New Miss Philippines-Earth 2011 faces task of reclaiming world crown in Thailand

Miss Makati Tarhata Rico. ARNOLD ALMACEN

MANILA, Philippines – Whoever will be crowned Miss Philippines-Earth 2011 will be burdened by the task of reviving the country’s impressive performance in the Miss Earth pageant, which will take place in Pattaya, Thailand, this November.

Last year’s representative Psyche Resus failed to crack the semi-finals, making her only the second Filipino candidate not to place since the international competition’s conception in 2001.

And Tarhata Rico, Makati City’s representative to the 2011 Miss Philippines-Earth pageant, said she was ready to take on the challenge. “In case I win, I will try my best to make Filipinos proud and win, or at least place, in the Miss Earth pageant,” she declared, adding “I will be very compassionate in my job as Miss Philippines-Earth.”

The Philippines’ performance in the decade-old Miss Earth pageant has been fairly impressive, highlighted by Karla Henry’s victory in 2008. The Cebuana lass is also the first Asian to win the title.

Miss Makati Tarhata Rico. ARNOLD ALMACEN

Rico, 22, aims to duplicate Henry’s feat in the Miss Earth pageant. “Right now I’m very hopeful, because I’m one step closer to my dream. I’m one step closer to representing the Philippines in an international competition,” she shared with Inquirer Entertainment.

She also said now was the perfect time for her to join the pageant. “I just graduated. I’m not busy with anything else, so I can devote my time and effort to this pageant. And I think after graduating I have gained enough knowledge and maturity to be able to handle the responsibilities in winning the Miss Philippines-Earth crown.”

Miss Makati Tarhata Rico. ARNOLD ALMACEN

The 5’6” stunner added: “The ladies in the Top 10 are all very gorgeous and very lovely. But what I can contribute to the Miss Philippines-Earth, what makes me different from the rest of them, is my commitment and sincerity in joining this pageant. It’s not because I want the money or the prize or the prestige. I’m willing to work hard. And aside from that, I’m a person who is very resolute. I stand for what I believe in, my principles.”

Psyche Resus, reigning Miss Philippines-Earth. Photo from Miss Philippines-Earth organization.

The 2011 Miss Philippines-Earth coronation night will take place in Puerto Princesa City on June 5. ABS-CBN airs the pageant at 10 p.m. on the same evening.