WE had the privilege to meet a winsome trio, all candidates of the ongoing Miss Philippines Earth 2021, during an afternoon tíªte-á-tíªte over delicious breads and pastries from Bait Lehem last Monday at Cafe Lupe in Antipolo City.
They are Chynna Kaye Verosil, Riah Angelica de Ocampo, and Marvielyn Fernandez.
At 18, Chynna from Bugallon, Pangasinan is the youngest eco angel in this year’s batch of candidates, having just graduated as valedictorian at the top of her Grade 12 batch at Phinma University of Pangasinan (Dagupan).
During the onset of the COVID pandemic last year, Chynna was headstrong to take on the challenges of the circumstances, and went as far as selling tinapang galunggong (smoked fish) on the streets of her community to make both ends meet. She proudly relates how she was able to buy her own laptop which she needed for her online classes.
Chynna, who plans to take up accountancy in college, is all for reforestation to reduce the effects of global warming.
During our QnA sampler, Chynna chose water over air and fire because “mountains divide but waters unite.”
In contrast, Riah, 28, from the heritage city of Silay, Negros Occidental chose the element of fire because “it symbolizes strength and fearlessness which all of us must possess in order to keep the balance, the vigor as we face the challenges of saving our environment.”
Riah was an exchange alumna in the US and works as a flight attendant of Philippine Airlines.
With her experience in previous pageants (she was Lin-ay sang Silay 2012 and Lin-ay sang Negros second runner-up 2013), she is ready to face the challenges of the virtual edition of Miss Philippines Earth which is now on its second year. Her advocacy is organic and sustainable farming.
For Marvielyn, 25, of Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, she staunchly supports the campaign for zero waste management and zero hunger.
A former Miss Urdaneta (2018), she is a Tourism Management graduate and cooks for an international liner.
Marvie joined Miss Philippines Earth because she strongly believes in its advocacy to save the earth that remains uninterrupted even at this time of the pandemic. While travels have been restricted, the virtual platform of the pageant for the last two years has expanded its reach to call for environmental awareness.
Marvie chose the element of air for personal reasons. “Growing up, I had asthma and breathing clean air is very important,” she said.
Chynna, Riah and Marvie are the “dragon” beauties, so-called because they’re under the helm of Sander Andan, the creative director of Dragon Talent Management headed by renowned make-up artist Bambbi Fuentes (president) and Tine Areola (COO).
The three beauties are among the 66 delegates competing for the coveted title and the right to officially represent the country for Miss Earth 2021. The national pageant will hold its finals on July 25.