There seemed to be a genuine chemistry between co-hosts Billy Crawford and Nikki Gil during
the Miss Earth Philippines Pageant. Crawford complimented his co-host almost a dozen ti
mes both on and off cam, always using the microphone. There have been rumors that the two are seriously dating but both are quiet about their personal lives.
They seem to be a perfect pair in terms of age and accomplishment. Nikki Gil recently graduated from the Ateneo De Manila University with a degree in English Literature. World Vision, a n
on-government organization that provides scholarships to deserving underprivileged students gave their endorser Nikki a huge graduation party. Lea Salonga was the surprise guest.
Billy Crawford on the other hand is the official Virlanie foundation spokesperson. Virlanie provides a home and caring family environment for street children. Crawford’s fluency in French was put into use when he welcomed Jean Beliveau, a Canadian who walks the world for peace. Billy and Nikki were all smiles throughout the Miss Earth Philippines pageant. Even off cam, their antics and knowing looks went on.
Sandra Seifert representing Negros Occidental captured the Miss Earth title and also won two Special Awards: Best in Swimsuit and Best in Cultural Attire. Province mate Adie Adelantar of Victoria City won the Miss Eco Tourism and Miss PAGCOR 2009 title.
Adie is a sought after ramp model often seen in the prestigious Fashion Watch Quartet Series of Shangri-La Makati. Adie bears a striking resemblance to Angel Locsin. Moments before Sandra was declared Miss Earth Phil., Adie raised both their arms in triumph mimicking Locsin’s Rexona TV commercial. The gesture showed that Adie felt grateful and a winner no matter what the outcome.
Each of the top five finalists has titles of their own. Patricia Marie Tumulak (Quezon City) won the Miss Fire/Miss Science and Technology titles. Michelle Martha Braun (Aklan) is Miss Phil. Air while Catherine Loyola is Miss Phil. Water. Loyola represented the Filipino community in Sydney, Australia. Tessa Kruger who represented the Filipino Community in Canada won the Best in Gown Award and made it to the top 10. Other special awards belonged to: Jane Annalyn Sy (Cainta) – Miss Photogenic, Kirstie Joan Babor (Alegria) – Miss Congeniality, Angelee Delos Reyes (Olongapo) – Miss Talent. Another top 10 finalist, Alexis S. Go of Manila, has the features of Kim Chiu.
The competition is open to the representatives of provinces, cities and municipalities. This is the second year in a row that overseas Filipino communities also participated. Melbourne, the (US) West Coast also sent representatives. The Philippine candidate last year, Karla Paula Henry, won it all to capture the title of Miss Earth 2008. She has traveled around the country to lead tree planting and coastal clean up activities organized by the Miss Earth Foundation.
There was no shortage of beauty queens among the judges. Precious Lara Quigaman was Miss International 2005. Ginger Conejero was Miss Phil. Air 2006 and is now with “TV Patrol” and “ANC Mornings.” Cindy Ejercito was Mutya Ng Asia Pacific 1988 and is the first Lady of San Juan.
A surprise ceremony honoring Joji Felix Velarde, one of the Miss Earth founders, was also held. Velarde, a former beauty queen herself, also became a ballerina and film actress. As a model, she was one of the first Filipinas to work in Europe and was the first to open the Lincoln Center in New York. Carousel Pres. Ramon Monzon described her as “a stabilizing force for our organization.” Velarde said, “You shouldn’t give me an award but it should be for the city of San Juan for building this wonderful Flying V Arena and supporting our pageant.”
It was televised locally by ABS-CBN 2 and abroad through the Filipino Channel. Sponsors include: PAGCOR, Karilagan Travel & Tours Corp., Ricky Reyes the official make up and hairstylist, PLDT MyDSL Plan 990, Cocolife, Dairicreme, Air 21, Everbilena and Alberto Shoes.
**http://www.mb.com.ph/node/201142
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