Miss Earth 2008 - Historical Significance

Historical Significance

• The number of participants who competed for Miss Earth 2008 decreased for the first time in the pageant history, breaking 7-year streak of participation increase from 2001 to 2007. However, Miss Earth 2008 edition remained to be the second highest turn out of delegates after 2007.
• For the first time in any pageants, the Miss Earth Press Presentation was held later in the middle of pageant activities instead of around the first week.
• The Republic of Kosovo has sent its national beauty pageant winner for the first time in any of the major international pageants, after the Assembly of Kosovo declared independence in February 2008. Kosovo also participated in the Miss Universe 2008, but its representative was appointed by the franchise holder. Kosovo also participated in Miss Earth 2002 and 2003 as a territory prior to its declaration of independence.
• The sight of seeing the two Congos competing together for the first time in a Major Four pageant. The bigger one is Democratic Republic of Congo with Kinshasa as its capital which from 1971–1996 was actually named Zaire, and the smaller one is the Republic of Congo with Brazzaville as its capital.
• Philippines won its first ever Miss Earth and became the first winner from the Asian region.
• Venezuela won Best in Long Gown award for the second time.
• For the first time, Mexico won Best in Swimsuit.
• Panama won Best in National Costume award for the second time.
• Philippines won Miss Photogenic award for the third time.
• Philippines is the second Miss Photogenic Winner to win Miss Earth after Priscilla Meirelles won in 2004.
• This year, all four constituent countries of the United Kingdom are represented.
• The welcome debut of Bhutan and Rwanda in the Big Four pageants.
• Tanzania had the strongest finish as Miss Earth-Air or 1st runner-up since Rehema Sudi placed as a Top 16 semifinalist in 2005.
• Philippines won five special major and minor awards: Miss Earth Designers Award, Miss Photogenic, Eagle Express Award, Miss Fontana, Pasigandahan Awards (for Manila). Currently, she's the only winner who received the most awards in the history of Miss Earth pageant.
• Czech Republic and Venezuela placed for the fourth consecutive year.
• Czech Republic, Nigeria, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand and Venezuela were also called out for the finals last year.
• Korea, Russia and Tanzania last placed in 2005 while Philippines, Poland and USA last made the cut in 2006.
• Countries that got called out to the semi-finals after a long period without placement were: Colombia (6 years) and Brazil (4 years).
• Mexico made the first cut of contestant for the first time in Miss Earth history.