Miss Earth 2024 wraps up prelims with judging for intelligence

The race to the Miss Earth crown has reached the homestretch with the conclusion of the final preliminary judging that will help determine those who will move to the next round of competition during the coronation night this weekend.

Just a little over a week since they arrived in Manila, the 2024 Miss Earth delegates faced the judges for the pre-judging of intelligence and environmental awareness, one of the most crucial stages of the international pageant that was founded as a platform to promote sustainability and eco consciousness.

Last Oct. 31, the delegates took part in the pre-judging for face, fitness, form, and poise, another crucial preliminary competition. The event was held at the Diamond Hotel Manila.

And this moning, the 76 delegates from different countries and territories around the world were presented one-by-one at the UE Theater at the University of the East, Manila, to showcase their environmental knowledge as well as their grasp of relevant issues.

Some of the ladies who were not proficient in the English language were aided by interpreters, while others used translators on their smartphones to understand the questions and have their answers interpreted in English.

Students who watched the judging also got the chance to ask questions to the delegates, who were presented in batches the whole stretch from morning to afternoon.

Among the judges were 2017 Miss Earth Karen Ibasco and 2006 Miss Earth-Water Catherine Untalan-Vital, who is also a consultant at the Miss Earth Foundation. 

For 24 years, pageant organizer Carousel Productions has been championing environmental protection through the candidates who are dubbed “Beauties for a Cause.”

The winners are not the only ones who are tasked with taking up the mantle for the environment. All the delegates, before competing for the international title, are encouraged to spearhead projects in their own countries to help save the planet.

The Philippines’ delegate last year, Yllana Marie Aduana, was crowned Miss Earth-Air in the competition held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This year, the country is represented by military reservist Irha Mel Alfeche.

Reigning Miss Earth Drita Ziri, who hosted the preliminary judging, will crown her successor at the culmination of the coronation night that will be held at Okada Manila’s Cove Manila club in Parañaque City on Saturday, Nov. 9.