The 2022 Miss Earth coronation night will be staged in the same venue on Nov. 29./ARMIN P. ADINA
MANILA, Philippines — The press presentation of the 2022 Miss Earth pageant had a surprise visitor, to the delight of the crowd who gathered to watch more than 80 international delegates on Nov. 14.
After the individual presentation of this year’s candidates in their regulation yellow swimsuits made by Filipino designer Ricky Abad, reigning queen Destiny Wagner from Belize and 2017 queen Karen Ibasco from the Philippines announced a “special guest” during the program, 2019 Miss Earth Nellys Pimentel.
Pimentel, the first winner from Puerto Rico, returned to the very same venue where she bagged the title from a field 85 aspirants in 2019, the last time that the Miss Earth pageant staged a physical competition.
The Miss Earth pageant held virtual editions in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pimentel relinquished her title to Lindsey Coffey, the first winner from the United States, through ceremonies conducted online. This year, organizer Carousel Productions opted for a “hybrid” competition with virtual events during the initial stages.
Pimentel, who appeared in a slinky hot pink number and sporting afro curls, said, “I just came straight from the airport. I feel so happy to be back to the place where it all began.”
Miss Earth 2019 Nellys Pimentel / ARMIN P. ADINA
During the press presentation of this year’s delegates, the Miss Earth pageant also awarded gold medals to the “press favorites” from different geographical regions.
Australia’s Sheridan Mortlock secured the most votes from members of pageant media to top the Asia and Oceania region, while 2021 Miss World Top 13 finalist Andrea Aguilera from Colombia was the top vote-getter from the Americas.
From the African continent, Nigeria’s Esther Ajayi was the favorite, while Merel Hendriksen from the Netherlands topped the poll for Europe.
The Philippines is represented by Filipino-American psychology student Jenny Ramp from the province of Tarlac.
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