PAGUDPUD, Ilocos Norte—Amidst a stormy weather, at least 10 delegates of the Miss Earth International visited Ilocos Norte over the weekend to experience what the province has to offer in terms of eco-tourism.
Hosted by Hannah’s Beach Resort and Hotel dubbed as the ‘crown jewel of the north” in Pagudpud town, retired Col. Ricardo Nolasco Jr. said it has always been a pleasure to welcome international beauties.
“It has been a commitment of Hannah’s to make Ilocos Norte a world class capital. We do this every time not only for Miss Earth but all year round,” said Nolasco.
The 10 delegates representing the countries of Austria, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Israel, Korea, Guatemala, Sweden, Thailand, Uganda and Venezuela arrived in Pagudpud town on Friday and left for Manila on the evening of October 15.
Amazed by the beauty of Pagudpud, Miss Venezuela Ninoska Vasquez said she was very impressed of the warmth and hospitality of Filipinos.
“The people are very happy and good. I like their hospitality,” said Vasquez, citing Filipino food is excellent, too.
“Before the competition, I had been on diet but in the Philippines, there is no diet. I like it,” she added.
For Paweensuda Drouin of Thailand, she said trying Hannah’s superman zipline, the longest zipline over water, excited her the most. “I feel like I was flying and the scenery was so amazing,” she said.
But beyond the natural beauty of Pagudpud’s crystal clear ocean and green mountains, Drouin said it’s the Filipinos that made her stay most memorable.
“Everybody is friendly and they are so helpful. No matter where I go, they always say, hello, good morning. It’s always a nice feeling and it’s like I’m always at home,” said Drouin.
When asked about her environment advocacy, Drouin believes that educating children about environment protection should start at home. “I believe that education about environmental awareness should start at home. That parents should not just be educating but also as role models to their kids. So that the concept of environmental awareness—the 5 Rs—rethink, reduce, reuse, recycle and respect will be engraved into their minds,” she said. (PNA)