Introduction
Yllana Aduana, the reigning Miss Philippines Earth 2023, is not just a pretty face gracing the pageant stage. Behind the crown and sash lies a woman of substance and purpose, embodying beauty, intelligence, and a deep commitment to environmental advocacy. On 22nd December 2023, Yllana Aduana won second postion in Miss Earth 2023 with title of Miss Earth Air 2023. She also won the award of Miss Bikini and secured Top-12 position in Best national costume. This blog delves into the multifaceted life of Yllana Aduana, exploring her early life, education, pageantry journey, and her unwavering dedication to environmental causes.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Born on July 7, 1998, in Siniloan, Laguna, Yllana Aduana’s journey to becoming a beauty queen with a heart for the environment began with a solid educational foundation. A consistent scholar, she graduated from Centro Escolar University with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology in 2018. Her academic prowess extended to passing the Medical Technologist Licensure Examination in the same year, marking the beginning of her career in the medical field.
Yllana’s passion for science and health led her to work as a medical laboratory scientist in a hospital. However, her entrepreneurial spirit shone through as she ventured into the world of skincare in 2018, establishing her own business that exclusively used natural ingredients. Additionally, she gained diverse experiences as a flight attendant for Philippine Airlines, immersing herself in various cultures and expanding her worldview.
Pageantry Journey
Yllana’s journey in the pageant world began with Miss Philippines Earth 2021, where she represented her hometown of Siniloan and secured a runner-up position. Subsequently, she claimed victory at Miss FIT Philippines 2021, a pageant emphasizing fitness and wellness. Her success continued as she participated in Binibining Pilipinas 2022, winning the Face of Binibini award and earning a spot in the top 12 finalists.
Her eloquence and intelligence shone during the question-and-answer portion, where she emphasized women’s autonomy over their bodies. This paved the way for her to join Miss Philippines Earth 2023, where she dazzled judges and viewers alike, ultimately being crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2023.
Yllana’s triumph at Miss Philippines Earth 2023 reflects not only her beauty and intelligence but also her dedication to making a positive impact. Winning Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown, and Miss Photogenic, she captivated judges and audiences alike with her thoughtfulness and passion for environmental causes.
Making history at Miss Earth 2023
Aduana arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 25, 2023, to compete in Miss Earth 2023. She was one of the 90 delegates from around the world who vied for the coveted crown. She was considered as one of the favorites and frontrunners by pageant experts and fans.
She introduced herself in a video where she highlighted her advocacy and her hometown. She also participated in various activities and challenges, such as the eco-video, eco-angel, eco-talent, eco-media, and eco-speech. She won the gold medal for the eco-talent challenge, where she performed a song that she composed herself, titled “Earth is Our Home”.
She also excelled in the preliminary competitions, where she flaunted her figure and elegance in the swimsuit and evening gown rounds. She wore a red bikini and a blue gown, both designed by Filipino designer Leo Almodal. She also answered a question about her views on climate change, where she said that she believed that it was real and that everyone should take action to mitigate its effects.
She advanced to the top 16, where she competed in the resort wear and national costume segments. She wore a colorful outfit inspired by the Philippine flag and a costume depicting the Philippine eagle, both created by Filipino designer Jearson Demavivas. She also answered a question about her role as a beauty queen, where she said that she wanted to use her voice and influence to inspire others to care for the environment.
She then made it to the top 8, where she competed in the swimsuit and evening gown rounds again. She wore a green bikini and a white gown, both designed by Leo Almodal. She also answered a question about her message to the world leaders, where she urged them to prioritize the environment and the people over their personal interests.
She finally reached the top 4, where she competed in the final question-and-answer round. She was asked about her definition of success. She said that success was not measured by fame or fortune, but by happiness and fulfillment. She said that she felt successful when she was able to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world.
She was then announced as Miss Earth-Air 2023, becoming the second Filipina to win this title. She also received the Best in Bikini award, making her the first Filipina to win this award. She joined the elemental court of Miss Earth 2023 Drita Ziri of Albania, Miss Earth-Fire 2023 Cora Bliault of Thailand, and Miss Earth-Water 2023 Đỗ Thị Lan Anh of Vietnam.
Environmental Advocacy
Yllana Aduana’s advocacy for environmental protection and sustainable development is not just a pageant platform; it’s a genuine commitment woven into the fabric of her life. She eloquently addressed the pressing issue of climate change during the pageant, emphasizing the need for collective action, renewable energy sources, conservation of natural resources, and environmental education.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
Yllana Aduana’s commitment extends beyond the pageant stage. Through her nonprofit organization, Edukasyon for Every Juan, she promotes environmental education. The organization conducts colloquiums on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, providing scholarships, school supplies, and livelihood programs to underprivileged students and communities.
Menstrual Leave Act Advocacy: A Progressive Stand
Aduana’s advocacy is not limited to the environment. She supports the Menstrual Leave Act, recognizing its progressive impact on women’s health, economic growth, and environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of eco-friendly alternatives.
Yllana Aduana’s advocacy isn’t confined to environmental issues; she also lends her voice to social causes. Her support for the Menstrual Leave Act reflects a progressive stance, recognizing the potential benefits for women’s health, workplace efficiency, and economic growth. Moreover, she underscores the positive environmental impact, as the act could encourage the use of eco-friendly alternatives, reducing waste and pollution caused by disposable sanitary products.
Yllana Aduana’s Global Mission: A Beauty Queen with a Purpose
Yllana Aduana’s journey as Miss Philippines Earth 2023 has transcended the boundaries of a typical beauty queen’s reign. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the pageant world, she has emerged as a formidable advocate for environmental causes and a catalyst for positive change. Let’s delve deeper into her initiatives and aspirations, exploring the multifaceted layers of her mission.
Edukasyon for Every Juan: Nurturing Eco-Consciousness
Aduana, in collaboration with her sister, founded “Edukasyon for Every Juan,” a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmental education. Through colloquiums on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the organization aims to foster eco-consciousness, educating people about the interconnectedness of these goals with nature. However, their efforts extend beyond education, providing tangible support with scholarships, school supplies, and livelihood programs for underprivileged students and communities. Aduana firmly believes that education is the key to addressing environmental challenges, stating, “I believe that education is the most powerful weapon that we can use to change the world.”
Community Engagement and Collaborations
Aduana’s outreach extends far beyond the pageant circuit. Through extensive travels across the Philippines, she actively engages with schools, communities, organizations, and government agencies. Her goal is not just to share her message but to initiate projects that actively benefit the environment. Collaborations with renowned environmental groups such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Haribon Foundation, and the Ocean Conservancy underscore her dedication to collaborative action.
Support and Optimism: A Winning Combination
Yllana Aduana’s chances of winning Miss Earth 2023 are not solely based on her beauty and intelligence. Her genuine passion for environmental causes, coupled with her relentless dedication, has garnered significant support. Aduana stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the Filipino people, known for their enthusiasm in supporting beauty pageants. Her large and loyal fan base actively campaigns for her online and offline, while her fellow candidates commend her for her kindness and humility.
Conclusion: Yllana Aduana – A True Earth Warrior
In conclusion, Yllana Aduana’s journey from a medical laboratory scientist to a beauty queen with a heart for the environment is nothing short of inspiring. Her multifaceted life reflects a seamless blend of intellect, beauty, and purpose. As she embarks on the global stage of Miss Earth 2023, she carries with her the hopes and aspirations of a nation eager to make a positive impact on the world.
Yllana Aduana isn’t merely a titleholder; she is the embodiment of an earth warrior, ready to confront the challenges of environmental degradation with resilience and optimism. Whether it’s through her advocacy for sustainable development, support for progressive legislation, or active community engagement, Aduana proves that a beauty queen can be a powerful force for positive change. As the world eagerly awaits the Miss Earth 2023 pageant in Vietnam, Yllana Aduana stands poised to leave an indelible mark as a true ambassador for the earth.
Yllana Aduana is more than a beauty queen; she is a beacon of inspiration for those aspiring to create positive change. As she prepares to represent the Philippines at Miss Earth 2023, her journey reflects a remarkable blend of beauty, intelligence, and a genuine commitment to environmental advocacy. Yllana Aduana stands as a testament to the idea that true beauty encompasses not only external grace but also an inner dedication to making the world a better place. As she embraces her role as Miss Earth Philippines 2023, Yllana Aduana exemplifies the spirit of an earth warrior, ready to champion the cause of environmental amelioration on a global stage.
Also read about “Priyan Sain (Miss Earth India 2023): The Rising Star of India“.