Karla Henry - A Year in The Life As Miss Earth

A Year in The Life As Miss Earth

On November 12, 2008, Henry led her court, Miss Earth Air Miriam Odemba of Tanzania, Miss Earth Water Abigail Elizalde of Mexico, and Miss Earth Fire Tatiane Alves of Brazil in the tree planting along with Philippine postal officials and employees for the “Nationwide Simultaneous Tree Planting” ceremony held at the Luneta Park, in connection with the 110th anniversary of the Philippine Postal Service to support the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Non-governmental organizations that are in the forefront of the Clean and Green Movements. The project was institutionalized, in the presence of Henry and her court, as an annual event in conjunction to the Zero Waste Management program.

On November 20, 2008, Henry, along with Miss Earth 2007 Jessica Trisko, graced one of the projects of the Philippine Department of Tourism called "Rediscovering the Best of Metropolitan Manila, People, Places, Products and Practices", a product and photo exhibit first presented in the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on a three-day exhibit, which aimed to promote awareness, especially among the youth on the Philippine National Capital Region's heritage. Aside from Henry and Trisko, the event was also participated by the 17 cities and municipalities that make up Metropolitan Manila. Apart from the clean-up drives that the Miss Earth beauties regularly hold, they also visit elementary schools to educate the children on recycling, waste segregation and other environmentally sustainable practices.

On December 4, 2008, Henry attended an environmental press conference and activities to heed its call for a “Toxics-Free Christmas: Our Gift to the World” as part of the ongoing effort of Miss Earth Foundation, in partnership with the Eco Waste Coalition, to inform consumers about the risks and dangers of exposure to hazardous chemicals to public health and the environment, and empower the public to make sound decisions on what practices, products, and services to choose. Accompanying Henry at the press conference were Andrea Leon, Miss Ecuador 2008; Marie Razel Eguia, Miss Philippines-Air 2008; Marian Michelle Oblea, Miss Philippines-Water 2008; Kristelle Lazaro, Miss Philippines-Fire 2008; and Catherine Untalan, Executive Director, Miss Earth Foundation. Henry and Untalan sat in the panel of green advocates, who took turns in discussing ecological alternatives to some toxic practices that people often take for granted during the holidays. Henry also shared tips on “decorating green” with eco-friendly Christmas ornaments such as the traditional belen and parol from used or locally-sourced biodegradable materials to bring home the true message of Christmas — a baby born in a lowly manger in swaddling clothes.

On January 18, 2009, Henry was the lead dancer in the grand finale of the Sinulog Festival, an annual festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City. She was tapped to take the place of Cebu City First Lady Margot Osmeña in the grand finale of the festival.

On February 22, 2009, Henry and her court joined employees of Bacman Geothermal Production Field in tree planting activities in Sorsogon and participated in the launching of wildlife conservation program and inspected some environmental projects such as the butterfly garden, nursery of endemic trees, and mangrove plantation.

On March 17, 2009, Henry traveled to Miami, Florida to attend the 1st annual Green Fashion Show hosted by former Vice President of the United States Al Gore. Designers from Latin America, Europe, the United States, and Caribbean presented garments made exclusively from eco-friendly and recycled materials. The event was also attended by Gloria Estefan, Miss Earth United States 2008 Jana Murrell, and Miss Earth 2007 Jessica Trisko and was covered by CBS, NBC, Telemundo and Mega TV.

On March 21, 2009, Henry attended the press conference for the Grand March versus Illegal Drugs, which was held along Roxas Boulevard, Philippines. Philippine President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the march which started from the Cultural Center of the Philippines proceeding to Rajah Sulayman Park and furthering to the Quirino Grandstand to complete the 2.5 km. trek. The event was recorded in the Guinness World Records as the largest march against illegal drugs participated by approximately 500, 000 people.

As of August 2009, Henry as Miss Earth has travelled to Vietnam, Singapore, Spain, United States of America, Guam, Turks and Caicos, and her home in the Philippines.