Speechless at overwhelmed, yan ang naging reaksyon ng Filipina-Belgian beauty queen na si Roxanne Allison Baeyens ng Baguio City sa kanyang historic win bilang Miss Philippines Earth 2020 sa naganap na virtual coronation ng kompetisyon.
Sa naging exclusive interview ng Star FM Baguio kay Baeyens ilang oras matapos ang anunsiyo, inamin nitong hindi pa rin siya makapaniwala sa kaniyang tagumpay.
Dinaig nga ng 23-year-old Igorota ang 32 na mga kandidata mula sa iba’t-ibang probinsiya sa bansa.
“I’m still in shock. It hasn’t fully sunk in yet, honestly. My hands are still shaking. I couldn’t believe it. I have no words to express how I really feel, but all I can say, I’m so grateful for all the love and support. To the Lord, for guiding me. I was strong because He was with me. I can say I made it and I’m very happy.”
Ibinahagi ng commercial model na ng mapabilang pa lang ito sa Top 5 ay satisfied na siya pero tila ‘destiny’ umano ang nangyari sa kanya sa final round.
“It was anyone’s game. When I reached top 5, I felt so contented already. Being in top 5 is already a big deal. Sabi ko, at least I have a crown no matter what happens. I was less nervous na. During the question and answer portion, I was more confident. I was already happy na. The stars just aligned. I was able to answer again from the heart and it was on point. I think it was just destiny.”
Proud din naman ang Tourism Management graduate mula Saint Louis University na maging kauna-unahang virtually-crowned beauty queen sa Pilipinas.
“The virtual pageant was a good idea, to continue the legacy of Miss Philippines Earth. Despite it being virtual, Miss Philippines Earth still found a way to push through. Tulad ng frontliners, tuloy pa rin sila sa trabaho. Same for us. I’m really happy that I have a bigger platform that could pave a way to a more inclusive reach. It’s a start to other possibilities.”
Masaya naman ang beauty queen mula sa city of Pines na nabigyan siya ng oportunidad para lalong mapalawak at maisabuhay ang kaniyang mga adbokasiya.
“I now have a bigger platform so I could open more eyes to the benefits of urban agriculture. I’m proud to point out my advocacy since it’s very timely. It really puts out security. I really want to send out the message, that if you learn to plant and harvest your own food at home, then you would feel the sense of security. Lalo ngayon we are experiencing a shortage of food supply, which is what I actually said din during my Q and A. I’m happy that I was able to bring my advocacy till the end.”
Samantala, sinabi rin nito na excited na siya sa magaganap na kaabang-abang na Miss Earth, at handa ito sakaling virtual pa rin ang nasabing international competition.
“If ever physical siya, that would be really fun since I would meet other nationalities and other Miss Earths. Kapag virtual, kapag that time, wala pang vaccine at hindi pa safe, okay lang din. I would bring all the lessons [sa Miss Philippines Earth] sa international pageant.”
Aminado naman nito na isang inspirasyon para sa kanya ang former reigning queen na si Janelle Tee.
“Hindi ako makapaniwala na I’ll be the one continuing the legacy of such a kind queen. She set the bar so high. I’ll work hard for it and do my best. It’s gonna be a long year, and I’m just gonna have a fun time. I’m really gonna pour my heart out to do my best as Miss Philippines Earth.”
