FERMIZULLI SILAL

Age: 23
Height: 5 feet 7 inches
Measurements: 34 inches - 26 inches - 38 inches
Occupation/Education: Respiratory Therapy Student

Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
I had been in survival mode since birth. I grew up in an incomplete family, faced too many challenges, and lost my youngest sister to a rare illness. I almost died in third grade due to stage three dengue, asthma, and typhoid fever. My biological father was involved in an accident that left him blind in one eye and ended up giving him a 50/50 chance of survival. During my high school years, the Zamboanga Siege took many innocent lives, and we were among the fortunate ones who survived the war and are still alive today. I've always been surrounded by unjust people; in school, the acknowledgements meant for me were always given to others; as a matter of fact, I never complained. I grew up fearless and self-sufficient. I learned the hard way about life. There was never a time in my life when I was able to accomplish something easily; it was always difficult; as they say, I was in constant battle. However, I never regret anything that happened because without them, I would be a fragile and powerless person. I genuinely think that whatever happened to me happened for a reason. We often say that life is unfair, but I believe that the only "fair" thing in this world is that we are all experiencing "unfair" things.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?
If we're talking about learnings, a page won't suffice, so let me sum it up. I learned that life will always be unfair; it is up to us to make that arbitrary an art form. What comes conveniently will not last, and everything that has been discovered roughly will assist you in going through seamless ways. We are not always at rock bottom; there will be times when we will find ourselves in the limelight, and when that time comes, we have to utilize it smartly. We would not be who we are if it were not for the complexities we have encountered; these difficulties shaped me into the person I am today. As Aristotle said, "the more you know, the more you realize you don't know." When we wander through life, we uncover possible answers to our questions, which will help us yield more knowledge. The wider our minds are, the more our minds are expanding. I am a firm believer that everything that has happened to me has happened for a reason. Not to mention that my growing years taught me not only how to strengthen my faith, but also how to strengthen our physique as well. It is not enough to simply pray; all efforts must be orchestrated. Thus, being a good person will not always result in a good benefit; most of the time, it will get you used, but as for me, I will continue to be a decent person regardless of how people test my kindness; at the very least, I will not consider myself on the red list anytime in the foreseeable future. Being kind will take you to places you could never imagine; all it takes is time. Always trust the process, but make sure to make a move for it. We have no idea what tomorrow has in store. So don't be upset for too long. Master the art of forgiving and love unconditionally. Don't be concerned about those who despise you. Enjoy the people who care about you.

Most memorable moment:
Having our parents come together to celebrate special occasions, have meals together, and do other things that normal families typically do was something that children like us who grew up in incomplete households always dreamed about... which, until that day, I had never known happened. I had a couple of illnesses in the third grade that required immediate hospitalization. My parents got together and took care of me for the first and last time at that point. My memory of the event is so vivid that I can still recall it even now. In reality, it just took a few hours as my father carried me inside the "tricycle" cab while my mother searched for a hospital in the back.. I came to realize that, If I wasn't fighting for my breath, my parents would never come together. Until this day, seeing them together never happened again. That little experience in my life brought me too many realizations growing up. I concluded that it is time to accept this fate as it is. Everything happens for a reason, as I usually say; perhaps their separation is a happy ending to the tale. I always have the best of intentions of asking them to multiple occasions so I may have them by my side, but I often fall short. Yet, everything should be okay since otherwise, how can my life be as pleasant as it is right now? I may not have them on dinners, but at least my siblings on their side is with them, I grew strong and that’s something I owe them.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth?
It has always been my nature to lead, assist, and contribute. I discovered my beauty queen side in Senior High School, and it was there that I understood that this platform is one of the most effective ways to be one with society. I've entered several pageants that are significant to me and my community. I only join pageants with a mission, where I may push through my aims as person with concern to the people and its society. I have found my way in joining Miss Philippines Earth Zamboanga 2022 and gratefully won. Hence, I did not win this pageant just on the basis of my appearance; rather, it was my stated advocacy and aim that established the bar. I aspire to be the next Miss Philippines Earth in 2023 for three reasons: influence, power, and purpose. Let us be honest: winning such a major pageant would help us gain "identity" in the eyes of the general public; in that sense, people will see us as someone dependable and reputable, and this is my primary goal. The influence I want Filipinos to have has been the same as the influence I want them to see in me. The power I want with my reputation is for people to believe in my goals, partnerships, and initiatives. My advocacy aims to strengthen mankind and contribute to environmental challenges that require manpower. All of this will be brought to light by this title. Moreover, it is my objective to let the people recognize the corrections of the pageant misconceptions. Through me, it's time to make people realize that the title of Miss Philippines Earth comes with thorough morality, amazing wit, and significance to the community. I want the public to have a beauty queen who does not just empower women, but who can empower people of all classifications.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?
“Union of People Eco-Power” or will be also called “UPEP” is my earthy advocacy. I appreciate that we, as advocates, planned many initiatives for the community, but I recognize that some advocacy is only for the short term. I've given a lot of consideration to what is causing the majority of the world's environmental problems these days, and it all comes down to one thing: humanity. We are the consumers, the providers, the ones who destroys. I've realized that we are not at war with our environment; rather, we are at war with ourselves, with our fellow people. Environmental issues are only one type of human conflict. With this, I believe that we, as humans, are the only solution. My campaign is for an Earthy Workforce to begin all viable answers to our environmental problems. I encourage to build the root of all the "possible". This educated workforce will provide all realistic solutions to our environmental concerns. These will include student leaders, organization heads, experts, government figures, beauty queens, environmentalists, and those who are deeply committed to environmental conservation. I understand that we already have Departments and Organizations who are focused on our Environment but I believe that we need to strengthen it with UPEP, all these teams should be at least a member of this workforce, in that case, we will be able to build warriors for the environment with the inclusion of all powerful minds and workful hands. If we will have a manpower that is specific for the environment, then having other initiatives and solutions for these concerns will be practical and feasible. If possible, this advocacy will last for generations.

What tip can you share to promote eco-tourism in your City or Municipality?
The most successful way to market my city is through the effective use of social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and many others. This could also be one of the most cost-effective ways to promote tourism campaigns. Social media is incredibly important these days because the majority of individuals of all ages use it. Sponsored advertisements and Vlogger Reviews are examples of social media methods. Likewise, one method is to invite large events to our city and conduct them in our tourist areas, such as last year's Miss Earth 2022 swimsuit competition, which was held in our city. On the other hand, allowing the city to be included on popular vloggers/identity, television shows, and other media platforms is effective. Zamboanga City is already increasing through the promotion of our Eco-Tourism, the only thing needed is to keep it consistent. Helping people similar to us by marketing our city is also highly effective. Thousands of printed leaflets are still distributed by most tourism bureaus through welcome centers, highway rest areas, and visitor requests. Guides or brochures give an overall image of what a visitor might expect by using beautiful photos and enticing prose. Several additionally provide advertising space if you want to stand out in front of a targeted audience. Press Releases; When an announcement is made, such as a local restaurant opening in a local or a conservation area receiving a major award, the tourism office will publish a press release, which may be picked up by regional or national publications. It may even spark the curiosity of journalists looking for an interview or travel writers wanting to see it for themselves.