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A Look at the Newly Crowned Miss Philippines-Earth 2006
by JOSE D. PATAO, JR.


2006 MISS PHILIPPINES-EARTH WINNERS - From left: Miss Eco-Tourism Reena Rae Sarmiento, Miss Air Ginger Ann Conejero, Miss Philippines-Earth Catherine Untalan, Miss Water Katrina Grace Rigets and Miss Fire Francis Dianne Cervantes.

A statuesque cum laude graduate from the University of the Philippines was elected by an all-woman panel of judges as the Philippines' bet for the forthcoming Miss Earth Beauty Pageant in November during a fast-paced coronation show at the UP Theater last Sunday, May 14.

Catherine Yu Untalan, a 6-feet, BS Psychology cum laude graduate from UP-Diliman, bested 23 other contestants from all over the country as well as from abroad to win the coveted Miss Philippines-Earth 2006 title. Measuring 34-25-35 and displaying innate poise, grace and intelligence, Untalan succeeded Gennebelle Raagas, last year's winner, and earned the right to represent the Philippines at the 6th Miss Earth Beauty Pageant to be held in Santiago, Chile on November 15.

Sticking out like a sore thumb with very Filipina features, Untalan was elected by an all-woman panel of judges chaired by no less than socialite and former public servant Margarita "Tingting" Cojuangco. Also in the distinguished panel of jurors were: 1973 Miss World 1st runnerup Evangeline Pascual, 1993 Miss Asia Pacific Michelle Aldana-Heinermann, 1992 Miss Asia Pacific 2nd runnerup Mutya Laxa, be-medalled equestrienne Toni Leviste, international singer and stage actress Isay Alvarez, international fashion expert Lulu Tan Gan, and Lifestyle Asia contributing editor Baby Cruz. 

Born on August 8, 1985, Catherine, or Cathy to family and friends, is the second of three siblings of retired Air Force Colonel Gregorio Untalan and the former Betty Yu of Kraft Foods Philippines. She attended elementary and high school at St. Paul's-Paranaque and graduated cum laude with a degree in BS Psychology at the UP last April. 

Cathy earned a thunderous ovation when she answered the final question: "The judges all have made their mark globally in their respective fields. How would you like to be recognized internationally and why?" Nailing it on the dot, Cathy replied: "I would like to be the first Filipina to win as Miss Earth... a woman of beauty, talent and a genuine concern for the environment."

The day after winning the title, Cathy admitted that her victory was still "surreal" to her. "Maybe when I see my schedule, it will start to sink in. But I'm very happy, sublimely happy!"

RP BET FOR MISS EARTH - Measuring 34-25-35, Cathy will compete for Miss
Earth in Santiago, Chile in November

Cathy will be competing against some 90 contestants worldwide at the 6th Miss Earth Pageant to be staged in Santiago, Chile on November 15, the first time it will be held outside the country. She said she is "excited on my Chile sojourn and I hope to be extremely prepared so I can represent my country with pride." Cathy will be frequenting the gym for her physical preparations and hopes to learn to speak Spanish (so that "I will not be left out in Chile") and read on environmental issues. 

Competing on her very first pageant ever, Cathy said she has learned a lot of things during the month-long pageant. Among others, she has learned: 1) that friendships are more important than competition; 2) to enjoy everything you do; 3) to do your best all the time, so you won't look back with regret; 4) that some things are not for us because God has other plans; 5) to relax; and 6) to respect other people's opinions and personality because differences, when handled well, can be unifying.

As the newest ambassador of Mother Earth, Cathy wishes to spearhead information campaigns to educate people on the degradation of our environment. She said, "Unless people realize the gravity of the situation and their personal contributions towards Mother Nature's destruction, we can never take concrete action in resuscitating her. It's not really difficult as it looks. Our small actions can make a difference. Plant trees. Reduce waste production. Segregate. Recycle."

When asked what made her win, Cathy honestly and humbly replied, "Honestly, I believe it was God's will that I won the crown. All my 23 co-contestants are beautiful, smart and deserving to win. I wasn't a crowd favorite or everybody's bet, but I guess it was my time to shine... and they will have their moments as well. Aside from that, I can't put aside the fact that I am 6 feet tall, sticking out like a sore thumb with very Filipina features." 

During the long gown competition at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, this writer took notice of Cathy's height and she confessed: "I wish I'd stop growing taller!" Now that she's Miss Philippines-Earth, perhaps Cathy would wish to stand proud and even taller when she carries the Philippine colors at the Miss Earth tilt in November.

 

MISS PHILIPPINES-EARTH 2006 HONOR ROLL:

Miss Philippines-Earth – Catherine Yu Untalan
Miss Philippines-Air – Ginger Ann Abadiano Conejero
Miss Philippines-Water – Katrina Grace Guzman Rigets
Miss Philippines-Fire – Francis Dianne Tolentino Cervantes
Miss Philippines-EcoTourism – Reena Rae De Leon Sarmiento

Semi-finalists:
Stephanie Florence Velasquez Magali
April Love Antolo Jordan
Royce Ann Katrine Go Estella
Iris Frances Lim Tan
Faith Averie Villamor Mercado
Miss Friendship – Andrea Fernando Dimalanta
Miss Photogenic – Ginger Ann Abadiano Conejero
Miss Talent – Arianne Mendoza Veneracion 
Best in Swimsuit – Faith Averie Villamor Mercado
Best in Long Gown – Jacqueline Gumabay Boquiron
Best in Cultural Attire – Chrismin Anne Vismanos Lim

 

 

PHOTO CREDITS: Melvin H. Sia

 

 

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