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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Filipino aspiring lawyer to vie for Miss Eco Teen International 2025 in Egypt

Filipino aspiring lawyer to vie for Miss Eco Teen International 2025 in Egypt

Published Oct 11, 2025 09:51 am
Miss Eco Teen International Philippines 2025 Paula Merced Carmel Basi Vitug (Images courtesy of Facebook)
Miss Eco Teen International Philippines 2025 Paula Merced Carmel Basi Vitug (Images courtesy of Facebook)
A legal management student at Ateneo de Manila University is all set to represent the Philippines at the 2025 Miss Eco Teen International beauty pageant, which will be held in Alexandria, Egypt, on Oct. 19.
Paula Merced Carmel Basi Vitug will vie for a back-to-back win in the competition, where Alexa Brooks, also of the Philippines, is the reigning queen.
During a media conference in Quezon City, Paula said she is excited and at the same time nervous as she competes on the international stage. She also shared her preparations for the competition.
"I'm super excited. I get nervous, I won't deny it. But I'm looking forward to the competition in Egypt.
"I do a lot of training for pasarela and Q&A, which helps me so much. Aside from pageant training, I do a lot of meditations. The competition is nearing, and I tend to get overwhelmed, so it's important to me to meditate and reflect. I have self-dialogues to relax and reflect," Paula said.
When asked what she could promise her supporters, Paula said, "I promise to do my best to bring pride and show the whole world what we do best as Filipinos."
The aspiring lawyer also shared her advocacy for the pageant, as presented in the video.
"In my province, Pampanga, I had the privilege of teaching the Aeta children the importance of caring for nature and our environment.
"Their curiosity and joy reminded me that knowledge and education are among the most powerful ways to inspire love for our surroundings, such as our forests, our skies, and our people.
"This journey also took me through the wonders of Pampanga itself, from the breathtaking Tutulari Avatar Gorge to the proud mountains of Pinatubo and Arayat.
"Each place is a reminder of our resilience, our culture, and our deep connection with the Earth, making my country, the Philippines, not only my home but also my greatest inspiration," she added.
Paula added, "Now, as your Miss Eco Teen International Philippines 2025, I take this advocacy to the global stage in Egypt. With me, I carry the love, hopes, and dreams of the Filipino youth. I have their voices, which give me the strength and courage to rise and speak for our planet."
When asked why she should be the next Miss Eco Teen International, Paul answered, "The world faces a lot of issues and calamities in the environment, such as climate change. As Miss Eco Teen International, my purpose is to inspire people, especially the youth. With this inspiration and the voice that I have, I will encourage young people to work hand in hand to make better actions and to take part in activities to improve society and our world."
This native Kapampangan teen plans to study Law after completing her current course in Ateneo. Early this year, Paula was crowned Miss Philippine Youth Tourism 2025.
As titleholder, Paula works with the Kabataang Sama-samang Maglilingkod, Inc. (KASAMA Inc.) spearheaded by its founder and president, Gerald D. Ortiz, a seasoned politician and a former five-term board member of the fourth district of Quezon Province.
KASAMA Inc. organizes the annual Mr. and Miss Philippine Youth pageant. This premier youth-based organization goes beyond traditional beauty contests to focus on empowering young individuals to become the future leaders of society.
With a strong emphasis on character, values, and leadership, this distinguished event seeks outstanding individuals who embody integrity, vision, and the passion to inspire positive change.
"The Mr. and Ms. Philippine Youth seeks to identify and nurture the future leaders who will shape the nation through their vision, determination, and innovative ideas," said Gerald.
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