Describe your childhood/growing years (8-13 years old)
A stage of acceptance and challenges - this is how I describe my childhood years. Growing up without a father, I felt incomplete at a young age. I never met my Egyptian daddy but I always remind myself that he loves me despite his absence as my mothers have taught me. Yes, “mothers”. I have two, which makes me a lucky and blessed individual. They taught me to be strong and loving. My auntie, whom I call “Mama” took care of me since birth while my “Mommy”, the person who gave birth to me, is working hard to provide our needs.

At this stage, I was able to excel in class. I came from the last section in first grade but was awarded third honors. From then, I went up to being rank two and one until I graduated. Because I am the only child, I had a strict and protective upbringing. I used to be scolded by my mother for coming home late. Only because I make sure the classroom is clean before I leave for we were scheduled cleaners that time. It’s how my alma mater teaches discipline. Later, they’ve learn the reason and I was rewarded with appreciation. Part of my psychosocial development is to follow rules, and this is an example of such development. This was also when we were taught of segregation that I find as a good task because I had to always remind myself to separate my waste before throwing it in the trash can.

I seldom play out of the house. My cousin, who is also my neighbor, is my playmate. Luckily, he later had siblings that completed the team. I love role playing then. Being the oldest I act like their teacher and share to them what I have learned from school. We even have a recognition day when I would award them with handmade ribbons and certificates. Our favorite subject then is Mathematics and Science. Numbers are fun and exploring the environment is such an interesting thing for me.

Our environment is such a wonder. No pollutions, no complexities. Just a simple place to live in. I admire the mountains surrounding our place. It became one of my inspirations whenever I draw for our art class. I always picture a clear sky, strong green mountains and farms filled with fresh harvest when I imagine what to draw. Fortunately, my teacher finds it a good project so I get high grades for it.

I am always excited back then we go my grandparents’ house. Another day for me to watch movies. I love watching horror ones and finds foreign movies more amusing. My moms would always bring an extra carrier because they know I would ask for books and old notebooks my uncles and cousins no longer uses. Instead of toys, I’d rather have a science book from my uncle in abroad when it’s Christmas time.

Another trial in my life came when my mother had to leave for abroad. I was left with Mama. It was not easy. Nevertheless, even miles away, Mommy still makes me feel that I am loved and that I have to be understanding and strong. This is for my future and I will see her again soon.

I was raised in a religious way. And my mothers always remind me that God is my protector and he guides me always. Our family goes to church together and this bond us even closer and stronger.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?
Faith, it is what keeps us strong even at times of hopelessness. Faith in God who is our creator and savior. That in every challenge we face, he will only make us grow never to pull down.

Faith to people whom are there to push us towards our dreams. Our parents who may sometimes be too overprotective or unpredictable but only has that pure intention for us. They are the undoubted persons who can love us unconditionally.

Faith in ourselves and what we our capable of. We may start small but it doesn’t mean we will stay at level zero. Our potentials are just waiting for us to bring them out.

Most memorable moment
My crowning moment from my first ever pageant, Binibining Bamban 2014.

What is the most unusual thing you've ever done?
I know that to achieve our goal we should be focused. But I never let the fun out of the picture. It was our board exam review back then but I happened to be bored so I invited my friends to play counter strike at a nearby computer shop. We had a deal that we won’t review until we get to play.

What is your ambition in life?
I want to be doctor.

Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth?
A beauty queen is a woman of strength and boldness. She is able to bring out beauty even in stressful moments. There is effortless grace even under pressure. All these are great attributes that we can use to uplift the status of environmental issues to every people in our society from the children to our senior ones. I want to be that beauty queen and put value on it by serving our Mother Nature using the blessings God has given to me.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?
It is inevitable for humans to seek progress aim for a better life. Aside from the benefits we are gaining from all the technological advancements and complexities in our society in the present, nature is most of all, affected. We are living a dream, but is Mother Earth part of that dream?

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues today that is globally affecting every human in this planet. As caretakers of this planet we are bound to protect our home – our only home at the moment.

I want to contribute in building a place of harmony. A place where we are equally developing with our environment. If we step up then we take our Mother Nature with us to that level. God created us together so we live together in unity.

My focus is E-waste Awareness Campaign. Gadgets, devices and appliances are part of our life now. It may be difficult to just suddenly eliminate them in our system but we should also be aware of the danger these has for our environment. They actually are toxic to nature when are no longer usable. Therefore, it is my advocacy to fill our minds with knowledge on how we could prevent our cell phones, tablets, LED televisions, etc. in destroying our home and worsening climate change.

We could make things right. Reality is we have already put Mother Nature into jeopardy. It may be irreversible but another reality is that we can still save it. Let us love our Mother Earth as we love ourselves with care and compassion. That’s how I picture the perfect place where I want to live.