The event, which will take place at the University of the Philippines Theater in Quezon City, gathers some 90 beauties from around the world.
First to arrive were ladies from Mexico and Nepal. Miss Philippines-Earth Jamie Herrell and pageant organizer Lorraine Schuck also welcomed contestants from Australia, Guam, Fiji, and Samoa.
Early favorite and six-footer Miss Mexico Yareli Salas aspires to work in broadcast news. Miss Nepal Prisha Shrestha, a business student, said she feels at home in Manila where many Nepalese are studying. She has also learned "salamat po" and other Filipino words.
Since its inception, the Miss Earth pageant has risen as one of the top four pageants in the world, after Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss International. It has distinguished itself as the only pageant with environmental protection as its theme.
The candidates are scheduled to tour Boracay, Ilocos, Pangasinan, Cebu, Batangas and Palawan where they will spearhead tree planting, anti-air pollution activities and other environmental events.
The pageant has not been spared the usual controversies. Weeks before, the original Miss Australia-Earth Dayana Grageda was dethroned due to alleged failure in fulfilling her duties. She was replaced by her runner-up Nadine Roberts. Miss Venezuela-Earth Stephanie de Zorsi has also been replaced lately by her runner-up Maira Herrea due to alleged weight issues.
Reigning Miss Earth Alyz Henrick of Venezuela does not want to be drawn into the controversy, but she agrees that her country wants to send the best candidate in Miss Earth.
The Miss Earth 2014 pageant delegates will be presented on November 10 at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati. ABS-CBN and Star World will air the pageant activities and coronation night.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
