Last night, the 'Beauty of Form and Figure' preliminary judging event of Miss Earth 2017 took place at Century Park Hotel Manila. The contestants presented themselves to the jury in wearing identical white two-piece swimwear.

The beauties covered half of their faces with white veils during the 'figure and form' prejudging round with their 'flaming red' lips visible, which was intended for the jury to be able to focus on the delegates’ form and figure.

Earlier this year, when this style of prejudging was introduced for Miss Philippines Earth 2017, it did face criticism for objectifying the candidates. However, the organisers clarified saying "In the pre-judging portion of 'Figure and Form,' the transparent veil served a double purpose – first, to place emphasis on the figure and form of the candidate, which was the criteria of focus for that specific portion, and second to introduce the girls with dramatic flair since it was the first in our series of prejudging,"

"We honestly do not believe that the girls were objectified or that they felt objectified, remember we are working with millennials. They speak their mind and will no way allow themselves to be put on the negative side."

The “Beauty of Figure and Form” is the first of three prejudging competition that will determine the destiny of the candidates in this year’s competition. The gorgeous ladies are preparing well for the other two prejudging rounds - poise and beauty of face, and intelligence expected to be held later.