Mutya ng Pilipinas-Luzon Shannon Robinson is the Philippines’ representative in the 2023 Miss Environment International pageant. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina
MANILA, Philippines—Mutya ng Pilipinas-Luzon Shannon Robinson, the country’s representative to the second edition of the Miss Environment International pageant, faced members of the media with a calm air around her at her sendoff party held at the CWC Interiors’ Taguig City hub at the Bonifacio Global City on May 31.
It would appear as though she is a veteran of beauty pageants with years of experience, but that is not the case. This is the first international competition for her, just her second pageant outing, and it will also be her first trip to India.
“I think my best asset is my sense of calm,” said the well-traveled statuesque lady, whose mother Raquel was first runner-up in the 1989 Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant. The young queen captured her title at the national pageant’s 2022 edition, held after a two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Robinson said she has “a lot less nerves” this time, and appreciated the trust that the organization has put on her. She also shared having a moment of clarity when she met with Mutya ng Pilipinas President Cory Quirino after not seeing each other for a while. “I think she felt the same way. I can do this. I’m claiming this one,” the young queen shared.
“Hopefully the next time I see you all will be a victory party just like for Annie,” continued Robinson, referring to newly crowned Miss Chinese World Annie Uson whose celebration coincided with her sendoff party.
But she did not just develop that calmness out of nothing. Since receiving her international assignment, Robinson has been working closely with her mentors at the Aces and Queens pageant camp. “They picked me up when I was at the Mutya ng Pilipinas screening, so they have been my backbone,” she shared.
Robinson has been relentlessly improving her “pasarela” walk and undergoing rigid question-and-answer training with her coaches. When she received the Mutya ng Pilipinas-Luzon title in December, equivalent to a first runner-up spot, no international pageant was assigned to her yet. She only got appointed as the Philippines’ representative to the 2023 Miss Environment International pageant in March.
The second edition of the Miss Environment International pageant will culminate in a coronation show in Mumbai, India, on June 15. Last year’s representative from the Philippines, Michelle Arceo, finished second and was proclaimed Miss Ecosystem. /ra