Philippines wins Miss Earth 2017, claims 4th Miss Earth crown

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Philippines Karen Ibasco has just been crowned as the new Miss Earth 2017.

This has been the fourth Miss Earth title for the Philippines as the country has snagged the crown in 2008 (Karla Henry), 2014 (Jamie Herrell) and 2015 (Angelia Ong).

Ibasco's win has not been a surprise for many pageant enthusiasts as she took an early lead in the competition. She placed first among 86 contestants with five medals, three golds and two silvers, in different categories - from swimsuit to national costume.

Her Maria Clara-inspired national costume, embroidered following the grandeur of old Philippine churches' stained glass, was designed by Louis Pangilinan and was among those that got her a gold medal.

In the finals, her answer to the final question and answer sealed her win: "The real problem is not climate change. The real problem is us. So we have to rethink our ways to save the Earth."

During the competition's Earth Talk segment, Karen said: "Biodiversity is important because it balances the ecosystem. As we protect it, we protect the Earth."

But Karen is not the only Filipina in the contest. Miss Australia, who is half-Filipina, also won as Miss Air.

She said in the Q&A: "The biggest enemies of the Earth are the people who don't believe climate change is real."

Miss Colombia, who has been crowned Miss Water, said in the Q&A: "The biggest enemy of the Earth is consumption. We have to rethink what we buy and eat."

Miss Russian, who has been hailed as Miss Fire, said: "We are the most serious enemies of Mother Earth. Se we have to rethink our conduct."

As the new Miss Earth, Karen is now the voice of the international beauty pageant in promoting better understanding of Mother Nature's plight.

—Reports from Gaea Katreena Cabico