Czech Republic’s Natalie Puskinova crowned Miss Earth 2025; PH bet makes Top 8

National

THE Earth found its new queen — and she hails from the Czech Republic.

Natalie Puskinova was crowned Miss Earth 2025 in a glittering ceremony held Wednesday night, November 5, at Cove Manila, Okada Manila in Parañaque City. She now carries the global crown dedicated to sustainability and climate action, succeeding Jessica Lane of Australia.

Puskinova emerged victorious over 81 contestants from across the globe, all vying for the title under the pageant’s long-standing advocacy theme, “Beauties for a Cause.”

Her win marked a milestone for the Czech Republic, as she takes on the role of Miss Earth’s newest ambassador for environmental awareness.

Three other contestants joined her in the elemental court. Soldis Ivarsdottir of Iceland was named Miss Earth-Air, succeeding her compatriot Hrafnhildur Haraldsdottir. The Miss Earth-Water title went to Mu Anh Trinh of Vietnam, who took over from Bea Millan-Windorski of the United States, while Waree Ngamkham of Thailand was proclaimed Miss Earth-Fire.

The Philippines’ Joy Barcoma made it to the Top 8 after impressing judges with her articulate response during the question-and-answer round, though she fell short of reaching the final four.

Rounding out the Top 8 were Nathalie Briones of Chile, Laila Frizon of Brazil, and Mariia Zheliaskova of Ukraine, who were declared runners-up as part of the pageant’s tradition.

For the final question, the Top 4 finalists were asked: “Bill Gates, a leading proponent for carbon emissions reduction, recently proposed that resources must be shifted away from the battle against climate change to efforts that prevent disease and hunger. Do you agree?

Why or why not?”

Puskinova responded that she would not choose between environmental and social problems, noting that people worldwide face both and must act together to overcome them. She also connected with the audience by briefly speaking in Filipino, urging collective effort to protect the planet.

Her sincerity and inclusive message won the judges over.

“I am not here today to pick a finger and choose what is

worst, whether it’s environmental causes or social problems. I believe that even though I live in the other side of the world, we are still facing the same climate change and we are facing this issue together,” she said.

Founded in 2001 by Carousel Productions, the Miss Earth pageant continues to promote environmental awareness through beauty and advocacy.

As the new titleholder, Puskinova is expected to lead international campaigns that encourage action for a greener, more sustainable world.(MyTVCebu)