The Philippines’ Chantal Schmidt (left) and Ukraine’s Angelina Usanova (right) for Miss Eco International. Images from Facebook / The Miss Philippines, Miss Eco International pageants
Chantal Schmidt sustained the Philippines’ placement streak in the Miss Eco International pageant when she finished second in the 2024 edition held in Egypt on April 28 (April 29).
The Cebuana law student and model was proclaimed first runner-up in ceremonies held at the Triumph Luxury Hotel in New Cairo, with Ukraine’s Angelina Usanova inheriting the 2024 Miss Eco International crown from last year’s winner, Thanh Ha Nguyen of Vietnam.
Her first runner-up placement at the Miss Eco International pageant is the third for the Philippines, following Maureen Montagne in 2019, and Kelley Day in 2021.
The country’s placement streak started in 2018 when Cynthia Thomalla captured the title. Kathleen Paton became the second woman to win the title in 2022. No pageant was held in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year’s representative, Ashley Subijano Montenegro, advanced to the semifinals.
Schmidt almost missed the competition when she was rushed to the hospital for vomiting a few days before the final show. But she survived her medical ordeal and even snagged the “Best in Evening Gown” award during the preliminary show. She was also proclaimed “Best in National Costume” at the coronation program.
She was appointed as the country’s Miss Eco International delegate in February at the press conference called by Empire Philippines to announce the global assignments of the four finalists of The Miss Philippines Culture and Heritage Celebration.
The inaugural staging of the national search was held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City in October last year, with Alethea Ambrosio capturing the top title. She was later appointed as Miss Supranational Philippines and will represent the country in the 15th Miss Supranational pageant later this year.
Schmidt is the first queen from The Miss Philippines to compete in an international pageant. Ambrosio’s contest is scheduled in July in Poland. Isabelle Delos Santos will join the 2024 Miss Aura International contest, while Blessa Figueroa will participate in the comeback edition of the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant that will be held in the country after a four-year hiatus.
Usanova, the first Miss Eco International winner from Ukraine, also represented the European nation at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant held in El Salvador last year, where she competed with Michelle Marquez Dee from the Philippines.
Completing the 2024 Miss Eco International winners’ circle were second runner-up Nikita Dani from Canada, third runner-up Fabiane Goia from Brazil, and fourth runner-up Valerie Avril from Indonesia
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