5 Things to Know About Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco

The Philippines just won two international beauty competitions over the weekend! And one of our victorious representatives is 26-year-old Karen Ibasco of Manila City who now reigns as Miss Earth 2017. On November 4, she was crowned and awarded the title in the Mall of Asia Arena, Manila.

There is so much more about the half-Filipina, half-Chinese model. So here are 5 facts about Karen Ibasco:

5 Facts about Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco

1. She competed with Maxine Medina and Kylie Verzosa in Binibining Pilipinas 2016. Back in 2016, Karen joined the 39 contestants who all competed for the title of Binibining Pilipinas– and the chance to participate in the Miss Universe. But unfortunately, she lost. But this didn’t stop her from pursuing her aspirations though.

2. Taking Applied Physics as her course is the most ‘unusual thing she’s done.’ According to the Miss Earth website where Karen shared a few things about her, she says that choosing Applied Physics as her undergraduate course had to be one of the most unusual things she’s done. She even admits that she had no idea there was such a thing– not until she tried it on for herself.

In her risk to take on such a new course for her, she was able to develop a love interest with Physics. In fact, she graduated Cum Laude in her bachelor’s and master’s degree.

3. She is a Math and Physics teacher in UST. Talk about feeling good for taking a math or physics class for once! With such an inspirational and passionate teacher, students must’ve been quite active in her class. Other than being a professor, she also became a Radiation Oncology Medical Physicist of St. Luke’s Medical Center. Basically, she is a specialist of radiation treatments for cancer patients.

4. She’s interested in Fashion design. On her Instagram account, Karen has posted a few sketches of dresses. She’s even posted a photo of her trying out ‘SoFa’– an online design institute that offers short courses about fashion design. On one photo, she captions: ‘Designing will always be close to my heart.’ Hopefully, our Miss Earth 2017 designs her very own dress soon! Cross your fingers!

Designing will always be close to my heart.❤️ #black #design #art #shade #beauty #idea #sketch #photooftheday #bestoftheday #iphoneonly #love #igers #fashion #style #look #illustration

A post shared by Ms. Earth 2017👑🇵🇭🌎 (@karenibasco) on Jun 4, 2016 at 1:26am PDT

5. She was the ‘dark horse’ of Miss Earth 2017. Dark horse means that she is the most unlikely competitor to actually win the contest. She had been tagged as such by the press even before July of 2017. But instead of thinking negatively of this, she chose to use this as her drive to prove them wrong– and to still be herself in the duration.

Besides, look at Karen Ibasco now! She’s the fourth Filipina to win a Miss Earth title. It had been way back in 2015 when Philippine bet Angelia Ong gained the title.

It takes quite some time until it fully sinks in. Never in my wildest dreams have I ever thought I would represent the Philippines and win an international title in a prestigious pageant that upholds a relevant cause. I am honored and privileged to be the very first scientist to join and win in the whole history of Miss Earth as I shared my voice and represented the whole scientific community for the world to see and hear. I am confident enough to say that it was not by my own abilities that made me standout in performing during the coronation night in all segments especially in the question and answer portion, it was by the Spirit of God that led me through. Apart from Him I could not have done it. He was the One who gave me confidence and wisdom in presenting myself as a whole package in front of the whole world. It’s never easy to win the crown in your own country because you have to make double even triple efforts to show to everyone that you’re fighting the battle at your best just like everybody else but what made my journey extra special was the overwhelming support I got from my fellow Filipinos. If there’s one thing I am proud about my people despite of being known to be hospitable, it’s our camaraderie. We show to the whole world what bayanihan is all about when the spirit of communal unity and cooperation is displayed for all to see. No amount of words will change the fact that the battle has already been won. I don’t take this crown for myself, It is for the whole Philippines. This battle was not mine alone but ours. I am proud in raising our flag for the whole world to witness. I would like to thank EVERYONE for the love, prayers and support you have given me in my unforgettable journey here in Miss Earth. This once in a lifetime experience will truly be remembered and treasured forever. I am more than ready to continue the legacy of beauty and responsibility. May this be a beacon of hope for everyone to see that our micro efforts will have macro effect as we take this challenge together as a global community with a collective action. This is Karen Ibasco, your Miss Earth 2017!👑🇵🇭🌎 ALL GLORY TO GOD!

A post shared by Ms. Earth 2017👑🇵🇭🌎 (@karenibasco) on Nov 5, 2017 at 7:27pm PST