Get to know Miss Philippines Earth 2023 Yllana Marie Aduana
Yllana Marie Aduana has won the coveted title of Miss Philippines Earth 2023.
She received the prized distinction after besting 28 other hopefuls nationwide at the pageant's April 29 coronation night in Cebu's Toledo City Sports Center.
The 24-year-old will represent the Philippines in the upcoming 23rd Miss Earth pageant to be held in Vietnam later this year.
Before she vies for the country's fifth crown at the prestigious beauty pageant, here's a brief backgrounder on the beauty queen.
CEU alumna
Yllana is a proud graduate of Centro Escolar University.
She obtained her undergraduate degree of Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology in 2018.
The university is just as proud of their alumnus, celebrating her most recent victory with an official post: "Congratulations to our very own Yllana Marie Aduana from CEU Makati (BS MedTech, Class of 2018) for winning the crown. Talk about beauty, brains, and character."
Miss Fit Philippines
A couple of years ago, Yllana was also crowned Miss Fit Philippines 2021 by The Belle Salon and ProMedia.
She even secured additional special awards apart from the main title including Miss Ultra Slim and Best in Swimsuit.
The 5'7" model was deemed to be a FIT titleholder given her "beautiful face, intellectual and emotional intelligence, and toned, healthy body."
Nonprofit founder
Yllana founded the nonprofit organization Edukasyon for Every Juan, which is "fueled by commitment, passion, and purpose to promote inclusive quality education."
This initiative aims to promote inclusive quality education to children and students by providing free educational resources and organizing enriching activities like storytelling and community outreach.
"The pillar of our organization, your tireless dedication has inspired and touched so many lives. Your unselfish acts and undeniable love for Mother Earth and her children have caused a ripple effect through your advocacies and numerous projects," the nonprofit wrote in its congratulatory post for its president.
Seasoned pageant queen
The Miss Philippines Earth 2023 previously competed in the pageant's 2021 edition.
This adds to her portfolio as an experienced beauty queen who finished top 12 in Binibining Pilipinas 2022.
Representing Laguna at the time, she proudly took home the pageant's special award Face of Binibini (Miss Photogenic).
Professional scientist
Last but not least, Yllana is a licensed medical laboratory scientist.
She successfully passed the Medical Technologist Licensure Examination held on September 22 and 23, 2018.
Her name can be seen on the official results released by the Professional Regulation Commission a few days later.