’s bring back the nature that connects people to biodiversity.”
In consonance with the pageant’s theme “MPE Loves Fauna,” Lourdez picked the Eurasian tree sparrow as her fauna. “It is a very sociable bird and it doesn’t stop looking for what it needs, Lourdez explained. “It teaches us to live your life productively and though it has short life span (3 years), it teaches us to live our life to the fullest. We shouldn’t waste our time and still find time to enjoy life.
Frequently found in wooded urban parkland, these sparrows complete our community for a healthy ecosystem.
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The 58th Binibining Pilipinas will stage its most awaited coronation night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday where 40 Filipinas will battle it out in what is considered one of the most intense competitions in a long time.
We have picked the following candidates at the most likely to advance to the elite circle of winners: Chelsea Fernandez, Roberta Tamondong, Yllana Marie Aduana, Elda Louise Aznar, Herlene Budol, Cyrille Payumo, Graciella Lehmann, Karen Laurrie Mendoza, Diana Mackey, Jessica Rose McEwen and Jasmine Omay.
