Pretty & strong
MANILA, Philippines - What can grit and determination do to a woman? Those traits can make her a beauty queen.
Such is the case of Miss Philippines Earth 2016 Imelda Schweighart, who hails from Puerto Princesa. She shares that her journey to winning the crown was no mean feat. In fact, it took years of determination—and a lot of help from a trusted team of mentors—for the 20-year old Theater Arts student to get to where she is now.
Imelda reveals that she keeps good habits, reads good books and carries with her all the teachings she learned from those around her. “This was the foundation that backed me throughout a three-month long pageant that required a lot of hard work.”
Miss Philippines Earth 2016 embodies the characteristics of Merrell’s ‘Pretty Strong’ woman with her confidence, wit, versatility, talent and dedication. Merrell believes that nothing should get in the way of enjoying active outdoor adventures. Its hiking boots, trail running shoes and apparel are built on the brand’s outdoor heritage, quality and performance. The trail is the core of the its design philosophy and has continued to guide the brand in the development of innovative products that inspire and enable enjoyment of the outdoors.
Growing up, Imelda was no stranger to difficulties yet these challenges only motivated her to reach for her goals. “We all go through hardships. If you believe, you will truly achieve.”
Like the true pretty and strong woman that she is, Imelda is set to work on encouraging and inspiring women to take care of the environment. Her advocacy is focused on soil protection from genetically modified or engineered seeds as well as promoting organic farming.
“Together with the Miss Philippines Earth organization, we will be raising awareness in provinces and educating people about the change we can make. There will also be school tours for our future heroes and many more,” says Imelda.
Also crowned in the pageant were Miss Philippines Air Kiara Giel Gregorio from the Filipino community in London and Miss Philippines Water Shannon Rebecca Bridgman from Rosales, Pangasinan. Their passion for their advocacies and undeniable drive to make a difference make Imelda, Kiara and Shannon the quintessential pretty strong women.
