Miss Mun. of MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO

MARY GRACE JEDAVER OPINGO

Age: 23 | Height: 5′7″ | Weight: 110 lbs | Measurements: 35-23-35

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)

My childhood years in the province were quite difficult. At a young age, I became acquainted with life’s reality and was guided by my parents how to deal with everyday challenges. Both of them were farmers before. At the age 8, I remember picking up hays of rice every harvesting season and sell them. Sometimes, we cleaned the paddy dike that’s why I had a spotty dark skin. My playmates used to tease me for that. I was already in touch with my spirituality as I spend a time attending bible study which was very rare for a kid. Sometimes, I would accompany my mother selling vegetables around our barrio. Just like most of the kids though, I was lazy at times too. I remember escaping from my mother’s sight just to play but I was able to maintain very good grades at school and was a consistent honor student. My life was simple. We were just poor but I grew up with direction. 

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?

I learned how to be responsible, strong and independent. Moreover, I was able to learn at a young age that a strong foundation of faith is vital in one’s life.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? 

It is joining Miss Philippines-Earth 2011 because it has given me the opportunity to meet people of various backgrounds fighting for a spectacular cause. It has allowed me to be an environmental ambassadress whenever we do mall tours and make people listen. 

It also made me realize what a beauty queen should really possess.

Furthermore, as early as now, I could say that it’s not just all about the crown. It is the feeling that once you’ve joined Miss Philippines-Earth your not the same person anymore.

Indeed, you will grow as a person.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY?

Massive and urgent rehabilitation of the forests for sustainable wildlife- If in times of war, the public are called to protect the country, why not in the face of “environmental war”? Everyone should take part in the rehabilitation of our forests. If a person needs a rest to regain energy, the forests should be given time to regain what was lost as we