It's only been two days since Eryka Vin Tan was announced as one of the Top 20 finalists of Miss Philippines Earth 2022 pageant. She's still excited and overwhelmed with what happened.
"The whole time I was waiting for the announcement of Top 20, iniisip ko po yung team ko tsaka family ko. Hindi lang po ako kasi grabe po yung pagod, it's like a collective effort," Eryka said during her recent online interview.
The 27-year old beauty met some pageant bloggers through virtual press conference today, July 17.
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| Virtual interview of Eryka Vina Tan. |
She graduated at San Beda University with a Bachelor's Degree of Entrepreneurship. She is currently the marketing head of a beauty and wellness company based in Albay.
Eryka is representing her hometown., Legazpi City. This is her first time joining a national pageant. Prior to that she was Ms. San Beda College 2013. In 2018, she joined Miss Ibalong in Legazpi City and Miss Bicolandia where she declared as first runner-up for both pageants.
She was born in Saudi Arabia since both of her parents were OFW. She returned to the Philippines when she was just five years old.
In 2017, she went back to Saudi Arabia and work as international flight attendant for three years for Saudi Arabia Airlines.
She loves to travel aside from being a swimmer, free diver and a dragon boat paddler. A certified sports junkie, she is also an aspiring triathlete.
"The love for the ocean inspired me to take part in Miss Philippines Earth because I believe that it is a great platform for me to share my advocacy. Marine conservation is close to my heart because I believe it needs great attention specially for us Filipinos," Eryka explained on why she joined Miss Philippines Earth.
This year's theme is Fauna. She chose snake as her featured animal.
She chose this since she was influenced and inspired by her brother who is taking veterinary medicine. In addition, she can also relate her characteristics to it.
"Philippine cobras are very misunderstood. The only reason they attack others or defend themselves if they feel like they're being threatened. I feel the same way, ganun din po ako parang the only time I would be enraged or the only time na magiging patola tayo is when people are trying to push me in the corner. As much as possible, I love peace," she said.
Eryka and other 19 candidates will compete in a live coronation night on August 6 in Coron, Palawan. Prior to that, they will be presented to the media in a press presentation on July 21 at Hotel 101 Manila.
You can watch her online interview here.