By: Luissa Burton “The Official Green Queen” For non-Tagalog speakers that translates to “I love the Philippines”! And MABUHAY (greetings)! Wow, what better way to celebrate the 5th year anniversary of Manila Up! Magazine than with a journey down memory lane. Specifically, of a trip that changed the trajectory of my life. Had I not gone to the Philippines in 2016, I may not be here today writing as “The Official Green Queen”, as it was this trip where I began to develop my own personal brand. In 2016, I had the opportunity to represent England at the Miss Earth pageant in the Philippines. It is an environmental pageant followed by 600 million worldwide. The final took place at the Mall of Asia arena in Manila and was aired on ABS-CBN. I placed the England sash for the first time in history in the “Top 16” at the final and won a gold medal for “national costume” and a bronze medal for “talent”. It took me three attempts at the national competition in the UK; placing runner up TWICE before I finally won on the third try. It was my sheer determination and passion for wanting to attend Miss Earth so much that caught the attention of the Filipino fans. “Pia Wurtzbach also tried three times for her national pageant,” said fan websites as they compared my story and journey with Pia’s. I was receiving so much warmth from Filipinos and I hadn’t even arrived in the country yet! “It’s more fun in the Philippines!” It really is more fun in the Philippines! This was the catchphrase during my time there and it couldn’t be truer. I spent one month visiting different locations such as Ilocos, Davao, Butuan, Manila, Versailles Palace, Alabang, and Boracay to...... Read more on Full Issue!