MANILA, Philippines – The quest for the new Miss Earth has officially begun. 

Candidates from around the world who are competing for the title of Miss Earth were presented to the press at the new Green Sun Hotel in Makati on Monday, November 10.

The event, hosted by Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry, featured 82 of the 85 ladies in their swimwear, modeling bags made of environmentally friendly materials. These will be auctioned for charity.

Among the candidates who caught the attention of the press were the delegates from Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Spain, Thailand, and the country’s bet to the pageant Jamie Herrell, who was declared Darling of the Press. 

Venezuela’s Maira Alexandra Rodriguez won the silver award, while Puerto Rico’s Franceska Toro won bronze in the Darling of the Press award.

See the photos of the ladies here: 

All photos by Mark Cristino/Rappler

In an interview with reporters after the awarding, Jamie said that she was happy to win, knowing that it was a difficult choice. 

“I’m really happy. All of the delegates are so beautiful, so it was really hard for the press to pick the Darling of the Press and all of us here are so happy and honored to be given the award,” she said.

The Miss Earth pageant will be held on November 29 at the UP Diliman Theater. – Rappler.com