Karen Ibasco from Philippines was crowned the Miss Earth 2017 on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines. She succeeded Katherine Espin of Ecudor who won the title in 2016.
Nina Robertson from Australia was named Miss Earth Air 2017, while the title of Miss Earth Fire 2017 was awarded to Lada Akimova from Russia. Miss Earth Water 2017 crown went to Juliana Franco from Colombia.
The 26-year-old beauty pageant contestant won the hearts of the judges when she spoke about biodiversity in the Earth-Talk segment. "Biodiversity is very important. We are known in the Philippines to have a lot of biodiversity, and they're very important because they also balance the ecosystem. It's very important for us to protect them because, as we protect them, we protect the environment to help save our home, our planet, our Earth, to be a better place to live in. Thank you," she said while addressing the issue.
When she was asked: "Who or what do you think is the biggest enemy of Mother Earth and why?" Ibasco answered: "I believe that the real problem in this world is not climate change. The real problem is us because of our ignorance and apathy. What we have to do is to start changing our ways, to start recalibrating our minds and redirecting our steps because together, as a global community, our micro-efforts will have a macro-effect to help save our home, our planet."
As the country celebrates the success of Karen Ibasco, IBTimes Singapore brings you a list of things that you should know about Ms. Philippines Earth 2017.
Karen Ibasco is a Master's Degree holder
Karen has completed her masters in Applied Physics, Major in Medical Physics at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Graduate School. In 2011, she graduated from Cum Laude as a scholar of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Karen Ibasco is a Medical Physicist by profession
Karen has worked as a physicist in one of the biggest medical centers in Taguig City. She is also a former faculty member at UST's College of Science.
Karen Ibasco has no interest in becoming an actress
Ms. Philippines Earth 2017 is very clear about her future plans and she has no plans to get into showbiz. However, she would love to host. Talking to the press after winning the crown, she said: "No, I don't have plans to do showbiz but I would want to enter the world of hosting."
Karen Ibasco loves sketching and designing gowns
Earlier in an Instagram post, the 26-year-old model said that designing will always be close to her heart. She has also earned a certificate in Fashion Designing from the School of Fashion and the Arts (soFA) Design Institute.
Karen Ibasco has won many titles
Before winning the title of Ms. Philippines Earth 2017, Ibasco won three gold and two silver medals in the pre-pageant competitions. That eventually has given her the lead in the event. She also won gold for the Asia Pacific National Costume category, Darling of the Press, and Group 2 Swimsuit Competition. Apart from this, Karen also received silver medals at Resorts Wear Competition and Long Gown Competition.
