Melanie Mader, a doctor’s assistant representing the Filipino community in Vienna, Austria, won first place (Gold) in the ‘Trash to Class’ preliminary competition of the 2016 Miss Philippines Earth pageant held on Monday at the Versailles Palace, in Las Piñas City.
The 46 Earth-advocates-candidates walked the runway wearing eye-catching ‘out-of-the-box’ original creations made from recycled materials. The ‘Trash to Class’ pre-pageant is a unique part of the annual pageant to help promote the environmental five-Rs campaign “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink and Respect” and to showcase the artistry and creativeness of local designers.
Aicha Francisco, an aspiring professional model from Isabela City, and Ellyz Santos, a BS Pharmacy graduate from Laoang, Samar at Centro Escolar University, won second (Silver) and third (Bronze), respectively.
Mader got the judges’ nod with a recycled gown made from plastic straws, while Francisco carried a gown made of rice sacks and Santos wore a gown made from plastic spoons, forks and trash bags.
Peachy Veneracion, VP for External Affairs of Carousel Productions, organizer of Miss Earth Pageant, sat as one of judges, together with Los Angeles-based fashion designer Tracey Suarkeo, New York-based Mixy Dy and Versailles owner Allen Roxas.
Reigning Miss Earth Angelia Ong will crown Miss Philippines Earth 2016 at the exciting coronation night at the historical General Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on the eve of the celebration of Philippine Independence Day, June 11. It will be telecast on ABS CBN Channel, 10 a.m. on June 12.