Brainy Beauty Karen Ibasco is Miss Philippines Earth 2017

Brainy Beauty Karen Ibasco is Miss Philippines Earth 2017
Report: Raymund Thom Golez | Managing Editor
Media Coverage: Anton Eder | Correspondent
Photos: JR Noses | Chief Photojournalist & Photo Editor, Anton Eder | Correspondent

TAMPA, Florida – Binibining Pilipinas loss is Miss Philippines Earth gain or is it just her destiny?

A one-time Binibining Pilipinas candidate realized her dream to be crowned a beauty queen when she was declared Miss Philippines Earth 2017 on July 15, Saturday night.

Twenty-six year old brainy beauty KAREN IBASCO representing the City of Manila showed her intellectual prowess over 39 other candidates at the 17th edition of the national beauty pageant held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines. Ibasco, whose environmental advocacy is conserving energy and embracing renewable and sustainable sources of it, will represent the Philippines in the Miss Earth international pageant later this year.

A medical physicist by profession, Ibasco clinched the title after answering the question what changes she would like to see in national environmental policies. She said, “In terms of environmental policies, everyone is experiencing climate change. The whole world is experiencing climate change and I’m just grateful that the Philippines signed the Paris Treaty. What I want to see is to pass a carbon tax. In that way, we would invest in renewable energy to help our world be a better place, greener and habitable for the whole humanity.”

An alumna of the University of Sto. Tomas, Ibasco earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Applied Physics with Latin honors (Cum Laude), where she also serve as an academic college instructor, while also working as a practitioner at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City. She is also actively involved in Christian ministries and volunteers as a Sunday school teacher.

Ibasco shared the winners’ circle with Vanessa Mae Castillo who was crowned Miss Eco-tourism; Nellza Bautista, Miss Philippines Fire; Jessica Marasigan, Miss Philippines Water; and Kim de Guzman, Miss Philippines Air.

Many believes that Ibasco was the only one who answered the final question correctly, most especially from those who watched and attended the event live. No wonder many concluded that Ibasco traveled far ahead of others after she answered the question. And true enough, this year’s panel of judges agreed with it, which includes Bang Manalad (Senior AVP Savemore Market Operations), Ditta Sandico (Filipino Designer, Wrap Artist and Advocate of Sustainable Fashion/Multi-Awarded Visionary), Sari Yap (CEO and founder of One Mega Group), H. E. ambassador Effie Ben Matityau (Ambassador to Israel in the Philippines), Tim Yap (TV Host, Celebrity, Lifestyle and Pop Culture Editor), H. E. Ambassador Roland A. Guevara Alvarado (Ambassador to Panama in the Philippines), Sanith Wijeyeratine (CEO The Carbon Consulting Company), Jeffrey De La Paz (Manager, Human Resources Development, Diamond Hotel Philippines) and Lorraine E. Schuck (Executive Vice President, Carousel Productions Inc.). Ibasco has an organized group of followers and supporters called Karenatics.

A day after her crowning victory, Ibasco posted on Instagram thanking each and everyone who supported her in this journey. She promised and committed to giving her all in representing the country and “to continue the legacy of what Miss Earth is all about.” She even shared how excited she is to shout “Karen Ibasco, Philippines!,” for the upcoming international Miss Earth pageant happening in November.