Will Jaime Herrell be the next Karla Henry?

CEBU, Philippines - The newly-crowned Miss Philippines Earth hails from Placer, Masbate, but has found a second home in Cebu after moving here to pursue a Mass Communications degree at the University of San Jose-Recoletos.

Described during coronation night as someone who loves to dance hip-hop, Jamie Herrell is now an acting student at the International Academy of Film and Television in Mactan, while managing the Mactan Dynamics Dance Company studio with her mother.

Herrell, 19, bested 48 other candidates – including national pageant veterans – to win the evening’s major title during Sunday’s coronation night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. She will compete in the Miss Earth 2014 pageant, usually held last quarter of the year, and may be the second Filipina and Cebu City bet to bring home the Miss Earth crown, following Karla Henry’s historic win in 2008.

The Fil-Am skilled dancer was a clear frontrunner, racking up numerous gold medals in pre-pageant events such as for the Fun for a Cause challenge, Darling of the Press selection, and competitions for best in Resort Wear, Swimsuit and Cultural Costume. She also gained additional points by winning silver medals in the Catwalk, Talent, and Hair and Makeup contests; plus bronze medals in the Trash to Class, Beachwear Styling and Evening Gown competitions.

During the eve of the coronation night, she led in the rankings with 116 points, while two candidates tied for second place at 90 points.

Herrell also won sponsor awards as Miss Advance Psalmstre and Miss Solaire, among other citations.

“Do you think human beings have been good children to Mother Earth? Why or why not?,” asked judge Risa Hontiveros, whom Herrell picked during a random selection before the Q&A round.

“Honestly, I think we have not been good children to Mother Earth. In fact, we are the reason for climate change and floods. But it is also us who can salvage her and take care of her, so that she will take care of us back,” Herrell answered.

Herrell’s previous pageant titles are Sinulog Festival Queen 2013, Reyna ng Aliwan 2013, Mega Cebu Ambassadress 2013 and Miss Lapu-Lapu 2012 first runner-up.

In the official Miss Philippines Earth website, the five-foot-seven stunner states that her advocacy is anti-animal cruelty, because she has “seen how some people treat animals in a wrong way and I believe animals should be treated with love or at least in a proper manner.”

Rounding out the top five were Miss Philippines-Water Kimberly Covert from Dumaguete City, Miss Philippines-Air Dianne Carmela Querrer from Tanauan City, Miss Philippines-Fire Maria Paula Bianca Paz from Gapan City, and Miss Philippines-Eco Tourism Monique Teruelle Manuel from Dinalupihan, Bataan.

From 49, the contestants were whittled down to 15. After the semi-finalists paraded in their swimsuit and evening gowns, they were then narrowed down to a field of 10. The Top 10 included Liloan, Cebu’s bet Crystal Star Aberasturi.

The judges’ panel included activist Risa Hontiveros, TV host Paolo Abrera, actor Christopher de Leon, Solaire executive Jasper Evangelista, Fil-Swiss racer Marlon Stockinger, actress Cherie Gil and Miss PH-Earth organizer Lorraine Schuck. Robi Domingo and Karla Henry stepped in to host; “The Legal Wife” and “Moon of Desire” star JC de Vera serenaded the candidates.

The Miss Earth pageant, which started in 2001, is considered as among the world’s four largest beauty pageants, along with Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss International.

The Philippines won the Miss Earth title once when then 22-year-old Karla Henry won the 2008 edition. Last year’s Philippine representative Angelee Claudette delos Reyes, reached the top eight. (FREEMAN)