Roxanne Allison Agnaonao Baeyens, also known as "Roxie", is a proud Igorot with Belgian descent from Besao, Mountain Province, Philippines. She was crowned Miss Earth-Water 2020 on November 29, 2020. She is the first Filipina to win the title, and she is also the first Igorot to win a major international beauty pageant. Baeyens's victory has inspired many young Igorot women to pursue their dreams.
Baeyens is passionate about environmental protection, and she has been involved in environmental activism since she was a child. She is from Besao, Mountain Province, Philippines, and she developed a deep appreciation for the environment. Her mother, Julia Agnaonao, is an environmentalist from Catengan, Besao, Mountain Province. Baeyens is an Igorot with Belgian descent. Her father, Walter Baeyens, is a retired IT specialist from Brussels, Belgium. He is also an environmentalist, and he instilled in Roxanne a love for nature and a commitment to protecting the environment.
As a beauty queen, Baeyens has used her platform to raise awareness about environmental issues. She has spoken at conferences and events, and she has worked with governments and businesses to promote sustainability. She is also a strong advocate for climate action, and she believes that climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing our planet.
Pre-Pageant Success
Baeyens was a strong contender for the Miss Earth 2020 title even before the pageant began. She won two gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze medal in the pre-pageant competitions held on November 24, 2020. She won the gold medals for Best in Talent (dance category) and Best in Long Gown. She also won the silver medal for Best in Swimsuit, and the bronze medal for Best in Evening Gown.
In addition to her environmental advocacy, Baeyens is also a talented dancer and singer. She performed a traditional Igorot dance in the Miss Earth talent competition, and she sang a song during the coronation night. The song she sang was "Baybayin" by Juan Karlos Labajo.
The Miss Earth 2020 Pageant
The Miss Earth 2020 pageant was held on November 29, 2020, in a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pageant was hosted by James Deakin and telecast on TV5 and FOXlife. The contestants competed in a variety of categories, including the swimsuit competition, the evening gown competition, the talent competition, and the Q&A round.
The Miss Earth 2020 pageant was a challenge to organize, but the organizers were able to adapt the pageant to the new circumstances. They held the pageant virtually, which allowed them to reach a wider audience. They also highlighted the importance of environmental protection, which was especially relevant during the pandemic.
The pageant featured a number of environmental challenges, such as the Eco-Tourism Challenge and the Clean Water Project. The contestants were also asked questions about environmental issues during the Q&A round.
The Miss Earth 2020 pageant was a success, and it helped to raise awareness about environmental issues. It also showed that even during a pandemic, it is possible to organize a meaningful and impactful event.
Additional Information
- Miss Earth 2020 was held online for the first time in its history due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The pageant started on September 21, 2020, and the coronation night was held on November 29, 2020.
- There were 86 delegates from all over the world who competed in the pageant.
- The Philippines was represented by Roxanne Baeyens, who was crowned Miss Earth-Water 2020.
- The judges for Miss Earth 2020 were:
- Hassan Eltigani Malik - President of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (Sudan)
- Iskandar Widjaja - Violinist (Germany and Indonesia)
- Michael Ma - Restaurateur (Singapore)
- Patricia Zavala - Singer and television host (Venezuela)
- Natalia Barulich - Disc jockey, model, and singer (United States)
- Jewel May Lobaton - Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 1998 (Philippines)
The Meaning of the Name "Roxie"
Roxanne's nickname, "Roxie", is a diminutive of the name "Roxanne", which means "dawn" or "light" in Greek. This name is a fitting choice for Baeyens, who is a shining example of hope and inspiration for young women around the world.
Congratulations to Roxanne Allison "Roxie" Agnaonao Baeyens, her parents, her team, and the Philippines on her historic win as Miss Earth-Water 2020!
Baeyens's victory is an inspiration to all young women, especially those from indigenous communities. She shows that it is possible to achieve your dreams, no matter where you come from. She is also a role model for environmental protection, and she is committed to using her platform to raise awareness about important environmental issues.
We can all learn from Baeyens's example. She is a strong, intelligent, and compassionate woman who is dedicated to making a difference in the world. She is an inspiration to us all, and we are lucky to have her as a role model.
Long live the Philippines!
