Speechless and overwhelmed, that’s how Filipina-Belgian beauty queen Roxanne Allison Baeyens of Baguio City reacted to her historic win as Miss Philippines Earth 2020 in the virtual coronation of the competition.
In an exclusive interview with Baeyens hours after the announcement, she admitted she still couldn’t believe his success.
The 23-year-old Igorota defeated 32 candidates from various provinces in the country.
“I’m still in shock. It hasn’t fully sunk in yet, honestly. My hands are still shaking. I couldn’t believe it. I have no words to express how I really feel, but all I can say, I’m so grateful for all the love and support. To the Lord, for guiding me. I was strong because He was with me. I can say I made it and I’m very happy.”
The commercial model shares that just before joining the Top 5 Finalist she is satisfied with it, but she is definitely destined to win the crown.
“It was anyone’s game. When I reached top 5, I felt so contented already. Being in top 5 is already a big deal. Sabi ko, at least I have a crown no matter what happens. I was less nervous na. During the question and answer portion, I was more confident. I was already happy na. The stars just aligned. I was able to answer again from the heart and it was on point. I think it was just destiny.”
The Tourism Management graduate from Saint Louis University is also proud to be the first virtually crowned beauty queen in the Philippines.
“The virtual pageant was a good idea, to continue the legacy of Miss Philippines Earth. Despite it being virtual, Miss Philippines Earth still found a way to push through. Tulad ng frontliners, tuloy pa rin sila sa trabaho. Same for us. I’m really happy that I have a bigger platform that could pave a way to a more inclusive reach. It’s a start to other possibilities.”
The beauty queen from the city of Pines is also happy that she has been given the opportunity to further expand and live her advocacy lives.
“I now have a bigger platform so I could open more eyes to the benefits of urban agriculture. I’m proud to point out my advocacy since it’s very timely. It really puts out security. I really want to send out the message, that if you learn to plant and harvest your own food at home, then you would feel the sense of security. Lalo ngayon we are experiencing a shortage of food supply, which is what I actually said din during my Q and A. I’m happy that I was able to bring my advocacy till the end.”
Meanwhile, she also said he was excited about the upcoming Miss Earth event, and that it was ready in case the international competition was still virtual.
“If ever physical siya, that would be really fun since I would meet other nationalities and other Miss Earths. Kapag virtual, kapag that time, wala pang vaccine at hindi pa safe, okay lang din. I would bring all the lessons [sa Miss Philippines Earth] sa international pageant.”
She admitted that former reigning queen Janelle Tee was an inspiration to her.
“Hindi ako makapaniwala na I’ll be the one continuing the legacy of such a kind queen. She set the bar so high. I’ll work hard for it and do my best. It’s gonna be a long year, and I’m just gonna have a fun time. I’m really gonna pour my heart out to do my best as Miss Philippines Earth.”