Telena J. Cassell, "Green" and Glamorous
Telena J. Cassell, Miss Earth Liberia, returned from the Philippines with nothing but good news! The Miss Earth pageant kicked off with its Press Presentation on Tuesday October 23, 2007; followed by the official swimsuit presentation at Traders Hotel in Manila. As more and more contestants arrived in Manila, activities begun to fall into full swing. Delegates mingled and enjoyed themselves at special events hosted by the hottest restaurants and Lounges in Manila. As the competition period progressed, the 98 delegates were divided into three groups. Group 1 was sent to Northern Philippines, Group 2 Vietnam, and Group 3 stayed in Manila and surrounding provinces. All groups traveled to different cities, promoting Mother Earth and the importance environment preservation. Delegates participated in fashion shows with Philippines top designers as well as social events all over the country. Telena competed in Group 3 and said the highlight of her trip was visiting Lisland Rainforest Resort, where the preliminary competition was held, as well as the fashion show they participated in at Thunderbird Resort. Telena J. Cassell a recent graduate of Dartmouth College,. She represented Liberia in the Miss Earth Beauty pageant, third only to Miss World and Miss Universe. Contestants champion Mother Earth while competing for several weeks. Beauties participate in tree planting, conservation rallies, and events to raise awareness about the necessity of preserving earth’s natural resources. The pageant is air internationally and has a strong fan base. Telena revisits her experience in the Philippines :
What was your first impression of the Philippines when you arrived?
"When I arrived in the airport, people were very friendly and solicitous. There was a welcoming committee and myself as well as the other girls I arrived with; Miss Congo and Miss Ethiopia, all received beautiful shell medallion necklace gifts from the Department of Tourism. The airport personnel and officials were very helpful as well as friendly. Many people took pictures of us. The openness of the people I had met within my first hour of arriving set the tone for the rest of my trip."
How was the competitive climate at Miss Earth?
“Miss Earth is an international beauty competition, and with that said, I feel it was relatively friendly. A competition of any type will test one’s strength and create a sense of urgency. Of course almost every girl wants to make it to the top so that can create tension at times. More than anything we really bonded together and made some great memories.”
How did you stay grounded while at Miss Earth?
“I made sure to stay in touch with my friends and family over email. They were very encouraging and constantly kept me reinforced throughout the competition. Also I was very lucky to have a great group of girls in my corner. Some of the contestants who were my closest friends while I was there, kept me ticking with their smiles, jokes, and enthusiasm.”
Who were your favorites for the Miss Earth Crown?
“Everyone!
What was your favorite activity promoting Mother Earth?
“I really enjoyed the Robinson Mall Tours and working with the Lil’ Earth Angels. It was great to promote the environmentalism and see children working along side us with the same if not more energy.”
What are your plans after Miss Earth?
“I am heavily involved in philanthropy, so I will continue with my charity projects already in the making. I have a swimsuit charity calendar in production so that is very exciting! I also plan to be working to promote conservation in the Republic of the Gambia as well as Liberia.Additionally I will be working to promote tourism and foster relationships with other countries between the two nations.”
What memories will you treasure the most?
“I think I will treasure the simple moments. The bus rides with my friends, the candid pictures we took of each other, and the thrill of representing Liberia in such a prestigious event.”
Miss Earth Beauty Pageant Schedule October 19 - November 11, 2007
Philippines and Vietnam
Oct. 19 to 21 - Arrival and Registration of Candidates; National Costume and Swimsuit Pictorials
Oct. 21 - Mall Show, Pageant briefings
Oct. 22 - Environmental Seminar, Mall Show, Charity Visit, VTR Shoot
Oct. 23 - Press Conference, Welcome Dinner with the Department of Tourism (DOT)
Oct. 24 - Sponsor Visits, City Tours & Events (Manila)
Oct. 25 to Nov. 02 - Tours and shows outside Manila
Oct. 30 to Nov. 01 - Visit to Vietnam (Awards to be given: Miss Fashion, Best in Traditional Costume - Ao Di, Miss Charm and Beauty for a Cause)
Nov. 3 - Swimsuit Competition (Fontana Leisure Park, Pampanga)
Nov. 4 - Talent Competition (Traders Hotel in Manila)
Nov. 5 - Long Gown Competition
Nov. 6 - Preliminary Screening / Judging
Nov. 7 - National Costume Competition
Nov. 8 - The Search for Little Earth Angels 2007 Finals; Candidates' Rehearsals
Nov. 9 to 10 - Rehearsals
Nov. 11 - Miss Earth 2007 Pageant Night at the UP Theater
schedule source: http://www.missearth.tv/
For more info log on to the Official Miss Earth website http://www.missearth.tv/
Or http://www.missearthliberia.org
For more info about Miss Liberia's Swimsuit Charity Calendar go to http://www.thecharitycalendar.com
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
