From left: Ambassador of the National Climate Change Commission Mache Torres-Ackerman, Mutya ng Pilipinas Environment International 2025 Arianna Pantaleon, and Mutya ng Pilipinas President Cory Quirino.
The Philippines is set to unveil the glitz and glamour of the Miss Environment International 2025 beauty pageant, scheduled to take place this November.
The enchanting event promises to be a spectacular showcase of grace and advocacy, drawing participants from around the globe to celebrate both beauty and the urgent need for environmental stewardship.
This was announced by Mache Torres-Ackerman, ambassador of the National Climate Change Commission, during the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum held recently. Also at the same event were CCC Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz Sr., former Senator Joey Lina, and Manila Bulletin Publisher Sonny Coloma.
"The Miss Environment International 2025 beauty pageant will be held on Nov. 14. We are very proud to be staging the pageant in partnership with the Climate Change Commission (CCC), the United Nations, and other organizations. Mayor Isko Moreno will be one of our co-presenters," said Mache during an interview at the hotel's Roma Salon.
Around 45 candidates from around the world will compete in the contest. Mutya ng Pilipinas Environment International 2025 Arianna Charlize Pantaleon will represent the country in the competition.
"This pageant is not just about beauty. It's advocacy in action. We are more for action. Since it's about the environment and climate change, we are solar-powered. We are out there on the streets doing something for the environment. We are conducting awareness programs. We discuss the current events that we need to be aware of. For one week, the candidates will experience activities with the commission," Mache also said.
Ready for pageant
Arianna said that she's excited for the pageant and to meet her sisters in the competition.
"I'm excited. I have been preparing ever since Mutya ng Pilipinas gave me the title, and it's an amazing opportunity. I'm thankful, and I'm looking forward to the pageant," the Filipino-Canadian beauty queen said.
Arianna, 22, is an advocate for the protection of the environment, sustainability, and now climate change, as well as against domestic violence.
Asked about her simple activities to protect the environment, Arianna said, "For our generation, understanding climate change is crucial. For the simple things, one thing I can do is recycle my clothes. I also walk to many places. I live in Taguig, so it's easy for me to access many places without needing to take a Grab or drive everywhere. Walking is one way to help preserve our environment."
Arianna also believes that beauty pageants remain relevant because many beauty queens are actively involved in their communities, raising awareness about various issues and constantly contributing to environmental causes.
Born and raised in Canada, Arianna has a degree in public speaking and communications. "Now, I am in the Philippines, pursuing my dream of becoming a beauty queen and using my voice to spread awareness about the causes I advocate for."
Back-to-back victory?
Mutya ng Pilipinas President Cory Quirino shared her excitement about staging the Miss Environment International 2025 in Manila.
"When Mache Torres decided to hold Miss Environment International in the Philippines, I was very happy. She would take it to the next level.
"It's about time for the world to have a pageant that embraces the environment seriously and passionately. This is the start. We are pleased that Arianna Pantaleon, our Mutya ng Pilipinas Environment International, will represent the Philippines in the pageant in November," Cory added.
Should Arianna win, it's going to be a back-to-back victory for the Philippines. "It's been done in other pageants, why not this year?"
Cory said there will be a swimsuit competition, but it's nature-based and environmentally friendly.
Personal advocacy
Cory revealed that she was supposed to have retired from the pageant world a few years ago, but postponed it.
"I have planned to retire in 2016 after Miss World. To win a crown as prestigious as Miss World, it took a lot of my energy. I put my all into it. Since we almost won the crown in 2016, with Catriona Gray, I just felt that it was time for me to relax and rest, but I was rather pleased when Catriona won Miss Universe.
"That time I was in retirement. So, when I was offered the opportunity to be the president of Mutya ng Pilipinas, I actually said no. But when the chairman said to me, 'How can you say no to the ladies who need to be discovered and trained by you?' That I could not say no to.
"So it's a personal advocacy to help Filipinas be discovered, to have a big break in life, and to be a positive influence in their lives eventually. That's why I'm back in beauty pageants," Cory said.
Cory also believes there is hope for the Miss Environment International 2025 beauty pageant because the CCC and other local groups have taken an interest in it. She also admired the girls who were competing in pageants.
"The girls in pageants these days are vigilant and aware. They want to do something with their lives. It has to be something relevant and credible. They want to be real. You can see that pageants have become increasingly reality-based in recent years. This is the way to go. This is not a journey for the crown but also a journey towards one's individuality, position, and purpose in life.
"Pageantry has now become competitive. You have to prepare. If you feel ready and want to pursue a pageant, consider joining one. But if you're half-hearted about it, you're not prepared," Cory also said.
Cory also shared her message to pageant fans who have been supportive of her. "You know me. I don't do anything without a 100 percent commitment of my heart. Be sure that whatever I do, it's not just for me, but also for you. To give your life more meaning and entertainment. Whatever I handle, I handle it 101 percent."
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