Model and actress Kelley Day achieved a double, back-to-back first runner-up finish after placing second to South Africa’s Gizzelle Maundy Uys at the Miss Eco International 2020 pageant, held in Egypt, Sunday night.
Day duplicated Maureen Montage’s first runner-up finish in the 2019 edition of the annual beauty tilt and Samantha Bernardo’s at the recent 2020 Miss Grand International pageant.
This year’s winner is a 24-year-old model, actress and dancer, and a graduate in heritage and cultural tourism. She bested 38 delegates from around the world including USA's Alexandria Kelly who finished as 2nd runner-up, Venezuela's Stefania Rodriguez, and Costa Rica's Kristell Ruiz, 3rd and 4th runners-up, respectively.
“Unfortunately, as the world is going through a lot of changes right now, there is violence. The best thing we can do right now is to improve security in schools. There have to be things like security checks and metal detectors. That's really all we can do right now. As I am standing here on this stage, I have the opportunity to tell anyone who is planning to do something to children. Look after our generation, please," Day said when asked the Top 5 question “how she will promote safety amid rising violence in schools.”
The 24-year-old Fil-British model and GMA-7 talent was also named Best in National Costume, an intricate, embroidered, red Filipiniana gown designed by Louis Pangilinan. She wore a gray-white, gown made entirely of recycled rubbers also by Pangilinan, during the Eco-dress round.
Other special award winners were Japan’s Mayuko Hanawa, Best in Talent; Argentina’s Barbara Cabrera, Best in Evening Gown; and Palestine’s Lauren Imseeh, Miss Eco Fitness.
The Eco-delegates shared their inputs on pressing issues in their respective countries on UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goals and how to help in their own little ways, during a forum organized by the Miss Eco International organization.
Day, who advocates for the prevention of alopecia, said in her tourism video, “to represent the Philippines at Miss Eco International stage is a remarkable honor. I will carry with me the pride and diligence of my fellow Filipinos who have put their trust in me in this journey.”