A medical physicist hopes to use her new title as Miss Philippines-Earth to highlight the “science behind climate change.” Karen Ibasco, 26, bested 39 other aspirants in ceremonies at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City for the right to represent the Philippines in the Miss Earth pageant, and to serve as an ambassador for environmental protection. Also proclaimed winners were Miss PH Air Kim de Guzman from Olongapo City, Miss PH Water Jessica Marasigan from Caloocan, Miss PH Fire Nellza Bautista from Misamis Oriental, and Miss PH Ecotourism Vanessa Mae Castillo from Lobo, Batangas.