Miss Earth 2024: PH’s Irha Mel Alfeche makes it to Top 20

Miss Philippines Earth Irha Mel Alfeche. Image: Instagram/@irhamelalfeche

Philippine bet Irha Mel Alfeche is advancing to the next stage of the Miss Earth 2024 pageant as she was among the Top 20 finalists at the coronation night held in Parañaque City on Saturday, Nov. 9.

Alfeche is continuing her journey to the crown, along with Australia’s Jessica Lane, Wales’ Grace Gavigan, USA’s Bea Millan-Windorski, Nigeria’s Shuntell Ezomo, Korea’s Ryu Seo Bin, Russia’s Ekaterina Romanova, Dominican Republic’s Tamara Aznar, MAURITIUS’ Shreeya Bokhoree, Iceland’s Hrafnhildur Haraldsdóttir, Puerto Rico’s Bianca Caraballo, Cabo Verde’s Jasmine Jorgensen, UAE’s Noura Al Jasmi, Netherlands’ Faylinn Pattileamonia, Peru’s Niva Antezana, Namibia’s Albertina Haimbala, Thailand’s Rachadawan Fowler, New Zealand’s Angela Rowson, Cuba’s Stephany Díaz, and Poland’s Julia Zawistowska. 

Zawistowska also emerged as this year’s Miss People’s Choice.

The Top 20 finalists were announced after the candidates delighted pageant fans by dancing to Filipino folk songs, featured each of their countries’ rich heritage in taped clips; and exuded elegance in their evening gowns.

Alfeche, a teacher and military reservist who hails from Matanao, Davao del Sur, is vying to inherit the crown from 2023 titleholder Drita Ziri from Albania. 

Alfeche is also aiming to be the fifth Philippine bet to win the international title, following Karla Henry in 2008, Jamie Herrell in 2014, Angelia Ong in 2015 and Karen Ibasco in 2017.

Aside from the crown, three more titles will be awarded at the end of the competition, namely Miss Earth-Air 2024, Miss Earth-Water 2024 and Miss Earth-Fire 2024.

The Miss Earth as well as the Miss Philippines Earth pageant were founded by Manila-based Carousel Productions.