Jessica Cianchino/FACEBOOK PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Canada’s representative to the 2022 Miss Earth pageant is a Filipino-Canadian entrepreneur named Jessica Cianchino. The “Great White North’s” first winner in the Manila-based global tilt is Jessica Trisko, who, like the current national titleholder, has a Filipino mother.
“When I found out this information I felt empowered. I do not believe that anything in life is a coincidence, and this striking similarity gives me confidence that history might be repeating itself,” Cianchino told the Inquirer in an online interview.
And even though she looks up to Trisko, who was proclaimed 2007 Miss Earth in Manila, Cianchino said “there are many differences and especially unique qualities I humbly know I can offer to the Miss Earth organization.”
The 24-year-old delegate from Ontario is currently staying in her mother’s hometown, Los Baños in Laguna, while waiting for the face-to-face phase of the 2022 Miss Earth pageant, which is implementing a hybrid competition this year where initial stages are conducted online.
The international pageant held full virtual editions in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States had its first Miss Earth titleholder when Lindsey Coffey won in the earlier, while Belize captured its first ever win in a major international beauty pageant through Destiny Wagner in last year’s contest.
Cianchino is not new to competing in a global contest in the Philippines. She already represented Canada in the 2019 Miss Asia Pacific International pageant in Manila, where she was proclaimed second runner-up. “After I received the title, I wanted to participate in another pageant. However the pandemic put my plans on pause,” she shared.
In 2021, she joined the Miss World Canada pageant and captured the Miss Earth Canada title. “I experienced a feeling, an instant gratitude. Participating in pageants takes a lot of hard work and support, so I was blessed that all my efforts were recognized, and that I was able to make my family and community proud,” Cianchino said.
She said having Filipino roots could work to her favor in her quest for the Miss Earth crown. “The whole world has quickly recognized that the Philippines is a leading country in pageantry. Not only are Filipinos beautiful externally, but they have the brains to adequately match,” Cianchino explained.
The Canadian delegate added: “Filipinos are known to be hospitable and resilient, and Canadians are known for their kindness. So as a Filipino-Canadian, hospitality, love and acceptance are in my blood. We also cannot forget about the Filipino fighting spirit.”
She said these characteristics are essential for a Miss Earth titleholder, who is expected to champion environmental causes and work on the preservation of the planet. “In order to preserve, conserve and save our home, we must be hospitable, loving and accepting stewards of the Earth,” she declared.
Cianchino is competing against 90 other international delegates. After a series of virtual competitions, all participants are expected to gather in Manila by Nov. 14 for the press presentation.
The 2022 Miss Earth coronation program will be staged at the Cove Manila pool club of Okada Manila in Parañaque City on Nov. 29. EDV