Karen Ibasco addresses criticism that she does not deserve Miss Earth crown

They say heavy is the head that wears the crown, but Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco is feeling light and still floating on air.

 

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!

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Nov 5, 2017 at 7:27pm PST

Ibasco on her Instagram account shared that her victory hasn't quite sunk in, but she's taking the responsibilities that come with the crown with appropriate seriousness.

"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," the beauty queen shared.

Ibasco graduated cum laude at the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in applied and medical physics.

Fans praised her eloquence in the #EarthTalk and Final Question segments of the Miss Earth 2017 pageants, but unflattering photos quickly circulated online following her win.

A number of people online questioned the results and pointed to her advantage as a Philippine delegate in a pageant held in the Philippines.

"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," Ibasco said.

 

¿Opiniones sobre la nueva Miss Earth que ganó sin tramoyas? En el mayor concurso de belleza como lo es el Miss Earth . . . #KarenIbasco #philippines #filipinas #missearthphilippines #missphilippines #manila #ninoskavasquez #venezuela #missvenezuela #missearthvenezuela #paweensudadrouin #thailand #missthailand #missearththailand #panama #puertorico #vietnam #ecuador #russia #missearth #misstierra #france #indonesia #top #miss #model #girl #like #photoshoot #paraisodereinas

A post shared by Keysi Sayago|Miss Venezuela???????? (@amandoalasmisses) on

Nov 4, 2017 at 8:03am PDT

 

#LaViperina Chiama no es por nada pero esa #MissEarth no la da ???????????? no tiene lo que otras no se es como es mataita Ay no no dije nada #missphilippines #philippines #missearth2017 #farandula #like #cenicienta #meme #humor

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Nov 5, 2017 at 10:14am PST

"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," she continued. "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."

In true beauty queen fashion, Ibasco declared that she wants her crown to be a beacon of hope for people to be a part of global community that addresses the environmental problems we're facing today. — LA, GMA News