Working student from Manila crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2015

(From left) Miss Philippines-Water Catherine Joy Marin (Bago City), Miss Philippines- Ecotourism Jona Sweet (Iloilo City), Miss Philippines-Earth Angelia Gabrena Ong, Miss Philippines-Air Chanel Olive Thomas (San Antonio, Nueva Ecija) and Miss Philippines-Fire Carla Angela Valderrama (Siniloan, Laguna) pose before the media during the coronation on Sunday night at Mall of Asia Arena. ADRIAN GONZALES

Angelia Gabrena Ong, a working student from the city of Manila, was crowned this year’s Miss Philippines Earth Sunday night at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Besting 37 other hopefuls from across the country, Ong accepted her sash and crown from the reigning beauty queen Ms. Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell.

“I think this [victory] is really a validation that indeed if you have faith [in God] and if you claim it you’ll have it,” the ecstatic Angelia told INQUIRER.net after her crowning moment.

The 24-year old Marketing Management student was also adjudged as Ms. Hana Shampoo.

Angelia, who charmed the audience with her white long gown, will represent the Philippines in the international Miss Earth competition later this year.

“Ms. Phillippines Earth this year is really a roller coaster ride for me. It actually gave me a different kind of confidence,” she said.

During the activities before the coronation night, Angelia led the resorts wear contest and the Darling of the Press poll. She also placed third in the swimsuit, casual wear and Trash to Class competitions.

IN PHOTOS: Miss Philippines Earth 2015 beauties

Also declared elemental winners were Miss Philippines Air Chanel Olive Thomas (San Antonio, Nueva Ecija), Miss Philippines Fire Carla Angela Valderrama (Siniloan, Laguna) , Miss Philippines Water Catherine Joy Marin (Bago City) and  Miss Philippines Ecotourism Jona Sweet (Iloilo City).

The other so-called nature warriors who made the Top 15 cut were: Sofia Loren Deliu (Baguio City), Beatrice Alvarez (Cagayan de Oro City), Myle Alexis Reyes (Dinalupihan, Bataan), Alyanna Mikaela Cagandahan (Santa Cruz, Laguna), Jian Cayla Salazar (Guinobatan, Albay), Mhon Theress Menaling (Mandaue City), Jocehl Cristoria (Iligan City),  Mitsume Aguilar (Misamis Oriental), Diana Mackey (Cabanatuan City) and  Paris Silva (Lipa City).

The Best Eco-Video Award went to Maria Loraine Macay Grengia (Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay), while Catherine Joy Marin (Bago City) was proclaimed Ms. SM Markets.

Paris Silva (Lipa City) snagged the Best Cultural Costume award. The winning original creation by a local designer will be the official national costume that Miss Earth 2015 will wear in the international competition.

Angelia Gabrena Ong

For ‘Mom’

Angelia juggles her part-time consultancy work at Manila City Hall and a marketing firm. She also dabbles in events hosting.

She previously finished second runner-up at Ms. Manila beauty pageant in 2014 and was awarded the People’s Choice in Binibining Pilipinas 2011.

Angelia said she dedicates her victory to her beloved mother. “Because she is a single parent and she raised me and my brother alone and everything that I am is inspired by her. She is really my ultimate perfect example of empowered woman.”

Angelia studies at the College of St. Benilde and expects to graduate this October.

She said she plans to study more because “Ms. Earth is not all about beauty.”

“You have to fight for your advocacy,” she said. “I would like to focus on restoration, reforestation and minimizing our carbon footprint through ecotourism.”

“We will, because we can” is the personal campaign she advocated throughout her Miss Philippines Earth journey.

She said she wants to be remembered as “a queen who really did her job.”

“Glitz and glamour will always be there. But during my reign I want to be remembered that I was proactive, I was able to implement real projects and I was really able to inspire a lot of people to take care of the environment.”

Asked what she was eager to do after her win, she said: “I just want to eat. It’s weird, but I want to eat oysters.”

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