Roxanne “Roxie” Allison Baeyens made history after winning the crown of Miss Philippines Earth 2020 in its first-ever online pageant and coronation amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The 23-year-old who represented Baguio City bested 32 other candidates to win the title in the grand coronation held on Sunday, July 5, 2020, aired on GMA Network and on its social media platforms.
This is the first time that the Philippine-based pageant organization pushed for its beauty pageant-for-a-cause to be held on-air and online without a live audience in compliance with the health safety protocols that disallowed mass gatherings.
Lorraine Schuck, the Executive Vice president of pageant organizer Carousel Productions, announced earlier that they decided to hold this year’s tilt online because of the COVID-19 threat.
Miss Earth Philippines 2020 carried the theme “Eco Angel” and asked the question, “What important quality should a leader display in the midst of a pandemic?”
This year’s winner, Roxie Baeyens, championed her advocacy in urban gardening to help address the food shortage in the country during the global health and economic crisis.
“A leader should display having a green thumb because at this point in time, we have a shortage of food supply,” she said. “So, it is important to open the eyes of people to embrace having a sustainable life and start urban agriculture at their own homes.”
Baeyens continued, “After all, a green life is a better life and I hope our leaders will give that to us.”
Here are the final and official results of Miss Philippines Earth 2020:
- Miss Philippines Earth 2020 – Roxie Baeyens, Baguio City
- Miss Philippines Air 2020 – Patrixia Santos, Daraga, Albay
- Miss Philippines Water 2020 – Gianna Llanes, Mandaluyong City
- Miss Philippines Fire 2020 – Shane Tormes, Atimonan, Quezon
- Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism 2020 – Ilyssa Marie Mendoza, Filipino community of Melbourne, Australia
The newly crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2020 went on social media hours after the virtual pageant to share a line that served as her motivation to give her best in the competition.
“‘She is strong because she has God in her life’ — I always say this quote everytime I walk on stage, or even before a question,” Roxie said on her Facebook post. “I say this internally and sometimes even out loud to calm my fears, because I know He is with me; just right next to me.”
The actress-turned-beauty queen also dedicated her newest feat to her hometown, Baguio City.
“My dear Baguio City,” she went on, “I feel deeply honored and grateful to carry your name. My heart will always showcase how proud I am as an Igorota!
“Despite not being with my loved ones in Baguio City due to the Pandemic, this situation taught me to be humble and grateful for what I have and make the most out of the resources available. When I feel discouraged, I just remind myself how lucky I am that I’m healthy to compete; that I’m given a great platform to reach out to others, and that I’m blessed with the most angelic hearts helping me even from a distance. After all, I lift everything to God, and dedicate this to Him.
“It’s true that you can still bloom beautifully wherever you are planted; you just have to be grateful for everything,” she said.
Roxie also expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her in her pageant journey and to the organization that she will be working with for her entire reign.
“I want to give a big thank you to Miss Philippines Earth and Carousel Production Inc. for trusting me to continue this Beauty for a Cause, and also for organizing such a great and historic pageant this year to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
“Thank you to my family and friends who believe in me and always make me feel like a winner in their eyes… To every single sweet soul who showed their love (you know who you are), thank you so much!
“I am humbled by your never-ending support. Mahal ko kayo!’ the beauty queen concluded.
Roxie Baeyens is set to represent the country in the upcoming Miss Earth 2020 international pageant in a mission to follow the footsteps of Karen Ibasco who won the title in 2017.
Prior to her successful stint at Miss Philippines Earth, the Filipino-Belgian beauty had already represented the Philippines in an international pageant and won 2019 Miss Tourism and Culture Universe First Runner-up in Yangon, Myanmar.
SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to Roxie Baeyens, the Igorota from Baguio City for winning the first virtual Miss Philippines Earth.
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