Mevelyn Villamor

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 4:58 pm

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Mevelyn Villamor
24, Law Student
Tweet #misspagadiancity
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
As a child growing up, I was blessed to have the basics: food, water,
shelter and so much more. I grew up with a loving family who supported
me in everything I wanted to do. I grew up idolizing my mother.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
One thing I learn in my childhood is to share with others what you have
with others. I remember when I was a little child, I refused to share
my toys and snacks with my friends. As a result, they were unwilling to
play with me. I felt upset and cried for a few days. Finally, I learned
the true meaning of sharing. Now, I share my books even my clothes with
others. I gain happiness by being charitable. At a young age, I already
know how to take care of myself and do house hold chores. Another thing I
learned from my childhood is that anything is possible as long as you
set your mind to it and you work hard to reach your goals.

Most memorable moment:
Memorable moments can be either a very good moment or a very bad
moment. I lost my first boyfriend who is a pastor due to diabetes last,
March 09, 2011. It was a terrible shock to me since I was so attached to
him. I also consider recent times of my studies as memorable because I
interact with many people, and teach others about law as I know it. I am
very happy and never realized life would be this great.

What is your ambition in life?:
My goal is to become a lawyer because a lawyer is the person who is
knowledgeable of the rules in the country. We are all throwing the dice,
playing the game, moving our pieces around the board, but if there is a
problem, the lawyer is the only person who has read the inside of the
top of the box.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
I want to become Miss Philippines Earth 2013 because I want to build a
just and a humane society and establish a government that shall embody
our ideals and inspiration. I want to promote the common goods, conserve
and develop our patrimony and secure ourselves.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
I want to promote water cooperation because it is a foundation for
peace and sustainable development. Water is essential to life and human
and economic development. However, water resources on the planet are
limited, and evenly distributed in time and space. Demands for water are
increasing in order to satisfy the needs of growing world population,
now at over billion people, for food production, energy, industrial and
domestic uses. Additional pressure related to rapid urbanization,
pollution and climate change also threatens the resource. In all of
these instances, water is a must be shared and this provides
opportunities for cooperation among users.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
1.Raising awareness of the benefits of water cooperation.
2. Enhancing and sharing related knowledge.
3. Developing the capacities of stakeholders.
4. Fostering partnerships, dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders.
5. Taking action towards water cooperation.
6. Strengthening international water related cooperation to pave the
way for developing sustainable development goals and addressing the
needs of all societies.

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 4:59 pm

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Kimberly Tristine Ledesma
19, Hotel and Restaurant Management Student
Tweet #missparanaquecity
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
I grew up apart from my parents. They work as musicians in Japan since
1980. I was not able to spend that much time with them during my
childhood days. I was lived with my uncle, two cousins and my elder
sister. Back then, I can have all the things that I want, I can eat whatever I want, I can go wherever I want.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
I realized that money can’t buy happiness and my happiness is to spend
more time with my parents. I thought I had everything. But the truth is
my childhood was incomplete. Life is too short, so now that I have the
chance to be with them, we will make up for the lost time.

Most memorable moment:
I couldn’t remember how many times I've done such weird things, but
there was this time when three of my cousins, my uncle, my elder sister,
two of our friends and I went for an adventure. We travelled by walking
alongside four connecting river resorts in Candelaria, Quezon Province.
It was a bit muddy so when I was about to step to go to the other side,
I fell all the way down. Everyone was shocked. We were glad that I was
safe. We all had a big laugh afterwards.

What is your ambition in life?:
I want to pursue my singing career and be successful enough to establish my own business ventures.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
I want to dedicate myself with the environmental activities of Miss
Philippines Earth so I can help with the projects of the government in
terms of environmental management.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
I want to help protect the endemic animals. We owe it not just to
ourselves but also to the whole world to protect these species. It can
be a good way to attract tourists thus we should help preserve them and
more importantly, their habitats.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
When you learn new things about water cooperation, use the social
networking sites to help spread awareness. Post relevant items in your
sites that can move people into action

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:02 pm

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Chriscember Joy Nuñez
23, College Student
Tweet #misspassicity
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
My childhood was like that of a gypsy; transferring from one place to
another, meeting new people, adjusting to different environments. It was
tough, but was definitely worth it.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
We were always on the go, back then. This, I believe, is the reason why
I find it easy to adapt to people at any given circumstance.

Most memorable moment:
It was when I had my first parasailing experience. It was a luxury that
we could not afford then but through the efforts of people close to our
hearts, we were able to experience it for free. It taught me a lot of
things. For one, the best things in life are free; you just have to look
around and learn to appreciate. Next, the real treasure is having
genuine people who will go out of their way just to make you feel
blessed. Finally, the few moments I was up in the air made me strive to
aim higher so I can experience it again.

What is your ambition in life?:
Special education is quite expensive; almost a luxury. I want to teach
children with special needs; those whose families do not have enough
resources to even have their condition evaluated. I want to be an
instrument in making them realize their full potential; mold them into
becoming active citizens and make them feel like they are part of the
society that they are living in. Like Ann Sullivan to Hellen Keller, I
dream to be their Miracle Worker.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
I first watched Miss Philippines Earth in 2006, when Ms. Catherine
Untalan was crowned. Since then, I stayed up late to watch every
coronation night. I admire how the pageant keeps a balance between
beauty, brains and environmental cause. I definitely want to be crowned
as Miss Philippines Earth, not just for the prize and fame it may bring.
Like the previous queens, I want to be an inspiration to other people.
We have faced numerous environmental issues. Most of which were
consequences of our own actions. There are a lot of things we need to
change and I believe that we all have our way of preserving Mother
Earth. I would love to share my advocacy and influence others to be
better. I want to act, and be an essential part of the change I want to
see in our society.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
Apathy: “the lack of interest or concern” as defined in the
Merriam-Webster dictionary. This is a crime we commit unknowingly. Most
often than not, we tend to think that it is enough that we either agree
or disagree to a certain issue. What we do not realize is that beyond
just saying yes or no, is a need for action. It is high time that we
move and influence others. We only have one earth; one chance to save
it. We need everyJUAN!

“EveryJUAN!” is my advocacy. This
revolves around every Filipino, every Juan de la Cruz taking action.
This will focus on creative ways of environmental protection which aims
to allow everyone to be a part and parcel of the big change. Together,
everyJUAN can do it!

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
It’s somehow ironic, when we say yes in water preservation management
and but fail in providing the best practices. I am quite sure we all
have our own idea of preserving water. We can gather those ideas and
ponder on them. We can coordinate with the local government units and
NGO’s to develop creative ways of promoting awareness; making sure that
everyone has a part in each step or process. We can also establish the
reward system where the deserving ideas are given equivalent
recognition.

Since the family is the basic unit of the society,
It is best to reach out to them first. After all, what we are in the
family is what we will also be in the society. We have to remember that a
project will only be successful if we all have the will and discipline
to implement the change we want to see.

We are facing a lot of
environmental issues right now and if we don’t start to address it now,
we will continue to face this over and over again. We just need to work
hand in hand to reach our goals.

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:08 pm

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Nickylyn Cardoza
19, BS in Business Administration Major in Management Accounting Student
Tweet #missplacer
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
I come from a poor family. I grew up with an extended family. My father
is a driver and a mother is a housewife. I studied in public schools
and was always in section 1-2. I am a top student and I also dance
during the Sinulog Fiesta back in my
Elementary days. I was also a chess player in High School and a scholar
in Abellana National School. I am a simple girl with great dreams. Great
dreams for my family to make them proud and let them experience things
in life that they never experience.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
I am inspired by the saying, “It is not your fault if you were born
poor but it will be your fault if you let yourself die poor.” The lesson
I learned is that in life you have to strive and work hard to reach
your dreams because with God everything is possible. I always bear in
mind that even great numbers start from zero.

Most memorable moment:
My birthday last October 4, 2012 was memorable because I got news to compete in a pageant.

What is your ambition in life?:
To become a Beauty Queen is my ambition. I want to make my parents and
my whole family proud and have a stable job. I dream of a happy family
of my own in the near future.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
I want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013 beecause I want to be a
“Beauty for a Cause”. I want to be the voice of our nature and to be the
hands of people.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
Sharing knowledge on how to conserve energy will help brighten up the lives of all the people in every nation.

I chose this kind of advocacy because I want the people to be aware of
how to conserve energy to make it their daily habit. It will help them
save money and avoid possible fire accidents.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
Teach young ones to have proper discipline and respect nature. So that
as early as now, they can make it a habit, for them to be aware on how
important water is and how it can affect our health when it is polluted.

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:09 pm

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Sarah Jireh Asido
22, High School Teacher
Tweet #missquezoncity
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
I had a great childhood. I spent those years with my family. I was a
grandfather's girl and I grew up surrounded by great people and during
those days, I never felt alone because my family is always behind me
every step that I made. My childhood years were very special, that was the time I learned how to believe in myself.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
I learned to believe in myself no matter what the situation may be, and
most importantly I learned to appreciate every little thing, every
single person around me for they are the source of my strength when I am
weak.

Most memorable moment:
The most memorable moment in my life was the day I received my college degree.

What is your ambition in life?:
My ultimate ambition is to inspire people, and to touch their lives.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
I want to inspire people, that's my goal and being the crowned Miss
Philippines Earth 2013 will enable me to reach my ultimate goal. I want
to inspire people through this competition, be an ambassadress of nature
to all. I want to be the Miss Philippines Earth 2013 for I know that I
can be an effective speaker and motivator when it comes to protecting
our nature and loving our own world. Also, I want to be the voice of all
the Filipinos and tell to the world that it's truly more fun in the
Philippines.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
I support the planting of tress throughout our country. Every now and
then, we're experiencing flooding all over the Philippines and that
worries me most. I support this advocacy for I know that having a green
country will not just give us a clean and healthy and environment but
also, it will save more lives and prevent tragedies like what we had in
the past few years.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
As a Filipino, I can say to all that we must now make a move in
protecting our fresh waters, and not destroy it. We must all cooperate
in preserving our water areas for it is not just an aesthetic to our
beautiful country but it is a source of life. Informing our countrymen
about what is happening right now when it comes to water issues will
trigger action for them to be involved. Inform - Educate - Create.

These are the things to do, inform people, educate them on what's
currently happening and create a plan and make a move on how to work on
it.

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:09 pm

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Glady Sta. Teresa
18, Food Technology Student
Tweet #missrtlim
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
I grew up coming from a simple family. My dad is a pedicab driver and
my mom is a laundry woman. I was taught from a young age to dedicate
everything to God and thank Him constantly for his blessings. I was
blessed to have a supportive and loving family.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
Learn from your mistakes, grow from it and make a difference.

Most memorable moment:
When our Investigatory Project won as Champion in the Regional Level
Science Quest. Because of that, we were given the opportunity to
represent Zamboanga City in the National Science Quest

What is your ambition in life?:
I dream to have a happy life and I want to be successful in my chosen career.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
I want to be the next Miss Philippines- Earth because I want to help my
family. More importantly, I want to be the next Miss Philippines-Earth
because since I was young, I have always been passionate about caring
for our environment in my own little way. Through Miss Philippines-
Earth, I can be an ambassadress of the environment: to speak for those
who cannot speak, to promote environmentalism to the younger generation.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
My advocacy is to help increase public awareness on the preservation
and conservation of our environment through education. Because
education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one. Since
it is our responsibility as a steward of this planet, let us all have a
common goal in preserving and conserving our environment and make our
earth a better place to live in.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
As a citizen of this country, we can promote water cooperation by
watering the plants at the coolest part of the day to reduce
evaporation.

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:26 pm

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Ma. Kristine Tablazon
24, Entrepreneur
Tweet #missrodriguez
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
I spent my childhood helping taking care of my siblings. I lived a happy childhood.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
Enjoy your life as a child and make it wonderful that it will be worth remembering.

Most memorable moment:
I had mixed emotions while marching towards the stage on my college graduation.

Not long after, I also gave my mom a simple present after I received my first salary. She was so happy, she almost cried.

What is your ambition in life?:
To run my own business someday.

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:27 pm

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Lullete Jane Ramilo
20, College Student
Tweet #misssanmanuel
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
My childhood was full of fun and excitement. At a very young age, I
learned to enjoy strenuous, outdoor and indoor activities. I engaged in
martial arts and played volleyball.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
I learn to take good care of myself. I realized that I had to depend on
myself especially since I was often subjected to bullying.

Most memorable moment:
Winning Bb. Perpetual is always a memory that I hold dear.

What is your ambition in life?:
I always wanted to be a professional teacher.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
There are many things I love to do. But joining a pageant is something I
see that could help me and millions of women. I also know it it will
make my family proud. I want to show the world that even in things like
this we could initiate change. We can advocate that women can be
proactive and engage themselves in programs that could help alleviate
the rampant women exploitation.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
I want to start with literacy. I believe if everybody would become
aware and be educated about what is really happening now in our
environment- how this could tragically affect us soon and motivate them
to act- to preserve the environment-, will follow.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
People living in the city may have the notion that water is in
abundance in rural areas. That may be true but not to all. There are
some areas where water is scarce. A community shares a single water
pump. So, to save water, they have to do household tasks (which need
water) in creeks and rivers, which are not guaranteed safe. This
situation sometimes could send some folks to hospitals. I suggest that
these areas should be checked and if possible be provided with safe
water system. I know it is a lot of work but I think this is a time for
us to mind them before bigger problems occur.

Moreover, for some rural areas where water is highly available, they should be educated in saving water.

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:30 pm

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Janine Asanion
24, Registered Nurse
Tweet #misssanmarcelino
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
Childhood years, as we all know, are very memorable. They comprise of
both the good memories as well as the bad ones. But majority of my
childhood was fine. I always had a good time with friends. I had a few
close friends, and we have a lot of great memories that we will never
forget.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
The lessons I learned in my childhood are: To always thank God for what
I have and stop complaining about what I do not have and never give up
and to keep pushing through everything that wants to pull you down.

Most memorable moment:
My most memorable moment is when I had my oath taking ceremony and finally got my License as a Nurse.

What is your ambition in life?:
My ambition in life is to become a successful businesswoman someday and to become a Beauty Queen.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
I want to become a Role Model to everyone and help preserve our mother earth.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
Restore the Beauty of Environment through Waste Management:
I know this has been the no. 1 proposed solution to save our dying
environment since the concept of Mother Nature has come to our senses.
Various NGOs have been supporting this advocacy. Laws have been created,
implemented as well. And I wonder why ‘Problema sa Basura’ remains to
be a big problem to us Filipinos nowadays.

I started to be more
concerned about the issue when I personally saw how ‘wasted’ it looks
during the time Typhoon Pedring and Ondoy brought flood to Filipino
people. I just realized that today is totally different from yesterday;
because of improper waste disposal, a lot of our young generation today
can no longer appreciate the beauty of nature. Maybe we need a little
more action. This is where I begin - I would take every step of the way
to support this advocacy.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
Look after reserves of water by making sure you turn off the faucet
after use and by repairing leaks and drips. Purchase water-efficient
appliances. Take showers instead of baths. Gather rainwater for garden
use and use your lawn sprinkler less often or not at all.

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:31 pm

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Darian Bajade
19, BS International Hospitality Management specialized in Cruise Line Operations in Hotel Services Student
Tweet #misssanpablo
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
I may not have the perfect family but I have the best. We live a simple
but a full life and we always try to count our blessings. My family
helped me to be who I am today. They help and encourage me to
achieve my dreams. I lived a typical childhood in the province. Since
we’re an extended family, everyday seems like a family reunion. Some of
my earliest memories were of me, together with my cousins, riding a
wooden cart pulled by a carabao while eating freshly picked pineapples. I
love going to school, in fact I’m a consistent first honor student. I
graduated valedictorian at a public elementary school. Even before, I’ve
always dreamt of becoming a beauty queen. I can still remember the
times when I use a blanket as my long gown, waving in front of the
mirror and practicing my beauty queen smile.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
Back when I was a child, my mom always told me, “When you stumble and
fall, don’t just cry and feel sorry for your self. Be brave to stand up
and continue running.” As I grew up, each day I work hard to achieve my
dreams. I failed several times but it did not stop me from dreaming.

Most memorable moment:
My most memorable moment is winning the title Binibining San Pablo
2011. It was a life changing experience for me. A lot of doors and
opportunities opened up after I joined the pageant.

What is your ambition in life?:
My ambition in life is to first finish my studies, that is why I’m
studying hard. After graduation, I want to pursue and be successful in
my chosen career in the hospitality industry.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
I want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013 because I believe that
becoming the title holder entails the responsibility of preserving and
promoting the Philippine environment. In connection with my field, I can
see that ecotourism plays a big role in the progress of our country,
for the livelihood of my fellow Filipinos. With the title, I will be
able to serve my country and at the same time be a role model for
everybody.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
My advocacy is to promote accessible and clean water for everyone. I
believe that accessible and clean water is not a privilege it is a right
and a basic necessity for everybody.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
Water cooperation in the Philippines should start in our own community.
Barangay officials should work closely with the residents and make
necessary actions to have clean and enough water accessible to everyone.

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:40 pm

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Darlene May Reyes
19, Tourism Graduate
Tweet #misssanpascual
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
I lived my childhood simply with beautiful memories.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
A lesson, which is not taught, but I’ve learned from being a Batangueno
is that: bravery lies deeply in our will to stand for the truth and
accept its consequences because our freedom has equivalent
responsibility and that is to stand for our choice. I know that bravery
is in my blood.

Most memorable moment:
When i was adjudged as Mutya ng Batangas 2012 recently.

What is your ambition in life?:
To be a successful flight attendant mingling with other nationalities
to develop my personality to become globally competitive individual.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
I want to be a part of a worthwhile endeavor in preserving the
environment, protecting Mother Earth and promoting the real beauty of
true blooded Filipina.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
My environmental advocacy is the renewal of our depleting natural
resources. Specifically, I will support effort of Malacanang on the
National Greening Program and the effort of the DENR and LGU’s on the
identification of water quality management area which establish major
water bodies that needs protection and pollution control. I have seen
several unusual catastrophes happening all over the world. These, I
believe were caused by the people’s rampant engagement in illegal
activities such as illegal logging, polluting river system etc.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
Water cooperation initiatives are not only happening between countries
but also in small entities particularly local government units where a
certain river / water bodies it is traversing. In the Philippine
setting, the best avenue to be able to promote water cooperation is the
strong political will of the elected officials, prioritization of
allotment of sufficient budget in the purpose and involvement of Non
Government Organizations who have a strong advocacy to rehabilitate/work
on a certain water body.

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:45 pm

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Kristine Gail Sandoval
20, College Student
Tweet #misssanpedro
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
Being the eldest daughter, these were the years where I took care of my
sisters while my parents are busy working for us and preparing for our
future.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
I learned to be more caring and responsible towards my family.

Most memorable moment:
Each time I receive achievements and make my family proud.

What is your ambition in life?:
To be successful with my profession and career.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
I want to inspire people with my many virtues and be an arm service of my community .

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
Promote the preservation of our Laguna Lake. I chose this because
Laguna Lake is a source of life for many. It’s potential is great. When
water supply become scarce, it will affect many households and
industries as well.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
I believe, we should all be articulate in nurturing our knowledge in
taking care of our nature and be able to be responsible with these
things. This agenda is not just for us, but also for the coming
generation.

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:58 pm

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Bernadette Mae Aguirre
20, Registered Nurse
Tweet #misssantamaria
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
I had a very challenging childhood. When I was 8 years old, I was
diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes Mellitus. This means that I am insulin
dependent forever; meaning I have to inject myself with insulin twice a
day every day. I didn’t consider it as a burden that will pull me
down but rather I took it as a special gift and a challenge. This event
has changed my perspective in life as well as the family lifestyle we
have.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
Don’t ever stop dreaming, always believe in yourself and don’t let anyone pull you down.

Most memorable moment:
I consider winning my first crown to be one of the most memorable experiences in my life.

What is your ambition in life?:
I want to be the best that I can be in whatever field I choose right now and that is to be a nurse-beauty queen.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
Growing up, I made myself aware of what is happening to our
environment. In my own little ways, humble as I can be, I am really
trying my best to set myself as an example and as an advocate of civic
awareness of what is happening to our environment. Moreover, the reason I
want to be Miss Philippines Earth is to inspire a greater span of
individuals and with the crown and the title I believe I can do better.

Furthermore, I want to be an embodiment of the modern Filipino who
deeply cares for our Mother Earth in spite of the technological
advancements.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
As Miss Philippines Earth, it would be my advocacy to encourage our
lawmakers to create and implement ordinances to prohibit the use of
plastic bags in business establishments. I will also educate the public
about the importance of minimizing the use of plastic bags and its great
effect on our environment.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
Filipinos should learn to use water wisely. One should be aware that
there are still parts in our country whose clean water supply are scarce
or non-existent. I believe that if using water wisely is done
collectively, it would contribute greatly in water cooperatio

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:58 pm

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Lucena Rose Magdadaro
21, Product Developer and Registered Nurse
Tweet #misssogod
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
I was 8 when my mom, my siblings and I transferred to Cebu because my
parents were having marital problems. I would say it was the hardest
part of my life. I was used to living in luxury since I was born. We had
the biggest house in our community, with a number
of helpers around the house and drivers to send and pick us up from
school. I pretty much had everything I needed and got all that I wanted.
Moving to Cebu was the opposite of that life we had back then. My
growing years were really difficult. We had to live in a small shabby
apartment because that was the only thing we could afford, no driver but
we had one house helper left who took care of us every time my mom had
to go to work. Most nights she had to come home late because she had to
do jobs on the side just to earn that extra money to make ends meet for
our struggling family.

Adjusting was challenging for me, but
grasping and understanding the whole situation was too much for me to
handle at that time. There were days when I couldn’t bear to look
forward to tomorrow because I was too scared of the uncertainly it
brings. However, our mom never faltered in believing that God is good
and his plans and that there will be better days ahead, and she was
right!

Difficult times are inevitable. That’s part of life so
we shouldn’t give up nor lose hope when we face tough times. We all face
our own struggles, our own battles no matter how big or small. What
matters most is not coming out triumphant, but believing that there’s
always a better tomorrow and NEVER GIVING UP. Have faith!

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
I have learned the hard way what it was like to have EVERYTHING one day
to all of a sudden just have enough to get by the next. The most
important and significant lesson I’ve learned growing up is being
GRATEFUL for everything God has blessed us. Down to the littlest of
things--- the things we often take for granted when we live in
abundance.

As I growing up I realized that it’s not the
material things that matters most in this life, but more importantly
having people you love and cherish stand by you, hold your hand and walk
next to you when you face tough times.

Most memorable moment:
It might sound like a cliché but it was when my friends and I were in
an island hopping; that the boat driver was smoking and threw his
cigarette butt into the sea. One friend of mine stood up and said to the
boat driver “ The ocean is not an ashtray”. So I looked up at him and
then to the fisherman, who somehow ignored it or did not understand what
my friend was saying. So my friend repeated what he said, but this time
in a louder and more commanding manner. But the boat driver continued
to ignore him. So I told my friend “just give it up” he doesn’t
understand what your saying “and he replied to me “No, the ocean is not
ashtray. If we are not willing to take care of the little creatures
living in the ocean who will?”. And it struck me. Somehow I was ashamed
of myself. So from then on, I made it a commitment to be a voice to the
voiceless, and actually be heard and not just be an echo.

What is your ambition in life?:
I want to be Miss Earth 2013.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
Because I believe in its cause, the help it extends to the people and
the voice that it gives to the environment. I also believe that it can
provide me a greater platform to inspire multitudes, touch people’s
lives and simply make a difference.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
“Kalasangan ngadto sa kagasangan para sa kinaiyahan” in English “Ridge
to reef for Mother Earth” Conservation Approach Because it provides us a
holistic and integrated approach utilizing both CLUP (Comprehensive
Land Use Plan) and IWRM (Integrated Water Resources Management) where
we, as regular citizens of this country, or men in position and power
has individual roles to portray as rightful and dutiful stakeholders of
land and most especially water. In a general sense, it is an educational
drive to better understand and grasp the dynamics of our ecosystem and
how imbalances in parts of it can cause irreversible damage. Only then
can we safeguard a sustainable development without sacrificing one or
the other.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
By simple multi-stakeholders approach: Everyone utilizing water is its
stakeholder, which means each one of us, including myself is a
stakeholder. As an individual, I am responsible of not adding to the
increasing demand on drinkable water as I am a part of a growing
population. I did it by utilizing water catchments at home to save rain
water and use it to water our plants, bathe the dogs and wash the garage
floors. A lot of simple things can be done at home and that was just an
example. You can help as well by doing this too. Imagine how much more
you can do to take part in this cause by simply letting the green in
you, guide you through! Make your every day Earth Day and nothice the
DIFFERENCE you can make, not just today but of days ahead too.

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:04 pm

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Joanna Jane Janson
21, Student
Tweet #misssurigao
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
I was designed by God to be a very hyperactive kid that I tend to do
things that would keep me going. My mom was so strict and a
disciplinarian that she would give me a lot of things to do to be
responsible at my age. It was very hard to be hated almost by everyone
because of the teenage crisis. Being a
Christian surrounded by many kids made it so hard for me to tag along
and made me a loner on my own. I honored and respected my parents so I
have that fear of not wanting to disappoint them.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
That whatever I had before and don’t have, the status of my family, no
matter how hard the problems you encounter in life, the environment you
grow up and the sociological, physical, emotional and spiritual up
bringing of my parents led me to where I am right now.

I also
learned that OBEDIENCE to your parents is the only commandment in the
bible that brings no trouble and adds blessings. I learned that even if
my parents are disciplinarians, being treated with a rod and punishment
benefited us.

Learning to fully trust God with all my heart and
not to lean on my own understanding. To cling to God knowing that its’
not by my Might, now by my Power, but by the Spirit of God. So far I
have been living by faith. Horses are made for battle but Victory lies
in the Lord.

Most memorable moment:
I have so many
memorable moments in my life that I want to share but one of that is
moment is when I was finally led to the knowledge of my Salvation in
Christ and I accepted Him as my personal Savior and God. It was a
heavenly moment to experience the foretaste of eternity knowing that we
strive so hard so much here on earth but nothing beats the surpassing
glory of knowing Christ.

What is your ambition in life?:

My ambition is life is very simple to be a youth that can impart a
positive influence, whether as a professional event host, a DJ, a
certified Fitness and Health Instructor. I also want to be a licensed
Electronics Engineer or whatever God calls me to be.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
I want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013 for the reasons that if it’s
one of the ways God orchestrated for me to gain for His Glory to be made
known then Thy will be done. I also want to become an influence for
positive change, the hope of our nation.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
Find your edge, do what you can do through your God given ability and
skill in preserving our Mother Nature, who is now groaning in her
destruction due to our irresponsibility.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
As a JCI Member, we are now in the step of promoting the advocacy and
reaching for the entire nation to participate in the save the Mindanao
water as one of the primary resources and commodity of the MInadaons.
Primary reason is also the sustainability of power provided by the Ma.
Cristina falls. Hence, that also includes other forms of livelihood and
tourist destination in the country.

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:06 pm

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Charmaine Hernandez
18, College Student
Tweet #misstaguigcity
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
My parents with morals raised me very well. They taught me out of love.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
Don’t be afraid to try. Failure can be your stepping stone for you to be stronger and achieve success.

Most memorable moment:
When I was crowned as Mutya ng Taguig 2012.

What is your ambition in life?:
To be a successful Certified Financial analyst and to be a beauty queen at the same time.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
Because this is my childhood dream and I want to serve our country by
promoting beauty not just on the surface but from deep within.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
Conservation of water because water is the main source of our life.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
Promoting agendas and programs that would help our country about the
reservation of dams, reforestation, and maintenance of the cleanliness
and orderliness of the industrial water pipes.

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:10 pm

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Kristel Guelos
20, Dentistry Student
Tweet #misstanauancity
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
I live with my family at Tanauan City, Batangas. I am just a simple
student with a simple dream. Both parents are self – employed. I have
two brothers both working in cruise ship. And a sister working at a
multi-national company.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
To pursue whatever your dream is. And it has always been a belief that God always has the best plan.

Most memorable moment:
My most memorable moments are the times I join pageants and bring home the crowns.

What is your ambition in life?:
I aim to become a dentist and beauty queen.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
I want to be Miss Philippines Earth because I want to be a role model with an undying love and support to our environment.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
I will focus on the proper conservation of our natural resources to maintain the wellness of our Mother Earth.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
Through proper conservation of water, distribution of this precious resource will be assured

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:13 pm

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Marie Bernadette Meneses
21, Host
Tweet #misstanza
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
I focused on my academics and I was very much active in activities
inside and outside the school. I was known as the "bibo" type of kid
whom teachers would always want to join contests outside the school. I
had a lot of adventurous trips since my friends are also outgoing.
Though I am a product of a broken family, my parents were very warm and supportive in everything I do.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
When we are young, we tend to be hesitant on some things because we
cannot decide on our own. That's normal, but as time passes by, we need
to learn how to be independent and responsible on the things we say and
do. I learned to enjoy my childhood years and consider every opportunity
that comes along.

Most memorable moment:
Ever since,
during my Elementary days, I've always dreamed to be a newscaster. So
when I became a sportscaster for ABS-CBN Sports for two consecutive
years, it was really fulfilling. It was a blast!

What is your ambition in life?:
My ambition in life is to become a news anchor and be a beauty queen for a cause.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
As an environmental advocate, I want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013
to promote the protection of our natural resources, raise awareness in
the problems our environment is facing today, and implement positive
changes in our country.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
My aim is to have a non-toxic environment. Our health is important as
well as our natural resources which are essential to us mankind, so we
need to take care of it. I am very much inspired by the 3 "R's": Reduce,
Reuse and Recycle. This will not only eliminate the wastes around us,
but through this simple method, we will be able to lessen land, air and
water pollution.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
One of the biggest concerns is the sustainability of our water supply.
It is important to educate communities in the Philippines on how to
conserve water and use it wisely. We can promote this starting through
local activities in our towns/barangays on how water should be treated
and reused. Water is necessary for all life on Earth. We should manage
our water resources well

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:16 pm

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Nancy Leonard
22, College Graduate
Tweet #misszamboangacity
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
When I was still a kid, I was the center of attention in the family.
And in school, I used to be a tough girl that is why I have scars.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
I learned that in life, it should not always be about yourself.
Individuals should not think merely about themselves because there are
other things more important in this world.

Most memorable moment:
I keep two memorable moments in my life: First, when I crowned Miss
Zamboanga in 2011 and second, when graduated from Ateneo de Zamboanga
University.

What is your ambition in life?:
To be able to have a successful and meaningful life.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
I want to be become Miss Philippines Earth because I was once a member
of an organization that promotes environmental awareness and I believe
that when I win Miss Philippines Earth 2013, I would be able to continue
my contribution and make it much bigger by inspiring others to care for
Mother Earth.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
My advocacy is to use water appropriately and to practice proper waste
management. I chose this advocacy because our water resources are
continuously being threatened by human actions, and I believe that there
are a lot of simple ways that we can do to save the resources from
danger.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
Include in your daily routine, using only enough water for taking a
bath, or even brushing your teeth. And when you are washing your car,
you can use the water you used in your laundry.

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:19 pm

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Miss Calapan City
Kristia Kaye Nable

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:21 pm

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Karla Patricia Alas
21, Registered Nurse
Tweet #misslaspinascity
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
I learned, through various experiences in my childhood, how to
distinguish what is right from wrong. I learned my strengths, which I
nourished and also my weaknesses which I always strive to overcome.

Most memorable moment:
One of the most memorable moments in my life is when I passed the board exams.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
I want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013 because this is a once in a
lifetime opportunity to prove not only to myself that I can make a
difference and do big things for our mother earth.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
My environmental advocacy is to increase awareness on environment and
how it affects one’s health. Because I believe they are both important
in the life of an individual.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
Did you know that a person can only survive for three to five days
without drinking water? So let us help preserve our water, together we
can preserve our health!

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:33 pm

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ligan City
Sharmaine Reyes

Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
I remember being a very responsible and studious child. I followed my
parents well and that I guess is the reason why I became the person I am
now. I used to be the silent type but then I joined different Extempo
and Impromptu speech contests.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?:
I learned to always have your trust in God because when everything falls down, he is the only one that can lift you up.

Most memorable moment:
Winning my very 1st pageant which enabled me to discover a lot of things I thought I am not capable of.

What is your ambition in life?:
To become a role model and a symbol of change in our country. To be
able to live my life to the fullest and with no regrets. To be a doctor
and serve others.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2013?:
Coming from Iligan, we got hit by the super typhoon “Sendong” which
caused great damage to my hometown, with that my eyes got opened and I
realized the importance of taking care of our environment. With this
pageant, this will be my stepping stone to be able to help Mother Nature
to prevent future natural calamities which could really affect the
lives of many people.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?:
With as mentioned, because of the super typhoon “Sendong”, I realized
that calamities happened because our mountains are getting bald, causing
flood because water has nowhere to go. So that is why I would like to
work on preservation of our trees, not only preserve but also propagate
it. I would also like to work on water preservation, which is vital to
our life.

What tip can you share to promote water cooperation in the Philippines?:
We should have proper throwing and segregation of our trashes so our
waters won’t be polluted. We should also use water properly. An example
is by not leaving the faucet running while not in use. Reuse water if
possible.

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:35 pm

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Makati City
Crisalda Catipay

**bonner** Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:37 pm

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Talisay City
Ma. Eliza Zosa

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