KELLEY DAY AIMS FOR PH'S 2ND MISS ECO INT'L CROWN

Kapuso actress Kelley Day is all set to clinch the crown at the 2021 Miss Eco International pageant to be held at Dahab/Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt from March 18 leading up to the coronation night on April 6.

She aims to replicate Cynthia Thomalla's historic feat when the latter bagged the country's very first Miss Eco International crown last 2018.

After having been postponed twice last year due to yhe gloabl pandemic, the Miss Eco International l pageant has finally been given the green light by its organisers led by pageant founder Dr. Amaal Rezk, whose hopes fro promoting ecotourism remain undaunted despite lingering health crisis.

Like most Filipinos who coped well amid last year's adversity, Kelley made use of last year's 'downtime' constructively. She says, " I think most of us can agree that we've spent a lot of time self-reflecting. One of the biggest challenges for me was actually learning to be alone with my thoughts, listening and really hearing myself without the distraction of normal life, and taking action on things I wanted to improve on for my personal growth and self-love. It hasn't been easy , but I'm really proud of myself for getting through the global crisis and feeling like I have become a better version of myself," Kelley discloses during her sendoff press conference held recently at the Manila House, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig last March 11.

The proud Tarlaceno had been undergoing physical and pageant training since late last year, just to get a good headstart on her pre-pageant goals.

"Everything! Pasarela training. Q & A , personality development, home work outs, walking around my apartment in platform heels! Thanks to Aces & Queens, the training process has been extremely enjoyable and beneficial," she beams proudly.

The mestiza beauty also cherishes the love and support from her Miss World Philippines 2019 sisters " Most definitely," she asserts "MWP 2019 was my first ever pageant, so I have been very accepting of the fact that I still have a lot to learns. In particular, Ro-ann (Roberta Tamondong) who competed a couple of months ago in Miss Eco Teen ( and won!) has been giving me plenty of advice when it comes to competing during a pandemic, and she has really put my mind at ease."

For his part, Miss World Philippines National Director Arnold Vegafria is confident that Kelley will be a standout among this years contenders. He says, " Since day one, Kelley had always been marked as sure winner, and her words and actions define her even better as a woman of substance. It will be a ought battle, but I'm sure that her tenacity will carry her through.

The Miss Eco International coronation night will be held in Dahab/Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt on April 6 , 2021, and will be broadcast live via the pageant's official social media platforms.

Photos by Ameer Gamama