Talisay City’s bet to Miss Philippines Earth 2019

CEBU, Philippines — Inspired by Cebuanas Karla Henry and Jamie Herrell who won Miss Philippines Earth and then ultimately the Miss Earth crown in 2008 and 2014, respectively, Princess Joesel Mae Bajamonde is determined to bring the title back to Cebu.

Princess, a 20-year-old International Studies student from the University of San Jose-Recoletos, will represent Talisay City in this year’s MPE tilt.

A week after the search for candidates was announced, Princess – Cessy to family and friends – thought it was worth the shot and signed up.

Describing herself as a hard worker with a well-versed personality, Princess said she is not at all intimidated by the national stage as she placed among the Top 8 finalists in Miss Republic of the Philippines last year.

She added that her experience as the representative of Dalaguete in Binibining Cebu 2018, where she finished among the Top 20 out of 54 candidates, helped her gain more confidence and learn more about the industry.

Her titles so far include Miss Calendar Cebu 2015, Miss Basak Pardo 2016, Miss Unity Ride 2017, Miss Juicy Cologne Brand Ambassador 2017, Miss Dumanjug 2017 and Miss Badian 2018.

Before MPE’s July coronation, Princess is also making use of the downtime by participating in Ms. M-Talent 2019, which will hold its coronation tonight at the Grand Pacific Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

“Being part of Miss Philippines Earth is a great opportunity and responsibility. That is why I really feel happy, blessed and excited,” Princess said. “I am pretty much excited to meet new friends and to gain learnings.”

Despite her confidence, Princess naturally has her worries. Among these is failing to bring the crown for her hometown of Talisay City.

Princess, who is under JF Modelling Management but will be training with pageant camp Kagandahang Flores for her MPE journey, is not taking chances. She is polishing everything – from her walk, to her speech, and her health.

She said that training is the best way to prepare herself, making sure that her body, mind and heart are well taken care of. Positivity, confidence, and prayers are weapons she should never fall short on as well.

“It is my most developed character and skills that set me apart,” answered Princess about her edge in her MPE bid. “My character and skills are ways for me to be able to use my voice for kindness, use my eyes for compassion, use my ears for charity, use my mind for truth, and my heart for love.”

This year, Carousel Productions Inc. brings life to flora through MPE 2019. This year’s edition serves as a tribute to the beauty, healing, and protection provided for by flora species, as well as to give awareness and recognition about these marvels of nature.

“I love flowers. They make me feel special and in love. I chose the flower calendula or marigold by myself,” said Princess. “This flower is a great help for us in adding beauty and love to our environment. It is also a treatment for sickness such as ulcer and body pain. I will be researching more about it so that I will be able to represent it well.”

MPE is not only looking for a beautiful face, but most importantly, an environmentally-conscious and aware Filipina. Apart from the usual requirements, anyone who wishes to join the competition must have planted at least 18 trees to qualify.

Asked just how environmentally conscious she is, Princess said that she cares for the environment in her little ways like using solar energy, tending to plants, cleaning her surroundings, tree planting, and teaching children about eco-friendliness.

“My advocacy is to promote the beauty, relevance and true purpose of education through the ‘Zero is our hero’ campaign,” said Princess, who likes to travel, read and go on adventures.

“I will use this platform to inspire the people around me to reuse, reduce, recycle, rethink and respect in order to have zero problems and zero waste management. For we are the cause of our Mother Earth suffering and yet we can also be the cure in giving back its life. So, if I will be having zero problems and zero waste management, then zero will become our hero to save our planet, our home and our future.”

While there’s still plenty of time to further improve herself before July, Princess is set to make the most of her preparations.

“I don’t feel any pressure as of now but I am praying that God will guide me to win this competition. This means a lot to me because it is my lifelong dream and an avenue to share my advocacy and my personality.”

Miss Earth 2018 Top 8 finalist Silvia Celeste Cortesi, from the Filipino community of Rome, Italy will crown her successor at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.