MANILA, Philippines — A Roman maiden was crowned the ultimate “Dyosa ng Inang Kalikasan” at the Miss Earth Philippines 2018 pageant at the Mall of Asia Arena close to midnight on May 19.
Silvia Celeste Cortesi, a 20-year-old model from Rome, Italy, bested 41 other beauties from across the country and Filipino communities abroad.
It is also the first time that a Filipina representing a foreign city has won the title in its 18-year history. Cortesi will be the first winner to carry the title Miss Earth Philippines after the pageant re-branded itself from Miss Philippines-Earth.
The Top 5 were asked a common question by host Robi Domingo: “The deterioration of Boracay left our President with no choice but to close the island for six months for rehabilitation. What should be done to make sure that what happens to Boracay doesn’t happen to our other tourist destinations?”
There was not a reply of the (current Miss Earth) Karen Ibasco calibre, but Cortesi’s cool, calm and collected reply won her the title: “I agree with the decision of President Duterte. And I think that Boracay needs a drainage system because the 'juice' of trash goes directly on the ocean. We have to control the capacity of hotels.”
Silvia Celeste Cortesi in swimwear (left) and national costume. Philstar.com/Erwin Cagadas
Karen Ibasco passes the crown to Silvia Celeste Cortesi. Philstar.com/Erwin Cagadas
Cortesi is the first winner to carry the title Miss Earth Philippines after the pageant re-branded itself from Miss Philippines-Earth. Philstar.com/Erwin Cagadas
Halimatu Tanador Yushawu, a stunning black beauty and engineering student, 22, from Dumaguete City representing Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay, was crowned Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism.
The elemental winners are Miss Philippines Water Berjayneth Goc-Ong Chee, an incoming college student, 18, from Balingasag, Misamis Oriental; Miss Philippines Air Zahra Bianca Saldua, a chief executive officer, 26, from Las Piñas City; and Miss Philippines Fire Jean de Jesus, business finance student, 25, from San Rafael, Bulacan.
All five winners trained under the Kagandahang Flores beauty camp of Rodgil Flores, who has molded all four Miss Earth winners from the Philippines: Karla Paula Henry (2008), Jamie Herrell (2014), Angelia Ong (2015) and Karen Ibasco (2017).