Predictions: Who will win Miss Earth Philippines 2018?

Norman Tinio

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Predictions: Who will win Miss Earth Philippines 2018?
Pageant blogger Norman Tinio gives us his take on this year's candidates

(Editor’s Note: The piece below was first posted in Norman Tinio’s blog. It is republished here with his permission, with minor edits done by Rappler.)

Since the finals of Miss Earth Philippines 2018 will have its big night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena this coming Saturday, May 19, I am sharing with you my final predictions based on how I see the 42 Official Candidates vying for the top spots. (IN PHOTOS: The candidates of Miss Earth Philippines 2018)

Truth be told, I am confident that the upper half of my filtered 16 already has the eventual successor of Karen Ibasco among them. The matter is likely to be settled in the crucial Q&A.

But just to complete the recognition, the ladies are:

  1. Zahra Bianca Saldua of Las Piñas City
  2. Gabrielle Camille Basiano of Tacloban City
  3. Celeste Cortesi of Fil-Rome, Italy
  4. Berjayneth Chee of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental
  5. Marla Alforque of Cebu City
  6. Leandrea Batingan of San Jose del Monte City
  7. Jean Nicole de Jesus of San Rafael, Bulacan
  8. Marra Cristy Dianne Silvosa of Cateel, Davao Oriental
  9. Naomie White of Fil-Sydney, Australia
  10. Lea Macapagal of Dinalupihan, Bataan
  11. Noelle Uy-Fuentes Tuazon of Tangalan, Aklan
  12. Lovely Lamptey of Taguig City
  13. Halimatu Yushawu of Titay, Xamboanga Sibugay
  14. Lean Quinto of Quezon City
  15. Theressa Mariano of Fil-Queensland, Australia
  16.  We’am Ahmed of Davao City

 

My Top 8 for Miss Earth Philippines 2018 

MAGIC 8? These ladies are among the favorites to win the title of Miss Earth Philippines 2018. All photos by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Now let’s look at the first 8 in the line-up. Wou can see a variety of potential winners among them.

Zahra Bianca Saldua is the proverbial clone of Karen Ibasco in terms of communication skills and public relations. In fact, she can offer one more advantage over the reigning titleholder because she is an effective host and speaker, not to mention the fact that she has also paid her dues in national pageantry prior to this.

On the other hand, the quartet of Gabrielle Camille Basiano, Celeste Cortesi, Berjayneth Chee and Marla Alforque score extra plus points in terms of charm and physical beauty. It will all boil down to who gets lucky in the Q&A and gets the question she’s prepared for the best.

Leandrea Batingan and Jean Nicole de Jesus are head-to-head with their special brand of beauty, people skills and back stories, so they should be able to ace their interviews during crunch time. And 8th on my tally is the possible spoiler from Mindanao, Marra Silvosa, who has steadily gained ground in the competition the past few weeks.

POSSIBLE 5. Who among these ladies will be the next Miss Earth Philippines?

Above is my final ranking of the Top 5 – one each from NCR, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and the Filipino Communities abroad (a mere coincidence if you will).

The 6th-ranked on my score sheet – Jean Nicole de Jesus – could still spoil things up if lady luck favors when it matters most.

But if I were to put them in assigned titles right this minute, Zahra Bianca Saldua is my choice for Miss Earth Philippines 2018.

Yes, the pressure to win another back-to-back Miss Earth crown for the country is there. But I am not counting on it happening again so soon because it is very likely to smear the pageant’s image even more after the marked backlash of the host delegate prevailing over everyone else last year.

I want to see the perfect representative who can actually be a solid big sister to all the candidates, while espousing the qualities of an excellent spokesperson for the brand itself.

She will definitely be a useful asset for Carousel Productions if ever.

I have pulled in Leandrea Batingan, Berjayneth Chee, Gabrielle Camille Basiano and Celeste Cortesi to be capable of delivering reliable support as members of the Elemental Court. If one of them falters at the wrong (or right) time, San Rafael, Bulacan’s Jean de Jesus could easily take a slot.

Mabuhay ang mga Dyosa ng Inang Kalikasan!  – Rappler.com

 

Norman Tinio started pageant-blogging back in 2009 but has been an pageant enthusiast since the early 70s.

He is also an Industrial Psychologist by profession, movie addict by nocturnal choice and an ex-Seminarian who can pray in Ancient Latin. You can always find him and his daily musings at normannorman.com.

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