PH’s Jamie Herrell is Miss Earth, pushes climate change issue, offers victory to God

Ms. Philippines’ Jamie Herrell reacts after winning the Ms. Earth 2014 at the UP Theater in UP Diliman, Sunday. INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines further established its status as a powerhouse in the international pageant scene with the coronation of Filipino representative Jamie Herrell as 2014 Miss Earth on Sunday night’s ceremonies at the University of the Philippines theater in Diliman, Quezon City.

The 19-year-old Herrell bested 83 other international delegates to become the second Filipino to wear the Miss Earth crown, after Karla Henry’s triumph in 2008. Both Henry and Herrell are from Cebu City.

With Herrell’s victory on Sunday, the Philippines matched Venezuela’s two-crown record in the Miss Earth pageant, sharing top spot as the countries with the most wins in the global tilt. Last year’s winner, Alyz Henrich, is Venezuelan.

Herrell, who took a break from her studies at the International Academy for Film and Television to prepare for the 2014 Miss Earth pageant, sustained the country’s dominance in the global pageant arena, which surged in 2013.

In 2013, the country took home four international crowns courtesy of Miss Supranational Mutya Johanna Datul, Miss World Megan Young, Miss International Bea Rose Santiago and Miss Tourism International Angeli Dione Gomez.

The Philippines also secured Top 5 spots in the Miss Universe pageant’s last four editions, with the participation of Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, Janine Tugonon and Ariella Arida.

After her coronation, which punctuated a two-hour program, Herrell told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that she was offering her victory to God, who she said was the reason behind her victory.

Herrell’s religiosity was evident during a separate national costume competition, where she appeared in a Sinulog Festival-inspired outfit, holding an image of the Santo Niño.

The California-born, Masbate-raised Cebuana beauty will now become the face of the pageant’s campaign in raising environmental awareness.

When asked during the final round what step she would take to address global warming, Herrell said “I will use my title to inspire others, help our environment. And we should start with the kids because they are the people of tomorrow. They will help the communities.”

Herrell won a $20,000 contract with Philippine-based pageant organizer Carousel Productions. She will also receive products and services from Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Alberto Shoes, Charms and Crystals, Skechers, Ramona Haar Jewelry, Canon Ixus, and Lhuillier Jewels.

Placing second and proclaimed Miss Earth-Air was Andera Neu of the United States. Miss Earth-Water was Venezuela’s Alexandra Rodriguez, while Russia’s Anastasia Trysova was proclaimed Miss Earth-Fire. They will each receive a $2,000 contract with Carousel Productions for the duration of their reign.

Singapore-based Filipino host and model Joey Mead-King hosted the ceremonies with actor Justin Bratton. ABS-CBN host and reporter Ginger Conejero, a former Miss Philippines-Air winner, served as anchor.

The judging panel included rehabilitation czar Sen. Panfilo Lacson and international model Allison Harvard.

The pageant was telecast live in countries covered by cable channels Star World, Venevision, Univision and Mehwar TV.