Thailand’s Paweensuda Drouin brought pride to her country as she bagged the title of Miss Earth Hannah’s 2017 in a mini-pageant held in Ilocos Norte in the Philippines, local newspaper Manila Bulletin reported. This Thai beauty bested the other nine selected candidates in various rounds of the competition.
This mini-pageant was organized and sponsored by retired Colonel Ricardo Nolasco Jr., the owner of Hannah’s Beach Resort in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Though this was not the main part of the competition, winning this round will increase Drouin’s odds of clinching the crown on the final night of the pageant.
Miss Earth Hannah’s 2017 featured an evening gown competition and a question-and-answer portion. The delegate from Thailand shared about her advocacy in protecting the environment.
Ninoska Vasquez of Venezuela was declared first runner-up, while Ecuador’s Lessie Giler Sanchez won the second runner-up title. Candidates were selected from the pool of more than 80 contestants competing in this year’s Miss Earth pageant.
The selected contestants included the delegates from Austria, Czech Republic, Korea, Guatemala, and Israel. Also part of the contest were the candidates from Sweden and Uganda. They visited Hannah’s Beach Resort and Convention Center in Barangay Balaoi in Pagudpud.
Hannah’s Beach Resort is one of the famous sites located in the northern part of this Southeast Asian nation.
Set in hillside gardens along Blue Lagoon Beach, it is accessible to the general public as it is also nearby an international airport.
Her advocacy
Paweensuda Drouin from Thailand said that her advocacy to protect nature is to think that the Earth is the “extension of one’s house.” She further explained this saying that taking care of nature should start within one’s family.
She was also asked about her insights on whether beauty is necessary for success. She answered, “Such as Miss Earth, she is here to raise environmental awareness and I believe that [she] should be someone who is inspirational.”
The previous winner of this award was Ecuador’s Katherine Espin in 2016. She was later declared as the pageant winner during the coronation night.
Puerto Rico bags gold
A preliminary swimsuit competition was held at PonteFino Hotel in Batangas City. Puerto Rico’s Karla Victoria Aponte was awarded a gold medal. Meanwhile, Sarah Laura Peyrel from Switzerland won a silver medal and Andreia Gibau from the United States won a bronze medal.
The coronation night will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena on November 4. International artists are expected to perform during the evening.