Miss Earth 2016
Miss Earth 2016, the 16th edition of the Miss Earth international beauty pageant focused on environmental awareness, was held on October 29, 2016, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.[1][2][3] The event featured 83 delegates from countries and territories worldwide competing with a focus on the "5Rs" campaign (Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Respect), emphasizing climate change awareness and positive environmental transformations.[4] Ecuador's Katherine Espín, a lawyer and model, was crowned Miss Earth 2016, marking the country's second win in the pageant's history after Waneska Palacios in 2013.[5][6] The pageant awarded four major titles, with the runners-up representing the elemental categories central to Miss Earth's eco-advocacy structure. Michelle Gómez of Colombia was named Miss Earth-Air 2016, Stephanie de Zorzi of Venezuela received Miss Earth-Water 2016, and Bruna Zanardo of Brazil was crowned Miss Earth-Fire 2016 (later replaced by Corrin Stellakis of the United States).[6][2][7] The competition included pre-pageant activities such as environmental workshops, tree-planting initiatives, and advocacy presentations, aligning with the organization's mission to promote sustainability and combat climate change.[3] Espín's victory highlighted Ecuador's growing prominence in international pageants, and during her reign, she focused on projects related to eco-tourism, renewable energy, and environmental education.[5][8] Held in the Philippines for the 15th time, the event drew significant local attention, though the host country's representative, Imelda Schweighart, did not place in the finals.[2][3] The coronation night featured performances, fashion segments, and a final Q&A on environmental issues, underscoring the pageant's blend of beauty and global responsibility.[6]Background
Overview
Miss Earth 2016 marked the 16th annual edition of the Miss Earth international beauty pageant, an event dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices through the platform of beauty and advocacy.[9] Organized by Carousel Productions, the pageant brought together 83 contestants representing various countries and territories to engage in competitions and challenges that emphasized eco-advocacy and global environmental responsibility.[10][1] The event spanned from October 5 to October 29, 2016, culminating in the coronation night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines—the first time the pageant was fully hosted at this venue. Under the theme "Empowered to Make a Change," participants focused on inspiring action for planetary conservation.[2][11]Theme and Host
The Miss Earth 2016 pageant adopted the theme "Empowered to Make a Change," emphasizing the role of individuals and communities in driving environmental action and sustainability efforts.[12] This theme underscored the empowerment of participants to inspire broader societal shifts toward ecological responsibility, aligning with the pageant's longstanding focus on conservation.[12] The event was hosted in the Philippines for the 14th time, a selection rooted in the country's exceptional biodiversity—one of the world's highest—and its established track record in environmental advocacy through initiatives like reforestation and marine protection campaigns.[12] Organizers highlighted how the host nation would showcase its natural heritage to promote global sustainability, distinguishing the event from typical tourist showcases by integrating eco-focused explorations.[12] Pre-event promotions by the Miss Earth Organization began in July 2016, including proposals for regional hosting sites to amplify local environmental messaging.[13] Candidate arrivals commenced on October 5, with over 80 delegates gathering in Manila by early October for media presentations and preparatory activities.[14]Venue
Location Details
The primary venue for Miss Earth 2016 was the SM Mall of Asia Arena, located in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines, where the coronation night took place on October 29, 2016.[2] This multi-purpose indoor arena, part of the SM Mall of Asia complex, offers a seating capacity of 15,000 for events, making it suitable for large-scale international gatherings.[15] The arena incorporates energy-efficient design elements aligned with SM Prime Holdings' broader sustainability efforts, including the use of renewable energy sources like solar power across the mall complex to reduce carbon emissions.[16] Its strategic position along the shores of Manila Bay provided convenient access for water-related environmental challenges, emphasizing the pageant's focus on marine conservation.[3] Contestants were primarily based in Manila hotels such as the Century Park Hotel, facilitating centralized logistics while aligning with the event's environmental theme through proximity to urban green initiatives.[17]Coronation Show
The coronation show of Miss Earth 2016 was held on the evening of October 29, 2016, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines.[18] The event followed a structured format typical of the pageant, featuring a swimsuit competition to showcase the delegates' athleticism and confidence, followed by an evening gown segment highlighting elegance and grace. The competition culminated in a question-and-answer portion for the top finalists, where questions centered on environmental issues to assess their advocacy and knowledge on sustainability topics.[19][20][2] The show was hosted by television personalities Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez, who brought their experience from co-hosting Asia's Got Talent to guide the proceedings. Live entertainment included performances by the Filipino girl group 4th Impact, contributing to the evening's vibrant atmosphere.[18][1][21] The coronation night was broadcast live worldwide via streaming on Rappler.com and aired on networks including ABS-CBN, Star World, and The Filipino Channel, with a delayed telecast on ABS-CBN the following day to promote the pageant's sustainability messages to international audiences. The judging panel comprised environmental experts such as green activist Matthias Gelber, alongside celebrities and former Miss Earth titleholders, ensuring evaluations aligned with the event's ecological focus.[12][22]Results
Placements
Katherine Espín of Ecuador was crowned Miss Earth 2016 on October 29, 2016, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines.[2] At 23 years old and hailing from La Troncal, she became the second Ecuadorian to win the title, succeeding Angelia Ong of the Philippines.[5] The runners-up, known as the elemental queens, were Michelle Gómez of Colombia as Miss Earth-Air, Stephanie de Zorzi of Venezuela as Miss Earth-Water, and Bruna Zanardo of Brazil as Miss Earth-Fire.[1] The top 8 semifinalists advanced to the evening gown and swimsuit competitions during the coronation night and included:| Placement | Delegate | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Top 8 | Nguyễn Thị Lệ Nam Em | Vietnam |
| Top 8 | Stephanie de Zorzi | Venezuela |
| Top 8 | Aleksandra Cherepanova | Russia |
| Top 8 | Cloie Syquia Skarne | Sweden |
| Top 8 | Corrin Stellakis | United States |
| Top 8 | Bruna Zanardo | Brazil |
| Top 8 | Michelle Gómez | Colombia |
| Top 8 | Katherine Espín | Ecuador |
Awards
During the Miss Earth 2016 pageant, several special awards were presented to honor delegates for their environmental advocacy, creativity, interpersonal skills, and visual appeal, distinct from the main title placements. These awards were determined through a combination of pre-pageant submissions, peer voting among contestants, online public votes, and judge evaluations, with a strong emphasis on contributions to ecological awareness and pageant performance.[1][2] The Best Eco-Beauty Video award recognized the most compelling video submission showcasing environmental beauty and sustainability efforts. Tatiana Ovcinicová of Moldova received this honor for her entry highlighting eco-friendly practices in her country.[1][2] Miss Eco-Warrior was awarded to the delegate demonstrating the strongest commitment to environmental activism, often evaluated via social media engagement and challenge event participation. Charlotte Hitchman of Wales won this title for her advocacy on wildlife conservation and sustainable living.[1][2] Miss Congeniality, also referred to as Miss Friendship in some contexts, was selected through peer votes to acknowledge the most amiable and supportive contestant. Candisha Fatima Rolle of the Bahamas earned the gold medal, with Manuela Bruntraeger of Singapore receiving silver and Nan Khine Shwe Wah Win of Myanmar taking bronze.[23][1] The Miss Photogenic award, determined by online voting, celebrated the delegate with the most striking photographic presence. Nguyễn Thị Lệ Nam Em of Vietnam secured the gold, followed by silver for Myanmar and bronze for Venezuela.[24][1] Additional special awards included regional honors for national costumes, judged on cultural representation and creativity during the pre-pageant competition, and the Environmental and Eco-Tourism Presentation award, given to Team Africa for their innovative showcase of sustainable tourism initiatives.[1]Pre-Pageant Activities
Challenge Events
The challenge events of Miss Earth 2016 formed a key component of the pre-pageant activities, held from October 10 to 25, 2016, across various sites in Manila, emphasizing environmental awareness, advocacy, and sustainable practices among the 83 delegates.[25] These competitions evaluated participants' knowledge, media skills, and commitment to eco-initiatives, with outcomes influencing the overall judging criteria for the pageant.[1] The Press Presentation, conducted on October 11, 2016, at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, focused on delegates' media presence and ability to articulate environmental advocacy.[25] In this event, Katherine Espín of Ecuador and Imelda Schweighart of the Philippines tied for the Darling of the Press award, recognized for their engaging interactions with journalists and promotion of sustainability messages.[26] The Eco-Tourism and Environmental Conference, held on October 24, 2016, in Manila, featured a continental team competition where delegates presented strategies for sustainable travel and conservation.[25] Team Africa, comprising representatives from Angola, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda, secured the gold medal for their innovative advocacy on eco-friendly tourism practices that preserve natural habitats.[1] Silver and bronze medals went to Team South America and Team Europe, respectively, highlighting collaborative efforts to address global environmental challenges.[1] Other challenge events included the Eco-Beauty Video, won by Tatiana Ovcinicová of Moldova, and the Resorts Wear Competition. These activities, along with sub-events such as beach cleanups along Manila Bay, underscored the pageant's emphasis on hands-on environmental action during the pre-pageant week.[25]Miss Earth-Hannah's
The Miss Earth-Hannah's was a special mini-pageant held on October 8, 2016, at Hannah's Beach Resort and Convention Center in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.[27] Sponsored by the resort's owner, retired Col. Ricardo Nolasco Jr., the event aimed to showcase selected contestants and promote tourism in the region as part of the Miss Earth 2016 pre-pageant activities.[27] Ten delegates were chosen from the 83 participants to compete, representing countries including Ecuador, the United States, the Philippines, Colombia, South Korea, New Zealand, Mexico, Vietnam, Suriname, and Guadeloupe.[27] The format featured presentations in swimwear and evening gowns, emphasizing the contestants' poise and alignment with the pageant's environmental themes through a beachside setting.[28] Katherine Elizabeth Espín of Ecuador won the title of Miss Earth-Hannah's 2016 at age 23.[28] Corrin Stellakis of the United States placed as 1st Runner-Up at age 19, while Imelda Schweighart of the Philippines was named 2nd Runner-Up.[28][27] Special awards were also presented to highlight individual strengths in the competition.[28]Miss Earth-Barcelona
The Miss Earth-Barcelona event was a fashion show held on October 17, 2016, at Barcelona Ruins Park in Barcelona, Sorsogon, Philippines, featuring 27 delegates from Group 1.[29] As part of the pageant's pre-activities, it emphasized sustainable design through delegates modeling long gowns created in collaboration with local Filipino designers, incorporating eco-friendly elements like recycled materials to promote environmental awareness.[29] Delegates were judged on creativity, the environmental message conveyed by their outfits, and overall presentation during the runway showcase.[29] Ivana Perišić of Bosnia and Herzegovina won the Miss Earth-Barcelona title for her innovative and impactful gown.[29] Other top European placements included Julieann McStravick of Northern Ireland, awarded Best in Evening Gown, and Itzel Paola Astudillo of Mexico, recognized for Best in Production Number.[29] The event highlighted partnerships with local artisans to advance global eco-fashion initiatives, using the platform to demonstrate how recycled materials can transform into high-fashion statements.[29] It included a dedicated photoshoot and generated media coverage through professional photography and press releases, amplifying the promotion of sustainable practices worldwide.[29]Delegates
Participant List
Miss Earth 2016 featured 83 delegates representing countries and territories worldwide, selected to promote environmental awareness through national pageants and direct appointments.[2] The participants, listed alphabetically by country, are presented in the table below, with available details on age, height, and hometown drawn from official pageant profiles and reliable news sources where documented.| Country/Territory | Delegate Name | Age | Height | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Lara Bochle | 21 | 1.73 m | Carlos Pellegrini |
| Australia | Lyndl Kean | 26 | 1.79 m | Woronora |
| Austria | Kimberly Budinsky | 22 | 1.75 m | Vienna |
| Bahamas | Candisha Rolle | 23 | 1.79 m | New Providence |
| Belgium | Fenne Verrecas | 21 | 1.72 m | Antwerp |
| Belize | Chantae Chanice Guy | 24 | 1.78 m | Belize City |
| Bolivia | Eliana Villegas | 23 | 1.77 m | La Paz |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Ivana Perisic | 21 | 1.78 m | Sarajevo |
| Brazil | Bruna Zanardo | 24 | 1.80 m | Chapecó |
| Canada | Tamara Jemuovic | 22 | 1.75 m | Toronto |
| Chile | Tiare Fuentes | 20 | 1.73 m | Santiago |
| China | Xiaohan Gang | 20 | 1.70 m | Shanghai |
| Colombia | Michelle Gómez | 24 | 1.81 m | Sumapaz |
| Cook Islands | Allanah Herman Edgar | 22 | 1.68 m | Rarotonga |
| Croatia | Nera Torlak | 18 | 1.84 m | Zagreb |
| Cyprus | Maria Kortzia | 24 | 1.75 m | Nicosia |
| Czech Republic | Kristynka Kubickova | 18 | 1.68 m | Prague |
| Denmark | Klaudia Parsberg | 25 | 1.75 m | Vejle |
| Dominican Republic | Nicole Jimeno Morel | 22 | 1.70 m | Valverde |
| Ecuador | Katherine Espín | 23 | 1.72 m | La Troncal |
| England | Luissa Burton | 26 | 1.76 m | London |
| Ghana | Deborah Eyram Dodor | 21 | 1.74 m | Accra |
| Guadeloupe | Meghan Monrose | 22 | 1.70 m | Basse-Terre |
| Guam | Gloria Cruz Nelson | 19 | 1.73 m | Dededo |
| Guatemala | Stephanie Sical | 20 | 1.70 m | Guatemala City |
| Haiti | Valierie Alcide | 23 | 1.72 m | Port-au-Prince |
| Hungary | Eszter Oczella | 22 | 1.74 m | Budapest |
| India | Rashi Yadav | 22 | 1.73 m | New Delhi |
| Indonesia | Luisa Andrea Soemitha | 24 | 1.70 m | Jakarta |
| Iraq | Suzan Amer | 21 | 1.68 m | Baghdad |
| Israel | Mira Kahli | 25 | 1.75 m | Tel Aviv |
| Italy | Denise Frigo | 23 | 1.77 m | Milan |
| Japan | Ami Hachiya | 20 | 1.65 m | Tokyo |
| Kenya | Grace Wanene | 24 | 1.72 m | Nairobi |
| Korea | Chae-young Lee | 22 | 1.70 m | Seoul |
| Kyrgyzstan | Begim Almasbekova | 19 | 1.71 m | Bishkek |
| Lebanon | Carole Kahwagi | 23 | 1.74 m | Beirut |
| Macau | Clover Zhu | 21 | 1.68 m | Macau |
| Malaysia | Venisa Judah | 25 | 1.76 m | Kuala Lumpur |
| Malta | Natalya Galdes | 20 | 1.70 m | Valletta |
| Mauritius | Amber Korimdun | 22 | 1.72 m | Port Louis |
| Mexico | Itzel Paola Astudillo | 21 | 1.75 m | Mexico City |
| Moldova | Tatiana Ovcinicova | 24 | 1.73 m | Chișinău |
| Mongolia | Enkhbor Azbileg | 23 | 1.70 m | Ulaanbaatar |
| Myanmar | Nan Khine Shwe Wahwin | 19 | 1.65 m | Yangon |
| Namibia | Elize Ndahafa Shakalela | 22 | 1.74 m | Windhoek |
| Nepal | Roshani Khatri | 20 | 1.68 m | Kathmandu |
| Netherlands | Deborah van Hemert | 25 | 1.78 m | Amsterdam |
| New Zealand | Janelle Nicholas-Wright | 24 | 1.72 m | Auckland |
| Nigeria | Chioma Precious Obiadi | 21 | 1.70 m | Lagos |
| Northern Ireland | Julieann McStravick | 23 | 1.75 m | Belfast |
| Pakistan | Anzhelika Tahir | 22 | 1.71 m | Karachi |
| Palestine | Natali Rantisi | 20 | 1.69 m | Gaza |
| Panama | Virginia Hernández | 24 | 1.76 m | Panama City |
| Paraguay | Vanessa Alexandra Ramírez | 21 | 1.73 m | Asunción |
| Peru | Brunella Fossa | 23 | 1.74 m | Lima |
| Philippines | Imelda Bautista Schweighart | 22 | 1.70 m | Manila |
| Poland | Magdalena Kucharska | 25 | 1.77 m | Warsaw |
| Portugal | Alexandra Marcenco | 19 | 1.72 m | Lisbon |
| Réunion | Meli Sheryam Gastrin | 22 | 1.68 m | Saint-Denis |
| Romania | Crina Stinca | 24 | 1.75 m | Bucharest |
| Russia | Aleksandra Cherepanova | 21 | 1.76 m | Moscow |
| Serbia | Teodora Jankovic | 20 | 1.71 m | Belgrade |
| Sierra Leone | Josephine Kamara | 23 | 1.70 m | Freetown |
| Singapore | Manuela Bruntraeger | 25 | 1.74 m | Singapore |
| Slovakia | Kristina Sulova | 22 | 1.73 m | Bratislava |
| Slovenia | Maja Ana Strnad | 21 | 1.69 m | Ljubljana |
| South Africa | Nozipho Magagula | 24 | 1.75 m | Johannesburg |
| Sri Lanka | Dimanthi Edirirathne | 20 | 1.66 m | Colombo |
| Suriname | Svetoisckia Safora Brunswijk | 23 | 1.72 m | Paramaribo |
| Sweden | Cloie Syquia Skarne | 22 | 1.71 m | Stockholm |
| Switzerland | Manuela Oppikofer | 25 | 1.76 m | Zurich |
| Chinese Taipei | Le Chiao Peng | 21 | 1.70 m | Taipei |
| Thailand | Atcharee Buakhiao | 24 | 1.73 m | Bangkok |
| Uganda | Priscilla Achieng | 19 | 1.68 m | Kampala |
| Ukraine | Alena Belova | 23 | 1.74 m | Kyiv |
| United States | Corrin Stellakis | 22 | 1.75 m | New York |
| Uruguay | Valeria Barrios | 20 | 1.72 m | Montevideo |
| Venezuela | Stephanie de Zorzi | 25 | 1.78 m | Caracas |
| Vietnam | Nguyen Thi Le Nam Em | 21 | 1.71 m | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Wales | Charlotte Hitchman | 24 | 1.70 m | Cardiff |
| Zambia | Katrina Ketty Kabaso | 22 | 1.69 m | Lusaka |
| Zimbabwe | Sharon Enkromelle Andrew | 22 | 1.66 m | Harare |