Today is the start of the two-week ECQ lockdown in a good part of the country. And with public events/gatherings restricted by the government and IATF, the only national pageant that has remained alive is Miss Philippines Earth 2021 because of the virtual staging. The setup has proven to be a most practical alternative instead of getting a direct hit into postponing all their activities.

This coming Sunday, August 8 at 10am, the Grand Finals will be aired on the Kapamilya Channel. While the entire atmosphere of a virtual coronation has left many pageant fans, watchers and enthusiasts less excited about the proceedings, Carousel Productions has opted to push through with the staging. Kudos to the entire team for giving “brave” a whole new meaning.

And so, without further ado, let me share my Final Predictions for the results. There are 66 remaining Eco Warriors and I chose to make a Top 20 shortlist, or practically 1/3 of the roster. There are many promising contenders among them. In the end, the more winnable candidates and consistent performers were able to run the distance and reach the finish line ahead of others.

Naelah Alshorbaji – Parañaque City
Gail Ventic – Angeles City
Ameera Almamari – Atimonan, Quezon
Mia Jane Salisbury – Talisay, Cebu
Louise Theunis – Carrascal, Surigao del Sur
Sofia Grace Galve – Tanay, Rizal
Katheryn Tan Guipetacio – Sucbongcogon, MisOr
Angelie Aubrey Asuncion – Sto. Domingo, Albay
Roni Meneses – Mandaluyong City
Sarah Margarette Joson – City of Manila
Rocel Songano – Iloilo City
Anita Rose Gomez – Olongapo City
Elda Louise Aznar – Davao City
Riah De Ocampo – Silay City
Fatima Kate Bisan – Malungon, Sarangani
Charissa Rama – Moalboal, Cebu
Alexandra Salazar – Cotabato City
Amira Alisha Qamhawe – Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat
Ellyssa May Cedilla – San Juan City
Irish Ebuen – Digos City

Ideally, I would love to see a set of Top 5 winners who actually come from 1) NCR, 2) Central/Northern Luzon, 3) Southern Luzon, 4) Visayas and 5) Mindanao. Interestingly, the first five in my list are just that – one lady from each of the aforementioned regions. I see that as coincidental, though. They may switch places and still maintain the composition. But we all know that during the final judging, the represented places do not come into play as to who will get Earth, Air, Water, Fire and EcoTourism. What’s more, the ladies in the second to fourth tiers also have strong aspirants who can spoil the results for those on top.

The organizers know too well that attitude is one factor that needs to be scored discretely. And this is the component I am not clearly privy to. Let’s just hope and see that they match my choices.

In my eyes, Naelah Alshorbaji is the face of this year’s batch – much like a Roxie Baeyens counterpart. And she is also a solid performer in all segments. But Gail Ventic is not to be taken lightly, just as Ameera Almamari and Mia Salisbury possess two of the most articulate selves among them. Louise Theunis, on the other hand, is a potential winner given her knowledge of the environment and previous national pageant experiences. Will this quintet prove unbeatable?

Now from the remaining ladies, I see spoilers in Sofia Galve, Katheryn Guipetacio, Angelie Asuncion, Roni Meneses and Sarah Margarette Joson. If they play their game as is, then the sashes for the five runners-up will be placed on them.

In the end, I would like to see a leveled-up virtual staging of the Finals. Whoever among these predicted placers can perform the duties and responsibilities of Roxie, Patrixia Santos, Gianna Llanes, Shane Tormes and Ilyssa Mendoza. So it all boils down to a grander event that can surpass the 2020 edition by at least a notch or two.

Congratulations in advance to the new Queens of the Earth – the winning colors of the Earth, if you will (And also the special guests during the Season 6 Premiere of Pageantry Norms on August 15)!