Miss Philippines Earth candidate misses cultural attire contest to serve as frontliner for OFWs

A Miss Philippines Earth candidate has missed the pageant’s cultural attire competition since she had to serve as frontliner for overseas Filipino workers who hoped to come back home amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In a Facebook post last Friday, the beauty pageant’s official account said Hannah Bithiah Meriño of Sta. Rosa, Laguna, missed the pre-pageant contest because she had to pick up OFWs in Dubai and safely bring them home back to the country.    

The Philippine Airlines flight attendant revealed that her costume was ready and she was planning to attend the pageant last Wednesday right after she got back from Dubai. However, because their departure time was changed, she arrived in the Philippines too late.

Although she felt sad to miss the last few activities of the pageant, she still felt grateful that she can participate in the pageant and at the same time serve amid the pandemic.

“Even if I wasn’t able to wear my cultural costume last Wednesday, I was given the chance to wear a different costume in service to the Filipino people,” Hannah said.   

“I’d like to thank Miss Philippines Earth for allowing me to do so,” she added.

During the cultural attire contest, contestants showcased their traditional dresses virtually to stay safe amid the health crisis.

The grand coronation night will be held online on Sunday, 10 a.m. and will be streamed on GMA Network. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News