Marinduque
was set on fire when the delegates of the Miss Philippines Earth 2015 visited
the island province for a 2-day environmental awareness campaign and a pre-pageant night.
The
excitement of the locals cannot be concealed as the entire province welcomed the 20 beautiful delegates coming from the different corners of the country.
But
accommodating the ambassadors of beauty and environmental stewardships was not
an as easy task. The readiness and hospitality of Marinduque was stretched
beyond limit to receive the delegation of the prestigious pageant of beauty and
responsibility. Credits are given to Dayanara, Ron and Karen as they exhausted
their might and means to put the well-anticipated event into a reality.
It was a Make or Break for Marinduque
The presence
alone of the beauty queens and with their charms and sweet smiles, has
awakened the sleepy towns of Marinduque. The visit alone of the Miss Philippines-Earth
2015 had already made a buzz online to what the island can offer to the tourism community
and have totally pulled away the attention of the public from the disastrous
image that Marcopper have had implicated to the poor province.
In
1996, the whole province of Marinduque, it’s economy and tourism activities was
put into peril after the mine tailings of Marcopper leaked into the greater
part of Boac River and contaminated the surrounding water bodies with
carcinogenic heavy metals and other toxic pollutants.
The damage was beyond
comparable, affecting the lives, health and sources of livelihood of the
Marinduqueno. The Marcopper incident was considered as one of the largest mining disasters in the Philippines. Ever since then, the island known as the heart of the
Philippines stopped beating, leaving the island isolated and left unseen.
 |
| Miss Philippines Earth 2015 at the Boac Cathedral |
Reviving
the all year round tourism busy-ness in the island would be a miracle but with
the consideration of Miss Philippines Earth to visit the island province would
open again the doors of Marinduque to the world of hospitality business and I
think Marinduque should grab this
opportunity and take the momentum steady by investing more into sustainable
eco-tourism projects, backed up by quality promotions.
If
the leaders of this province are truly concern with the welfare of each and
everyone, they will set aside political interests and would focus on the
sustainable investments. Marinduque is already far left behind in terms of
development and infrastructure advancement. I think this is the right time that
the Public-Private Partnership Projects put into action. Wake up! Wake up!
Marinduque Responded
The
people of Marinduque celebrated the arrival of the delegates of the Miss
Philippines-Earth. It was an innocent, curious and proud moment to each and
every Marinduqueno watching the gorgeous candidates walked by into their
humble streets.
I
was even touched seeing children who were patiently waiting on the sides of the
streets, bowing their heads as the convoy of cars bearing the name of Miss
Philippines-Earth passes by.
Their eyes speak of the words “FINALLY, WE WERE SEEN,
WE MATTERS, and NOT FORGOTTEN!” Marinduque without a doubt is a poor province
but I was in awe witnessing the organic response, a reception without any
pretension as the people came raw and true.
Meeting and Touring the Candidates
It
was a quick tour, maximizing every minute presenting the beauty of the
heart-shaped island to the special visitors. Traveling and joining these
beautiful ladies was a privilege as they meet and greet the locals of the
Marinduque.
 |
| Miss Philippines Earth 2015 enjoying their trip to Maniwaya Island |
The girls were almost in tears when they were received on a traditional “PUTONG” ceremony at the Capitol Grounds in Boac. Flowers and “organic” crowns made the moment emotional among
the girls, not expecting the heart-felt welcome ceremony showered by the people of
Marinduque.
Another
memorable experience the girls had was when they visited the famous Palad Sand Bar, a small atoll just across the posh beach resort of Marikit-Na in Maniwaya Island. The
sunset in Maniwaya Island made the swimsuit photo shoot dramatic with a touch
of tropical paradise as their backdrop.
Maniwaya ceased the moment, giving the girls the treatment they deserved. Marikit-NaBeach Resort and Villa Atilana showcased the kind of hospitality the
island has.
 |
| Miss Philippines Earth 2015 visited the posh Marikit-Na Beach Resort |
On
the next day, the whole Municipality of Sta. Cruz was almost on a holiday, leaving their posts to have a glimpse of the candidates who opted to have a
simple breakfast at Rico’s Inn. But Sta. Cruz did not settle for a simple
reception when the town unleashed its army of the famous Morions , giving each
candidate a one-of-a-kind classy parade.
 |
| Miss Philippines Earth 2015 received by the locals of Sta. Cruz, Marinduque (Breakfast at Rico's Inn) |
A Legacy of Beauty and Responsibility
Miss
Philippines Earth is not just a about gowns and swimsuit and make-up. The
pageant is also the arm of the Miss Philippines to promote environmental awareness
and stewardship of mother nature. And this generation looked up to these young
and beautiful ladies who opted to be the spokespersons of environmental
protection and conservation. The girls have shown their commitment through various
reforestation activities and coastal clean-up.
 |
| Miss Philippines Earth 2015 mangrove tree planting at the Carmen Eco-Park and Amana Tura Resort |
Battling the Night, the Pre-Pageant Competition
Everybody
was excited to witness the very first National Pre-Pageant held in Marinduque.
Tickets were sold out and fans coming from the six municipalities swarmed to Boac
Convention Center just to have a glimpse of the beautiful candidates with hopes
to get a chance to have a picture as souvenir.
 |
| Candidates of Miss Philippines Earth 2015 in their evening gown. |
It
was an intense night as the ladies hit the stage with their best foot forward for the Best in Resort Wear and Best in Gown competition. Miss Ormoc, Darlene Pepito, owned the night
after she bagged the two major awards, Best in Resort Wear and Best in Evening
Gown and a special award for Miss JC Premier.
 |
| Candidates of Miss Philippines Earth 2015 in their resort wear. |
Miss
Marilao-Bulacan, Stepahny Gerona, was the sponsors favorite as she took home most of the special
awards, Miss Markit-Na, Miss Villa Atilana, Miss Rico’s Inn and Miss Dream and
Favor Travel Tours.
 |
| Miss Ormoc bagged the major awards while Miss Marilao-Bulacan was hailed for most of the special awards. |
It was not a waste of effort for Miss Baguio Sofia Loren Deliu after getting
a recognition from the PNP-Marinduque, taking pride as one of theirs. Miss
Muntinlupa Danica Ebrada worked her charm after being chosen as the top bet of the Liga ng
mga Barangay in Marinduque.
Marinduque
was relieved after the night ended. It wasn’t that perfect but worth celebrating for a spirited job well done.
 |
| The organizers that made Miss Philippines Earth's visit possible in Marinduque : Karen Guiquing, Marilyn (Carousel Production), Ron Montes (Marikit-Na Beach Resort) and Dayanara Dhi Perez (Famous Spot Magazine) |
On the side note, I extremely
suggest for a smart choice of host next time. In my personal/professional opinion, ex-PBB Princess Manzon wasn't an effective host. The boring meter just tipped the scale!
Congratulations
to all the winners and most of all, congratulations Marinduque!
Sige
Marinduque!
We
would like to give our deepest appreciation to the Local Government of
Marinduque, to the Liga ng mga Barangay ng Marinduque, to the Carousel
Production Inc. and to its local partners, Dream Favor and Travel and Tours,
Marikit-Na Beach Resort, Villa Atilana Beach Resort, Sikatuna Hotel Resort,
AmanaTura Resort, JC Premier, Rico’s Inn, Kusina sa Plaza, IDesign, GoodChow,
Monserrat Pizza and Radio Natin.
Watch the grand coronation night on May 31, 2015, 6pm Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
More pics here:
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