New beauty queen anti-nukes

Newly-crowned 2011 Miss Philippines Earth opposed last Saturday night the idea of using nuclear power in the country as an alternative source energy, saying that it may be harmful to the country.

At the grand coronation night of the environment-driven beauty contest in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Athena Mae Imperial of Casiguran, Aurora, said that the country should instead focus on hydroelectric, solar and grid as an alternative source power.

 “Just look at what happened to Japan. The toxic waste that emainated from its nuclear power plant is harmful to the environment,” said Imperial, 24, giving reference to the nuclear meltdown following a devastating earthquake and tsunami, recently.

She bested 47 other candidates in the 11th edition of the pageant with a theme that also focused on forest conservation.

The issue on nuclear power use has been revived in the country, as an alternative source of power. In the environment-driven pageant, the five remaining contestants were asked about their thoughts on nuclear power as an alternative local source.

She also suggested unplugging the appliances and going back to basics like using the bike or walking as some of the concrete activities in preserving the environment and fighting the effects of climate change.

Imperial was crowned by Miss Philippines Earth 2010 winner Kris Psyche Resus.

She will later represent the country in the 2011 Miss Earth beauty contest in Thailand later this year.

The winners will also receive management contracts with Carousel Productions, organizers of the pageant; jewelry, and other products from this year's sponsors.

Jonavi Quiray of Puerto Princesa City was named Miss Philippines-Air; Murielle Orais, Cebu City, Miss Philippines- Water; Michelle Gavagan, Las Pinas City, Miss Philippines-Fire; and Tathata Rico, Makati City, Miss Eco-Tourism.

The runners-up were Maria Alicia Ariosa, Pagadian City; Edan Dafilmoto, Cotabato City; Mary Denisse Toribio, Malolos City; Brenna Cassandra Gamboa, USA- East Coast; and Catherine Rosary Ocampo, General Santos City.

Imperial, who stands 5'6 tall, also works as a program researcher for one of the country's biggest TV networks. She hopes to become a news reporter someday. In 2009, she also became a semifinalist in the Mutya ng Pilipinas held in Baler, Aurora.

She also won People's Choice Awards.

Other winners of special awards were Quiray, Best in Swimsuit and Best in Cocktail Wear; Gavagan, Miss Golden Sunset; Orais, Best in Casual Wear and Gandang Ricky Reyes; Gamboa, Best in Long Gown; Diane Querrer, Tanauan City, Miss Talent and Best in Cultural Costume; Norella Nacis, La Union, Miss Friendship; and Toribio, Miss New Placenta, which was presented by Jaime Acosta, President and CEO, Psalmstre Inc.

Members of the board of judges were DENR regional director Concordio Zuniga,Gov. Chavit Singson, Ricky Reyes, Ayen Munji-Laurel, Kent Crane, Dolly Ann Carvajal, Alfonso Togliaferri, Ann Maria Borromeo, and Ruperto Jacinto.

Source: Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation

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