With forty-six (46) candidates vying for just one crown, it is tough zeroing in on one lady who can zoom to the top and stay permanently in the #1 spot till the finals night. But this is Miss Philippines Earth. The first five (5) placements are already considered titleholders, with the next five (5) sashed as runners-up to the magic circle of elemental crown-wearers.

After the Press Presentation last May 16, it made things relatively easier for your blogger to share his running favorites. And at this juncture, it would be safe to say that the ladies who have strong chances to perform well at the Historic Aguinaldo Shrine on June 12 are Imelda Schweighart of Puerto Princesa City and Kiara Giel Gregorio of London. These two ladies are on a see-saw battle for the title of Angelia Ong.

But then again, the presence of consistent performers Tim Alsowyed of Dumaguete City, Shannon Bridgman of Rosales, Pangasinan and Ellyz Santos of Laoang, Northern Samar cannot be ignored. They complete my First 5 so far.

Now pageants are always full of surprises. So I wouldn’t overlook the chances of Evening Gown Competition winner Melanie Mader of Austria and Darling of the Press Liza Cacho of Anda, Pangasinan. Why, even the remaining candidates who made it as Hana Beauties of Nature should be given the edge to figure out well in the final tally. And they are Anna Mae Cagurangan of Piat, Cagayan, Korinna Christiene Reyes of the City of San Fernando, Jessica Zevenbergen of Murcia, Negros Occ. and Loren Artajos of Laoag City.

Finally, I am giving my temporary wild cards to Niña Sherra Tagalog of Palo, Leyte, Athena Catriz of the City of San Pedro, Maybelle Pameroyan of Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan and the Fire Fighter herself, Angelyn Pasaporte Presidente of Pototan, Iloilo.

The list will still change in some areas, for sure. But for now, these are the fifteen Earth warriors I am seeing as solid bets to make the cut in Miss Philippines Earth 2016. 🙂