A FIRST of its kind, two Filipinas are joining this year’s search for “Green Lifestyle,” the theme for the Miss Earth 2009 search which the Philippines will host on November 22 at Boracay Ecovillage Resort and Convention Center in Aklan province.

Born true-blooded Pinay with her Filipino parents in Las Piñas, Maria Luisa Santos grew up and now works as an elementary school teacher. She represents Guam at age 24 with a towering height of 5’8” tall.

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She said that despite representing another country, Filipino ideals still flow in her blood.

Eloquent Negrense yet of German-mix blood and the Philippine’s delegate Miss Sandra Seifert, 25, and 5’9”, in her interview over ABS-CBN Asap show assured her kababayans (fellowmen) that she will do her best to win the crown just like what Miss Earth Philippines 2008 Karla Henry did last year.

Seifert was born in Taiwan and the first non-native born Philippine representative.

Negros Occidental Governor Isidro Zayco, who hosted lunch for the 26 delegates at Planta Hotel, said the province, especially Bacolod City’s hosting of the pre-talent portion, is a historic event.

At the candidates’ presentation on Monday, Miss Singapore was perhaps impressive for her wittiness in tackling environmental issues. Stunning beauties and all praises went to best choices like of Paraguay, Mexico, Singapore, Guam, and Brazil.

Also joining Zayco were Provincial Board (PB) members Adolfo Mangao Sr., Patrick Lacson, Manuel Frederick Ko, Dr. Miller Serondo, Provincial Tourism Officer Jennylind Cordero, Capitol staff, Miss Earth Philippines first runner-up Negrense Adie Adelantar, former Bacolod Representative John Orola Jr., and others.

Meanwhile, early special Awards were given to Evelyne Almasi of Tanzania as Best in National Costume, Cuba represented by Jamillette Gaxiola as Miss Golden Sunset Resort & Spa, Miss Alejandra Echevarria of Spain as Miss Gandang Ricky Reyes Award, Miss Puerto Rico Dignelis Jiménez as Placenta Award, and Miss Guam Maria Luisa Santos as
Pasigandahan Award.

Miss Earth 2009, the 9th edition of Miss Earth beauty pageant, is said to be a beauty contest for a cause whose winner will serve as the spokesperson for the Miss Earth Foundation, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other environmental organizations.

At least 80 delegates from various countries and territories are competing for the crown and whose theme is centered on promoting the use of recyclable materials as part of a collective lifestyle. The delegates who withdrew include Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, D.R. Congo, Ethiopia, Finland, Germany, Liberia, Lithuania, Nicaragua, Republic of Congo, Romania, Rwanda, Suriname, and Uganda.

For the first time, 18 semi-finalists will be chosen for the ninth edition of the pageant and will compete in the swimsuit round and later, the delegates will be trimmed to 12 and will compete in the long gown competition until only eight delegates would remain to compete for the titles Miss Earth, Miss Earth-Air, Miss Earth-Water and Miss Earth-Fire.

Metal crown

The Miss Earth organizers will unveil a new crown designed by Ramona Haar, which will be worn by the Miss Earth Queen 2009 with the preservation of the planet Earth as its primary consideration.

Haar is an environmentalist jewelry designer from Florida who designed the crown which was made of 100 percent recycled precious metals comprising of 14 karat gold and argentums sterling silver.

The crown’s gemstones, which were sent in various forms from countries of which these are known for, used both precious stone and semiprecious stone that were donations from over 80 different participating countries. The gemstones were in various forms, such as faceted, cabochons, beads or rough and were individually trimmed in Jaipur, India.

The flower in the center of the crown represents Mother Earth, as inspired by the statement of American poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson's "The earth laughs in flowers."

The recurring spiral motif has always been associated with "maternal power" and "feminine prestige" which is the essence of Miss Earth. The gentle curves in the crown symbolize "unity" and the "spirit of cooperation."

Delegate’s background

Miss USA Amy Diaz previously competed in the Miss USA 2008 where she made the top 15, while Miss Paraguay Gabriela Rejala previously competed in Miss World 2008.

On the other hand, Puerto Rico’s Dignelis Jiménez previously competed in Miss International 2003 but she was unplaced, a website said. She also represented Puerto Rico in Miss Tourism World 2004 and won as 2nd runner up and Best in Evening Gown.

Further, Miss Slovak Republic Lea Sindlerova previously competed in Miss Intercontinental 2009, while Miss Guatemala Hamy Tejeda competed in Miss World 2007.

Miss Honduras Alejandra Mendoza, the winner of Miss Honduras Belleza Nacional 2007-2008 (Miss Honduras 2007-2008) pageant, was supposed to represent Honduras in the Miss Earth 2008, but failed to compete. She also competed in the international Reina de La Costa Maya 2008 pageant in August 2008 and won second runner up, including the best in national costume award, the Miss Earth 2009 website said.

Miss Lebanon Nicole Lichaa Khoury previously competed in Miss Intercontinental 2009.