Miss International 2009 Pre Arrival Favorites 11 - 15

11. Finland , Linda Wikstedt

12. Belarus , Yana Supranovich

13. Moldova , Catalina Stascu

14. Germany , Valora Roucek

15. India , Harshita Saxena

Miss International 2009 Pre Arrival Favorites 16 - 20

16. Slovak Republic , Sona Skoncova

17. Colombia , Lina Mosquera

18. Dominican Republic , Victoria Fernandez

19. Ecuador , Isabella Chiriboga

20. Turkey , Begum Yilmaz

Miss International

Formation: 1960
Type: Beauty Pageant
Headquarters: Tokyo
Location: Japan


Miss International (officially titled The International Beauty Pageant) is the fourth largest beauty pageant in the world. It was created in Long Beach, California, USA in 1960 after the departure of the Miss Universe pageant to Miami Beach. Hosted in Long Beach until 1967, the pageant moved to Japan from 1968–1970, being hosted each year in the same city as the Expo '70. For 1971 and 1972, it was held in Long Beach again, but since that time it has been held annually in Japan.
Also called a "Festival of Beauty" and even the "Olympics of Beauty", this pageant is not based on looks alone. Contestants are expected to serve as "Ambassadors of Peace and Beauty", showing tenderness, benevolence, friendship, beauty, intelligence, ability to take action, and, most importantly, a great international sensibility.
The ultimate goal of the Miss International beauty pageant is to promote world peace, goodwill, and understanding.

Year Miss International Country Venue
2009 TBA TBA Beijing and Chengdu, China

2008 Alejandra Andreu Spain Kyoto, Japan and Macau

2007 Priscila Perales Mexico Tokyo, Japan
2006 Daniela di Giacomo Venezuela Tokyo, Japan and Beijing, China
2005 Precious Quigaman Philippines Well City, Tokyo, Japan
2004 Jeymmy Vargas Colombia Beijing, China
2003 Goizeder Azúa Venezuela Tokyo, Japan
2002 Christina Sawaya Lebanon Tokyo, Japan
2001 Małgorzata Rożniecka Poland Tokyo, Japan
2000 Vivian Urdaneta Venezuela Tokyo, Japan
1999 Paulina Gálvez Colombia Tokyo, Japan

By Number of Wins
Country/Territory Titles Winning years
Venezuela 5 1985, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2006
Philippines 4 1964, 1970, 1979, 2005
Spain 3 1977, 1990, 2008
Colombia 1960, 1999, 2004
Poland 1991, 1993, 2001
Australia 1962, 1981, 1992
USA 1974, 1978, 1982
Norway 2 1988, 1995
Germany 1965, 1989
Costa Rica 1980, 1982
Britain 1969, 1972
Mexico 1 2007
Lebanon 2002
Panama 1998
Portugal 1996
Greece 1994
Puerto Rico 1987
England 1986
Guatemala 1984
France 1976
Yugoslavia* 1975
Finland 1973
New Zealand 1971
Brazil 1968
Argentina 1967
Iceland 1963
Netherlands 1961


* -Note: Yugoslavia is now dissolved into 7 countries namely: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia.
Performances by Country and Continental Regions

As of 2008
REGION Titles Best performance

Europe 20 England/Britain, Poland and Spain (3), Germany and Norway (2), Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Lebanon, Netherlands, Portugal, and Yugoslavia1 (1)

Americas 19 Venezuela (5), Colombia, and United States (3), Costa Rica (2), Argentina, Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico (1)

Asia 4 Philippines (4)

Oceania 4 Australia (3), New Zealand (1)

Africa - -

Top 15 History
Rank
Country/Territory
Miss International
1st Runner-Up
2nd Runner-Up
3rd Runner-Up
4th Runner-Up
Semifinalists
Total

1 Venezuela
5 4 1 0 0 20 30

2 Philippines
4 0 2 0 1 16 23

3 United States
3 7 1 4 3 8 26

4 Spain
3 2 3 1 0 22 31

5 Australia
3 1 1 0 1 10 16

6 Colombia
3 1 1 0 0 25 30

7 Poland
3 1 1 0 0 6 11

8 Britain
2 2 0 0 0 6 10

9 Germany
2 1 0 1 0 12 16

10 Norway
2 1 0 0 0 9 12

11 Costa Rica
2 0 0 0 0 2 4

12 Brazil
1 3 1 1 2 14 22

13 Finland
1 2 4 0 1 10 18

14 France
1 1 1 0 0 7 10

15 Iceland
1 0 2 0 1 8 12



Miss International Trivia



• Miss International remains the only one of the Grand Slam Pageants or Big Four Pageants with no winner resigned or dethroned.
• Almost all first winners of all the major beauty pageants are of Scandinavian descent: Finland won the Miss Universe 1952, Sweden captured the Miss World 1951, and Denmark gained the Miss Earth 2001. Miss International was the exception wherein Colombia won the Miss International crown in 1960.
• Five Miss Universe delegates placed as runner-up or semi-finalist in that pageant and later won the Miss International title. They were: Stella Marquez Zawadsky- semi-finalist, Colombia 1960; Julieta Urrutia Chang - semi-finalist, Guatemala 1984; Laurie Simpson Rivera - fourth runner-up, Puerto Rico 1987; Lia Victoria Borrero - finalist, Panama 1997; Priscila Perales - finalist, Mexico 2006.
• One Miss Universe and Miss World delegate unplaced and later won the Miss International title. She was: Sophie Perin, France 1975.
• One Miss World delegate placed as finalist in that pageant and later won the Miss International title. She was: Goizeder Azua Barrios - quarter-finalist, Venezuela 2002.
• One Miss World delegate unplaced and later won the Miss International title. She was: Anne Lena Hansen, Norway 1994.
• Two Miss International delegates placed as runner-ups in that pageant and later won the Miss World title. They were: Catharina Johanna Lodders - third runner-up, Holland 1962; Aneta-Beata Kreglicka - first runner-up, Poland 1989.
• Since the 1966 Miss International was cancelled, 1965 winner Ingrid Finger's reign was the longest among titleholders, totaling 624 days (more than 20 months). For a one-year reign, the longest belonged to her successor, Miss International 1967 Mirta Teresita Massa who held the title for 529 days (more than 17 months). The shortest reign was that of 1975 Ladija Vera Manic, which spanned just 242 days (less than eight months).
• Venezuela has won a record of five Miss International titles. Four of those came in cycles of three years starting in 1997 (1997, 2000, 2003, and 2006). The country's first victory came in 1985. This also happened to United States, three titles came in cycles of four years starting 1974.
• Colombia is the first Latin and South American country to win the Miss International title. On the other hand, Netherlands is the first European country to win the Miss International title.
• No African country has ever gone to win the Miss International title since 1960, the nearest was in 1996, when Tunisia placed 1st runner-up.
• Miss International 1961, Stam van Baer of the Netherlands became the first Caucasian winner of the pageant.
• Miss International 1964, Gemma Teresa Cruz of the Philippines is the first Asian to win the Miss International title.
• Miss International 1979, Melanie Marquez of the Philippines is the youngest Miss International in history. She was 15 when she won the title.
• Miss International 2002, Christina Sawaya of Lebanon is the first Middle Eastern to win the title .
• Miss International 2004, Jeymmy Paola Vargas Gomez of Colombia is the only black winner since the pageant began in 1960.
• Miss International 2005, Precious Lara Quigaman of the Philippines is the shortest Miss International, standing at 5'6 feet.
• The largest gap in between winning Miss International (at present) is from Colombia wherein Stella Marquez Zawadsky won the title in 1960, and 39 years later, Paulina Galvez Pineda became the second recipient afterwards.
• According to some references and survey, Miss International 1979, Miss Philippines Melanie Marquez is the most beautiful Miss International ever produced.
• The shortest gap is only two years later (by this day, no country has won twice in a row, the shortest gap was made by Poland won in 1991 and 1993).
• At present, Stella Marquez Zawadsky-Araneta is the organizer of the Binibining Pilipinas.




Source : Wikipedia

Miss Earth 2009 Post Analysis

The beauty pageant that concerns about environmental awareness, Miss Earth 2009 culminated last Sunday, November 22 with Larissa Ramos of Brazil taking home the crown as the new Miss Earth. But even after the pageant has ended, the air of cynicism and discontent kept chilling me to what has transpired over the three weeks of tireless fun and frolic of delegates yet so mediocre and substandard running of a pageant. I expect much out of the pageant considered as one of the biggest glamorous pageant in the planet but instead turns out to be the biggest flop. There are hits and misses that I found disorienting – a slap in one’s face. Here’s the detail of what I observe during the finals night.
The night started with the sexy, chic introduction of the 80 gorgeous competing ladies clad in swimsuit splashing the waves of the beautiful paradise island of Boracay. They introduce themselves wearing their national costumes with the backdrop of idyllic images of the island paradise. Then the ladies wearing a two-piece with a velvet piece of garment draped over their body running from the outside towards the stage, while the audience confused looking at them. The ladies seems excited and agitating with moves and actions of their own anticipating of who will make the cut. Then came the presenters/hosts for that night’s event. They seem relaxed, friendly but look like they are well-rehearsed and composed.
Announcement of judges left me numbed for awhile to see if they are noteworthy & would give incredible scoring and something keeps asking me if they are the same judges as the preliminaries (in my own opinion the preliminary judging is clouded in mystery & controversy because there is no formal preliminary competition of ladies in swimsuit, evening gown & interview where everybody can watch either on television or on the web and have a scoring displayed so the audience including the experts will have an overview and have their own preferences – except their personality where they will be judged on different occasions & situations so as to justify the top 16 semifinalists) and also to pick out only the strongest contenders for the crown. I was dumbstruck to find out the judges were mostly Filipinos either businessman or politician whose pageant & fashion expertise is questionable and not validated, the rest are beauty queens and a hotel owner who I can only perceive as judging based on their sashes and performance on Miss Earth. The country’s tourism is promoted before the commercial ads – places where the ladies visited which should be given emphasis and utmost importance since the pageant is all about nature and wildlife. After commercials, top 16 were revealed and again I was surprised of who made the cut. Surprising delegates who were not either a favorite or interesting and fierce competitive ladies and does not exude charm & exotic looks but who made the cut were Brazil, Thailand, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Singapore, Martinique, India & Paraguay. Brazil may have the exotic looks but a serious and prestigious pageant such as Miss Universe would ignore and snub her considering some other ladies would fare better than her. Thailand has very strong physical features that deserve no better than a big pageant but no less than a local community pageant and her catwalk skills plus uneven body figure would be too boorish to be considered. Northern Ireland is not savvy and not even a pageant patty lady in serious contention but her sunny disposition and pleasant demeanor help her shoo-in the finals. I have seen gorgeous, fierce Amazonas from South Africa competing in various pageants but not Miss Earth. They sent mediocre and lousy ladies to compete at the pageant and Chanel Grantham is no exception. She doesn’t seem like competing but just enjoy the pageant has to offer. Singapore ‘s participation in several pageant is a friendly gesture in warm support of the event and rarely made the cut due to kind of ladies being sent for competition but was surprised to watch their representative the less attractive Valerie Lim made the lousy 16 semifinalists maybe a friendly consolation to a small country faithfully participating in the pageant, or maybe just maybe they saw Miss Universe 1987 where less known but deserving delegates made the cute unlike Miss Earth where the undeserving made it - but actually for some pundits, one of the bottom lists. Martinique has a good standing and performance at the pageant and to be fair with Pascal Nelide, Martinique representative this year, she is competitive and working her way to make the cut but it seems that other fierce ladies should’ve easily outrank her in the top 16. India is considered as one of the beauty pageant powerhouses that always made a placement in major beauty pageants except Miss International, but this year Miss India’s Shriya Kishore didn’t show exuberance, brilliance, sparkling and seductive appearance and her lack of blazing aura and flare would’ve automatically cost her placement. Have the accommodating Miss Earth judges based their criteria on her sash? Paraguay seldom send competitive delegate to beauty pageant (the last one is Lourdes Arevalos, semifinalist in Miss Universe 2006) and Gabriela Rejala is no exception. She doesn’t have the glow and sparkle and her voluptuous figure and awkward presence would’ve dislodge her from serious contention.
The announcement of semifinalists doesn’t elicit excitement and prestige because the ladies are in a hurry going to their posts as they were announced with just a split second glimpse of their beauty. The top 16 went on to compete for swimsuit and evening gown and the top 8 highest combined score will move closer to the crown. At first, I saw some desperate and sorely painful to the eye gowns of a few ladies but comes the finals I saw some trendy and fabulous gown though their catwalk skills are still a so-so. Stunners for me that night were Spain, Poland and Venezuela though all throughout the pageant I felt that the latter doesn’t feel like competing and she doesn’t look fresh and amiable. Miss Philippines’ gown has a striking resemblance to ketchup gown of Stefania Fernandez perceiving that this kind of gown would be a standout. The top eight ladies went on to compete for a simple yet sensible message based on the images they saw. Introduced by Miss Earth in its early years and once again integrated in the competition, this is a unique approach and also a trendsetting alternative to a final question that will determine the eventual winner. Each of the eight finalists were shown different images from different places on the planet based on a certain environmental issue or problem and they were only given thirty (30) seconds to deliver a message based on what they saw. This is one of the most controversial part of the show watching the host intercepting the ladies in their speeches to tell them that their time is up as no bell is available to ring the end of their 30-second message. The host bet themselves to shame and insult by the jeering, uncontrolled rowdy mobs, by just perspiring and heart beating rapidly until the end the competition. It seems more like of a circus show than a formal beauty pageant competition as the audience behavior is focused for awhile in the camera. Most of the delegates gave astounding and persuasive answers except Venezuela who delivered a scripted message right before the images were revealed and again stick to her notes after watching them. For me, it would technically deny her a placement. Some ladies gave an unsubstantiated answer since they are still building up their message when their time is through. But somehow they are much knowledgeable, sensible, aware and eloquent compared to vague and dumb top five in Miss Universe 2009. After all the drama, upsets and rising controversy, the results were revealed. Runners-up were announced and most people expect that there will be a back-to-back victory for the Philippines after Sandra Seifert delivered a warm and calling message to unite and provide solution to the critical environmental problems or issues that we are facing affecting the planet Earth and the people instead she eventually ended as 1st runner-up to Brazil’s Larissa Ramos who won Miss Earth 2009. I observe that Miss Universe 2009 is way prettier and sexy than the T-Rex Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez. I also observe that when Miss Universe pick up a less than pretty lady as winner, Miss Earth also do the same. I don’t know why Miss Earth don’t have a mind of their own. After the winner is proclaimed, there is no symbolic first walk for the reigning queen that should’ve been done to give a moment and fame to the winner but unfortunately everything is done in haste that only a pictorial of top four is done and right after that the candidates goes giggling over the winner and the crowd is uncontrollably mingling with the delegates with some taking some pictures with the delegates wearing their sashes and pushing each other on stage. Mind you, no press conference thereafter. There is no crowd control, no manners around and everything is chaotic. What a mess!
The pageant started, conducted and ended hastily without much buzz and hype due to tacky conduct of the pageant. There is a lack of coordination between the organizers and its partners, officials to conduct a fabulous, well-organized pageant and run a glamorous show and flaws were exposed during the conduct of the pageant. The TV network that helped organize the event for years will have its reputation put on the line for lack of efforts and expertise in staging a magnificent show. Some pundits even recommend transferring the beauty pageant to a rival large TV network that’s known for world class and stunning production and entertainment. The quality of ladies competing, their costumes and evening gown indicates and describe the reputation and the quality of the pageant. Reform, transformation and creative, open-minded approach to the pageant would spell the difference and would regain the attention of the pundits. For now we will give the benefit of the doubt to Miss Earth Foundation and who knows what will happen. Congratulations to the winners and may you have a fruitful and powerful year of reign to influence others in defending Mother Earth!

Order Of Announcement At Miss Earth 2009

Top 16 semifinalists: Poland,Korea,Brazil,Colombia,Thailand,Spain,Northern Ireland,Philippines,South Africa,France,Singapore,Georgia,Martinique,India,Venezuela,Paraguay


Top 8 finalists: Thailand,Brazil,Poland,Martinique,Spain,Venezuela,Philippines,Colombia


Miss Fire: Spain

Miss Water: Venezuela

Miss Air: Philippines

Miss Earth 2009: Brazil

Brazil Is Miss Earth 2009!

Boracay Island, Aklan- Twenty-year old Larissa Ramos of Brazil won the Miss Earth 2009 in a simple and austere ceremony held at Boracay Ecovillage and Convention Center Boracay Island, Aklan. She bested 79 other gorgeous ladies to win the much coveted crown designed by Florida-based jeweller Ramona Haar. She will take home a $10,000 cash prize and several other prizes by sponsors. This is the second time in the nine years running of Miss Earth that Brazil bag the crown that first won by Priscilla Meirelles back in 2004.
1st runner-up (titled Miss Air) went to Philippines, Sandra Seifert
2nd runner-up (titled Miss Water) went to Venezuela, Jessica Barboza
3rd runner-up (titled Miss Fire) went to Spain, Alejandra Echevarría Pedrajas

Unfortunately there is no 4th runner-up due to only four elements of nature were provided.


The rest of the top 8 finalist were:

Thailand - Rujinan Panseethum
Poland - Isabela Wilczek
Martinique - Pascale Laurie Nelide
Colombia - Alejandra Castillo Munera

Rounding up the top 16 were

France - Magalie Thierry
Georgia - Nonna Diakonidze
India - Shriya Manthari Kishore
Korea - Park Ye-ju
Northern Ireland - Kayleigh O’Reilly
Paraguay - Gabriela Mercedes Rejala Llanes
Singapore - Valerie Lim
South Africa - Chanel Grantham

Miss Earth 2009 Finals Night Tonight

Who will struggle and fight fierce and survive the quest and reign supreme over mother Earth's throne? Who will inherit the crown from Miss Earth 2008, Karla Paula Henry? Find out in tonight's final of Miss Earth 2009! Miss Earth 2009 Live Telecast finals will start tonight November 22,2009 at 10pm (Philippine time) 14:00 (GMT Time)

"The eyes of the world are focused on one destination. Get ready to experience a fiesta of all things beautiful as we travel through exotic Philippines. Here the most gorgeous women on the planet are gearing up for the opportunity of a lifetime. They come from all parts of the globe to compete for one chance one title and nothing will stand in their way. At the end of the night, one of them will be crowned the next Miss Earth. Live from Boracay Ecovillage Resort and Convention Centre in Boracay Island, Aklan, its Miss Earth 2009. Let's meet the 80 contestants. Let's see who will inherit the earth!"

Miss Earth 2009 Heiress To The Crown: The Fierce Amazonas of Earth 1 - 3

1. Latvia - Diana Kubasova

2. France - Magalie Audrey Thierry

3. Philippines - Sandra Ines Seifert

Miss Earth 2009 Final Picks 4 - 8

4. USA - Amy Diaz

5. Czech Republic - Tereza Budkova

6. Puerto Rico - Dignelis Jimenez

7. Jamaica - Jenaae Dawn Jackson

8. Cuba - Jamilette Gaxiola

Miss Earth 2009 Final Picks 9 - 13

9. Russia - Kseniya Podsevatkina

10. Ukraine - Karina Golovata

11. El Salvador - Mayra Graciela Najarro

12. Slovak Republic - Lea Sindlerova

13. Turks & Caicos - Alison Grace Capron

Miss Earth 2009 Final Picks 14 - 18

14. Venezuela - Jessica Cristina Barboza
15. Kosovo - Elza Marku
16. Guatemala - Hamy Nataly Tejada
17. Korea - Park Ye-Ju
18. Switzerland - Graziella Rogers

Rising Temperature

Denmark
Colombia
Tanzania
Mexico
Martinique
Dominican Republic
Spain

Miss Earth 2009 National Costumes

Philippines

Puerto Rico

Samoa

Slovak Republic

Some of Miss Earth 2009 National Costumes

Spain

Sudan

Taiwan

USA

Venezuela

Some of Miss Earth 2009 National Costumes

Miss Earth 2009 Coverage: Special Awards

Best in National Costume
The National Costume competition of Miss Earth 2009 was held in the afternoon of November 4, 2009 at the Amazing Theater at Pasay City, Philippines. 80 countries paraded their unique national costumes that best represent their respective countries.Some delegates have gestures and body expressions to symbolise and define their native costumes. At the end of the competition, Miss Tanzania, Evelyn Amasi bagged the coveted Best in National Costume award. Other special minor awards given by sponsors that day were Miss Placenta Award to Miss Puerto Rico, Dignelis Jimenez and Miss PASIGandahan award to Miss Guam, Maria Luisa Santos.

Miss Earth 2009 Coverage: Special Awards

Best in Evening Gown, Photogenic and Congeniality Awards
Miss Philippines Sandra Seifert bagged the award for the Best in Long Gown in the Miss Earth 2009 in an event held at PAGCOR Grand Theatre last November 16, 2009. Miss Photogenic was awarded to Miss Czech Republic. Miss Congeniality went to Miss Switzerland . The special awards have no bearing in the selections of the top 18 finalists.

Miss Earth 2009 Coverage: Special Awards

Best in Swimsuit Miss Earth 2009 Best in Swimsuit Final Competition was held last November 15, 2009 at Fontana Leisure Park and Casino in Clark, Pampanga. Miss Philippines, Sandra Ines Seifert was adjudged the Best in Swimsuit out of 15 finalists. Here is the lists of 15 swimsuit finalist: Brazil, Larissa Ramos
Canada, Lateesha Ector
Colombia, Alejandra Castillo
Cuba, Jamillette Gaxiola
France, Magalie Thierry
Hungary, Korinna Kocsis
Malaysia, Madelyne Nandu
Mexico, Natalia Quiñones
Paraguay, Gabriela Rejala
Philippines, Sandra Seifert
Spain, Alejandra Echevarria
Switzerland, Graziella Rogers
Turks & Caicos, Alison Capron
USA, Amy Diaz
Venezuela, Jessica Barboza

Take note: This and other special competitions held at different venues has no bearing to the judging of the top 18 semi finalists comes finals night on November 22, 2009 at Boracay Ecovillage Resort and Convention Centre in Boracay Island Malay, Aklan,Philippines. The top 18 will be judged on their natural bearing and sophistication in swimsuit and evening gown, character and personality and preliminary interview.

Miss Earth

Miss Earth is an annual international beauty pageant promoting environmental awareness. Along with Miss Universe and Miss World contests, Miss Earth is one of the three largest beauty pageants in the world in terms of the number of national-level competitions to participate in the world finals. The reigning titleholders dedicate their year to promote environmental projects and to address issues concerning the environment.
In 2006, the Miss Earth pageant started to cohost the United Nations Environment Programme's Champions of the Earth, an annual international environment awards established in 2005 by the United Nations to recognize outstanding environmental achievers and leaders at a policy level.


History


Carousel Productions organized and launched the first Miss Earth beauty pageant in 2001. It is intended to actively promote the preservation of the environment.
Those who participate in the pageant are involved with environmental causes. The pageant winner is expected to become involved with international environmental projects. These projects are also promoted during the pageant's broadcast. The delegates also take part in tree planting ceremonies, environmental and cultural immersion programs, sponsor visits and tours.
In 2003, Miss Earth adopted the slogan "Beauties For a Cause".In 2004, the Miss Earth Foundation was created to further the pageant's environmental cause and to work with the local and international groups and non-governmental organizations that are actively involved in conservation and improvement of the environment. The Miss Earth Foundation campaign focuses in educating the youth in environmental awareness. Its major project “I Love Planet Earth School Tour," teaches and distributes educational aides for school children.
The Miss Earth pageant has grown over the years, with an increasing number of countries participating each year. The number of national Miss Earth pageants has grown on every continent as well.
In 2006, the host country Chile failed to meet the requirements of the host committee; the pageant was moved back to the Philippines.
Since it began the pageant has been held annually in the Philippines, either October or November, and televised nationwide via ABS-CBN with international delayed telecasts in more than 80 countries via STAR TV and The Filipino Channel.
The Miss Earth winner is the spokesperson for the Miss Earth Foundation, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other environmental organizations.


Eco-fashion design competition


On November 4, 2008, the first Miss Earth Eco-Fashion Design Competition was launched by the Miss Earth Foundation as an annual event for professional and non-professional fashion designers to come up with designs that are eco-friendly. The outfit designs are made from recyclable, natural materials, organic materials, and eco-chic designs or patterns that can be worn in everyday life or are runway worthy.


Contestants


Miss Earth gained the attention of worldwide press in 2003 after Vida Samadzai, an Afghan woman, now residing in the United States, competed in a red bikini.Samadzai was the first Afghan woman to compete in an international beauty pageant in almost three decades, but the fact that she wore a bikini caused an uproar in her native country.
Miss Earth also made headlines in 2005 when a Pakistani beauty queen, Naomi Zaman, a Miss Pakistan World winner participated for the first time. She is the first delegate from Pakistan to compete in any major international pageants. Beauty pageants are frowned-upon in Pakistan.
Likewise, Miss Earth Tibet 2006, Tsering Chungtak, the first Tibetan who represented Tibet in any major international beauty pageants made headlines. Aside from her environmental cause, she raised international attention regarding the Tibetan struggle for freedom. She also advocated for the boundaries of acceptable social etiquette towards modernity, in a traditionally conservative Tibetan culture, where most grown women wear ankle-length dresses. Nevertheless, her participation in the pageant received an approval from the Dalai Lama.She made more headlines in December 2007, when she withdrew her participation in the Miss Tourism contest, a minor international beauty pageant held in Malaysia, after organizers reacted to pressure from Beijing and asked her to add "China" to her "Miss Tibet" title by wearing a sash labeled "Miss Tibet-China".
In 2007, Carousel Productions licensed the Miss Cuba organization to select the first Cuban representative to Miss Earth. Ariana Barouk won and became the first Miss Cuba in several decades and competed at the Miss Earth Pageant in which she drew in global publicity.Also in 2007, Miss Earth made history when delegates from China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Tibet competed altogether for the first time in any international pageant notwithstanding its international conflict.
In 2008, the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan, one of the world's most isolated nations,sent its first Miss Bhutan, Tsokye Tsomo Karchun.Rwanda also sent its first ever Miss Rwanda national winner, Cynthia Akazuba following a month after Rwanda became the first country in history to elect a national legislature in which a majority of members were women in September 2008,[39] both of them competed at the Miss Earth 2008 pageant.



Location



The pageant has been held in the Philippines every year since 2001. Miss Earth 2006 was scheduled to be held in Santiago, Chile on November 15, but organizational problems forced the pageant to move back to the Philippines.
The 8th Miss Earth pageant finale was held for the first time outside the Metropolitan Manila at the Clark Expo Amphitheater in Angeles City, Pampanga on November 9, 2008. Prior to the finals night, the candidates were toured to various destinations in the Philippines. Twenty-two year-old Karla Henry of the host country beat 84 other candidates.



Pageant system

Since the Miss Earth pageant has an environmental cause, it is primarily looking for young women who will stand for the protection and preservation of the planet. These women are pageant winners or chosen by national Miss Earth directors from different nations.
On national level competitions, the Miss Earth's cause is carried out to assure that each of the participating candidates are not just physically beautiful, but environmentally knowledgeable. As soon as the national winners are chosen, they will be subject to evaluation by the pageant organizer.
During the pre-finals weeks, the candidates are evaluated on each activity and event they have. Preliminary swimsuit and evening gown competitions also take place. In the pre-judging session, the delegates face the panel of judges for an interview in their simplest look (without make-up), where they speak of their environmental platform and personal thoughts.
As soon as the preliminary activities and interview are completed, the judges and the executive staff will select sixteen candidates who will comprise the group of semi-finalists.

During the live finals, the sixteen (16) semi-finalists will be announced. All previous scores will be disregarded and thereafter compete in the swimsuit round. The top eight (8) scorers in swimsuit will move on the next level of competition. The final eight (8) portion will have interview and evening gown competition components. The scores from these two (2) events will be averaged and the four (4) highest scorers will continue with the last competition - the final interview.
In the final interview, all four finalists will answer one environmental question, the candidates will be assessed based on the judges over-all impression on the candidate to determine the final ranking.

If in case the Miss Earth winner can no longer fulfill her duties and obligations as titleholder, the 1st runner-up will be the one who will take-over the title.



Titles and semi-finalists


In the early years of the pageant, from 2001 to 2003, ten (10) semi-finalists were chosen at Miss Earth. From 2004 and onwards, sixteen (16) semi-finalists are chosen. Semi-finalists are cut to eight (8) finalists, then to the final four (4) from which the runners-up and winner are announced.

The winner of the pageant is bestowed the title Miss Earth; her runners-up are also given titles named after the other natural elements: Miss Fire (equivalent to third runner-up), Miss Water (second runner-up), and Miss Air (first runner-up). Miss Earth is the only one of the "Big Four" pageants which have individual titles for the runners-up.



Crown and jewelry

New crown

In the 9th edition of the pageant, Miss Earth will unveil a new crown, which will be worn by the winner of Miss Earth 2009 with the preservation of the planet Earth as its primary consideration. The crown was designed by an environmentalist jewelry designer, Ramona Haar, the official jeweller of the Miss Earth pageant.

The new crown is made of 100% recycled precious metals comprising of 14kt gold and argentums sterling silver. What sets the Miss Earth crown apart is the fact that the gemstones used both precious stone and semiprecious stone were donations from over 80 different participating countries. These are gemstones that each country is known for either as the origin or source. The gemstones were sent in various forms: faceted, cabochons, beads or rough. The designer travelled to Jaipur, India to have these gemstones individually trimmed and faceted to the required cut and sizes.

The flower in the center of the crown represents Mother Earth, as inspired by the statement of an American poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson's "The earth laughs in flowers." The recurring spiral motif has always been associated with "maternal power" and "feminine prestige" which is the essence of Miss Earth. The gentle curves in the crown symbolize "unity" and the "spirit of cooperation."

Old crown

The Miss Earth crown used in 2001 and the swarovski crown in 2002-2008 were designed and created by a multi-awarded Filipino designer named Arnel Papa. The crown's frame from 2002-2008 was made up of sterling silver while clear swarovski and pearls composed the embellishments. Red and blue swarovski pearls were additional ornaments.

Jewelry

Starting 2008, Miss Earth winners are bestowed with a special set of jewelry designed and created by Ramona Haar Fine Jewelry, a Florida-based jeweller. The jewelry for Miss Earth winner is amounting to US$ 25,000, while Miss Earth-Fire, Miss Earth-Water, and Miss Earth-Air are amounting to US$ 10,000 each set. The designs symbolize the categories that each winner represents:

* Miss Earth necklace and earrings set has a floral and butterfly motif made of 14 karat yellow and white gold. The colored gemstones used are multishaped peridot, amethyst, blue topaz, rhodolite, citrine, multicolor tourmaline, and diamonds. Colored stones total weight is 56 carat and diamonds is 3.0ctw. total weight of gold is 96.6 grams. Necklace length is 17 inches and 3 inches extension chain.

* Miss Earth Air necklace and earrings set has billowy feathers as its motif. It is made of 14 karat yellow and white gold. It is decorated with colored gemstones and diamonds. The colored gemstones used are yellow and golden citrine with a total weight of 31.0 carats. The diamond total weight is 1.0 ctw. 14k gold total weight is 65 grams. The necklace is 17 inches long with additional 3 inches of extension chain.

* Miss Earth Water necklace and earrings set has graceful waves and fish as its motif. It is made of 14 karat yellow and white gold. It is decorated with colored gemstones and diamonds. The colored gemstones used are blue topaz and blue sapphire with a total weight of 63.0 carats. The diamond total weight is 2.0 ctw. 14k gold total weight is 78 grams. The necklace is 17 inches long with additional 3 inches of extension chain.

* Miss Earth Fire necklace and earrings set has a fireworks motif as its center pendant. It is made of 14 karat yellow and white gold. It is decorated with colored gemstones, diamonds and intricate texturing. The colored gemstones used are rhodolite, citrine, and Malaysian jade with a total weight of 27.50 carats. The diamond total weight is 3.5 ctw. 14 karat gold total weight is 87.8 grams. The necklace is 17 inches long with additional 3 inches of extension chain.

The four winners also receive a medallion necklace as part of their prizes. These medallions stand for the four elements that the winners represent. The designs for the medallions are different each year and will feature endangered species of Mother Earth's flora and fauna.


Special awards


* Venezuela is the most successful in Swimsuit awards: Alexandra Braun in 2005, Marianne Puglia in 2006 and Silvana Santaella in 2007.

* Venezuela is also the most successful in Long Gown awards: Silvana Santaella in 2007 and Daniela Torrealba in 2008.

* The Philippines has the most Miss Photogenic awards: April Rose Perez in 2002, Jeanne Angeles Harn in 2007, and Karla Henry in 2008.

* There are 2 countries have won twice Best National Costume awards:
o Korea: Jin-Ah Lee in 2002 and Hie Mi Yoo in 2005 .
o Panama: Jessica Barrios in 2003 and Shassia Ubillus in 2008.

* Bosnia & Herzegovina has two Miss Talent awards: Džejla Glavović in 2002 and Mirela Bulbulija in 2004.

* Only one Miss Friendship has gone on place in the pageant: Amale Al Khoder (Lebanon, 2007).

* Only one Miss Earth winner was awarded Miss Talent: Džejla Glavović (Bosnia & Herzegovina, 2002).

* Two Miss Earth winners were awarded Miss Photogenic: Priscilla Meirelles (Brazil, 2004) and Karla Paula Henry (Philippines, 2008)

* Miss Venezuela 2007, Silvana Santaella won 4 awards: Best in Long Gown, Best in Swimsuit, Miss Psalmstre Placenta and Gandang Ricky Reyes Award.

* Miss Philippines 2008, Karla Henry won five special major and minor awards: Miss Earth Designers Award, Miss Photogenic, Eagle Express Award, Miss Fontana, Pasigandahan Awards (for Manila). Currently, she's the only winner who received the most awards in the history of Miss Earth Beauty Pageant.


Trivia


* Miss Earth 2001, Catharina Svensson of Denmark is the first Caucasian winner of the pageant.

* Miss Earth 2002, Džejla Glavović is the first woman from Bosnia & Herzegovina to win a major beauty title for her country. She is also the first Miss Earth to be dethroned, for failing to fulfill her duties.

* Miss Earth 2002, Winfred Omwakwe of Kenya became the first African and black winner of the pageant after the original winner from Bosnia & Herzegovina was dethroned.

* Miss Earth 2003, Dania Prince of Honduras is the first Central American and Latin to capture the Miss Earth crown.

* Miss Earth 2004 Priscilla Meirelles is the first Miss Earth Winner to host the Miss Earth Competition in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

* Miss Earth 2008, Karla Henry of the Philippines is the first Asian to win the Miss Earth crown.

* Miss Afghanistan 2003 Vida Samadzai was the first candidate of Miss Earth to win the special award Beauty for a Cause. She helped in establishing a US-based women's charity that seeks to raise awareness of women's rights and education in Afghanistan. Miss South Africa, Montjane was the second candidate to win the special award.

* In 2007 edition, two (2) countries hosted the pageant. Vietnam co-hosted some of the pageant activities; other activities up to the finals were done in its home base, the Philippines.

* In the history, only one woman has competed at all four major international pageants. She is Cynthia Kanema of Zambia who competed at Miss World 2003, Miss International 2004, Miss Universe 2005, and Miss Earth 2005. She was unplaced at all four pageants.

* Denmark won its first major beauty title in history when Catharina Svensson won Miss Earth in 2001.

* Bosnia & Herzegovina won its first major beauty title in history when Džejla Glavović won Miss Earth in 2002.

* Kenya also claimed its first major title when Winfred Omwakwe assumed the position of Miss Earth 2002.

* When Priscilla Meirelles won the title in 2004, Brazil became the first country to have a winner in all four major international pageants. The following year, Alexandra Braun completed the grand slam for Venezuela.

Miss World 2009 The Reign of Supreme Favorites 1 - 5

1. Philippines - Marie Ann Umali
2. Martinique - Ingrid Littre
3. Italy - Alice Taticchi
4. Mexico - Perla Beltran
5. Netherlands - Avalon Chanel Weyzig