A registered nurse will carry the Philippine colors against 79 other international beauties in the 2009 Miss Earth beauty pageant which will be held in the world-renowned Boracay Island in Aklan.

At the formal presentation of candidates held in Pasig City Wednesday, 77 candidates were presented to the press. Later in the day, they competed in the national costume category in Manila.

Sandra Inez Seiffert, 25, of Negros Occidental, is this year’s Philippine representative to the 9th edition of the beauty contest which emphasizes environmental awareness and protection.

Seiffert is half-Filipino and half-German, and the first non-native born Philippine delegate to the pageant. She was born in Taiwan.

This year’s titleholder is Miss Philippines Karla Henry, a Filipino-Canadian fashion model based in Cebu City. She will crown her successor sor at the Boracay Ecovillage Resort and Convention Center on Nov. 22.

Before the coronation, the candidates will compete in other categories such as swimsuit, talent and evening gown. They will also join mall tours and fashion shows to promote the event and its green message.

Apart from the Miss Earth title for the overall winner, the runners-up will be named Miss Earth Air, Miss Earth Water and Miss Earth Fire.

They will receive cash prizes and gifts from the pageant’s sponsors.

Organizers have earlier announced that the winner will wear a new crown designed by famous jewelry designer Ramona Haar, official jeweler of the Miss Earth pageant.

The crown is made of 100 percent recycled precious metals comprising of 14K gold and argentums, sterling and silver.

“What sets this crown apart is the fact that the gemstones used both precious and semi-precious were donations from over 80 different participating countries. These are gemstones that each country is known for either as the origin or source.

"The gemstones were sent in various forms: faceted, cabochons, beads or rough. The designer travelled to Jaipur, India to have these gemstones individually cut and faceted to the required cut and sizes," organizers added.

"The Flower as the central design represents Mother Earth and, as Ralph Waldo Emerson puts it, "The earth laughs in flowers". The recurring spiral motif has always been associated with Maternal Power and Feminine Prestige which is the Essence of Miss Earth. The gentle curves symbolize Unity and the Spirit of Cooperation."