Miss Earth 2022 beauties went to Zamboanga City, swimsuit competition pushed through despite heavy rain
For the first time, all of the Miss Earth competitors were flown out to Zamboanga City, the "City of Flowers" in the Mindanao region of the Philippines as part of their eco-tours and the much-awaited swimsuit competition.
Together with reigning Miss Earth Destiny Wagner and Miss Earth 2019 Nellys Pimentel, over 80 beauties visited the city’s historic, eco-tourism, and cultural sites, including the 115-year-old city hall and the Grande Santa Cruz Island, a small inhabited island in the southern region known for its pink coralline sand, where they planted mangroves.
Supported by the city government headed by Mayor John Dalipe, the necessary preparation for the security and safety of the contestants was put in place. The contestants were accommodated at the Garden Orchid Hotel and they not only experienced local cuisines and the natural beauty of Zamboanga but also received the kindness and warm hospitality of its people.
Despite the unprecedented weather conditions, the swimsuit competition pushed through at the Azzura Beach Resort on Wednesday, November 16. The organizers decided to move the show to another location within the resort instead of the beautiful outdoor stage which was completed with LED walls, lights, and a runway.
Talking about the unfortunate situation, the host delegate Jenny Ramp said: " I feel sad because I know all the hard work, manpower, time, and efforts that were put into this event. But, I do not want to let the factors that we cannot change disregard what an amazing experience this was for us."
She added: "The Zamboangueño people have displayed the true hospitality and kindness of Filipinos, and that is something to be proud of. Pushing through showed the resiliency we Filipinos have like no other. The sights of Zamboanga were so breathtaking."
Heavy favorite Sheridan Mortlock of Australia also shared: "My heart goes out to Zamboanga and all the amazing people who were making this competition a reality. I know it is something that many have been looking forward to for a long time."
Miss Earth Belarus Liliya Levaya made another notable statement supporting the Miss Earth cause — "No one can control the weather. We are Miss Earth queens and we are capable to accept any challenge given to us by Mother Earth. We are here to protect the environment, not for fancy stages and perfect pictures."
The art studio owner and model even went as far as comparing the show to memorable catwalk moments from luxury fashion brands. She said: "Balenciaga did their fashion show in mud. Jacquemus did it in the fields. And Miss Earth did it in the rain, I say we are trending."
Meet the winners of the swimsuit competition:
The Miss Earth 2022 pre-pageant events and activities continue with more travels to several tourist destinations in the Philippines leading up to the grand coronation on November 29 at Okada Manila.
Photos: Miss Earth, PIA Western Mindanao
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