ATHENA GUARDADOS

Age: 24
Height: 5 feet 6 inches
Measurements: 36 inches - 26 inches - 37 inches
Occupation/Education: Investor Relations Officer

Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
My childhood was very fun. I said it was fun because at young age I was exposed to non-academic activities in elementary and because of that it made me such a strong person now. I've learned a lot of things from being a girl scout where you don't have to be prim and proper but to be active or always there to help other people. Joining different sports where your agility, strength and strategy is being tested. Lastly, a responsible daughter and sister because I’ve taught myself that I have to be strong to my sisters so that no one can bully them and I'm just one call away whenever they needed my help and being responsible daughter to my parents to obey their advices and making them proud whatever achievement I have done. Those years made me the person who I am today and with those experiences I am so thankful.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?
The lessons that I've learned growing up are to stand up for yourself because when everything is falling apart or it seems the world is against your goals you have to stand up for yourself because there will be countless times that some people will not be there on your down side and with that I have learned to stand on my own and to become a strong person.

Second, surround yourself with people who will always be there on your win or lose battle and a person who will support whatever what you do in life but not tolerating bad things. Choosing the right people to guide you and help you in life. Lastly, be kind to everyone because not all people are having good days or they may be having a hard time in life. We should not let our emotions turn into actions so that we avoid conflicts in life and have to understand that not all people have the same situation you have in life.

Most memorable moment:
I think the most memorable moment for me was joining my first pageant and it was Miss Philippines Earth Southern Mindanao 2017 because I was beginner and I thought I couldn’t make it to the screening at all because I was not prepared for it. I was having a hard time to catch up to wonderful ladies who’s very queenly and I didn't have any idea how this industry works. It taught me to learn new things such as walking like a queen, appreciating other people’s cultures, using your voice to express or represent other people who don't have the confidence to speak up and being the best version of yourself on the stage. I love to look back on my first journey as a Beauty Queen because it opened doors to me and I've gained my self-confidence by facing a lot of people and by judging the overall performance that I didn't have for years.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth?
I believe I should be the next Miss Earth Philippines because, I am persistent and positive that I will make a difference. Everyone starts at their own methods and by being Miss Earth Philippines, I will make sure that I would be an instrument in continuing and pushing the movement in restoring our environment with the various activities that practices the rethink, reduce, reuse, recycle, respect slogan, not just for my chosen advocacy but also for our environment and its future. This is for our Mother Earth! Thank you.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?
For me, it’s No to Single Use Plastic. I chose this environmental advocacy because I have started this with myself to show self-discipline in order to encourage other people. Our environment has a significant role in our everyday lives since we mostly use our resources that surround us. In line with this, we have been using plastic in packing goods that are mostly distributed throughout the world. Imagine the amount of plastic if we’d combine every single plastic around the world. Single use plastic, by definition are a type of plastic that are disposed after usage. If we are considering the excessive use of single use plastic, we can actually start with ourselves. By this, we can start by bringing our own utensils whenever dining outside. Bringing eating utensils, reusable straws and own cups would actually be a big help. Also, when we are grocery shopping, we can actually bring our own eco-bag for the goods. There are a lot of ways to help if only we can properly discuss and implement these matters, actions always start from within.

What tip can you share to promote eco-tourism in your City or Municipality?
Eco-Tourism is very important on showcasing our tourist spot. The best way I can recommend to promote it is by using the social media platforms because it has wide range in the world and much easier to connect to other people. Make page or blog sites and post the best tourist spot you have in your municipality and with this strategy you can attract tourist and got more even curious about the places you’ve shown. Tourists have easier accessing the said tourist spot and share it to their friends and family it can encourage other people to visit as well.