Miss Earth 2016 Katherine Espin of Ecuador recently shared her secret love for Philippines. The beauty queen said that she has fallen in love with the Philippines. Espin during an interview with INQUIRER.net said, “I have to tell you a secret. Since the first day I came here to the Philippines I felt so connected. I don’t know how to even describe the feeling, but I feel so connected to the land, to the country, to the people, because they are so warm-hearted and so nice. So I really feel myself living here.”
She further added, “I love the Philippines so much. Every where I go, every city, everyone has big smile. You guys are blessed with a beautiful country. I do see myself coming back to the Philippines and even after my reign and stay here and try different things.”
During the interview, Katherine recalled her crowning moment and she was overwhelmed by the warm welcome and reception received from Filipinos. Katherine said that she has received a lot of love from the Philippines and it she has never felt so much loved ever before.
“Going back to months ago, since my first visit in the Philippines, I just told myself I’m going to enjoy every single day of it as if it’s the last. I’m not really tired because I see it as big trip of mine, one of the countries that I really want to visit. This is really an amazing country. I just focus on that—enjoying every day, enjoying all the food, the people, the company, and the places,” Espin said.
Katherine said that the pageant experience was a lot of fun and she is enjoying her visit to different cities and also the food. “It’s an unforgettable experience,” she added. Espin mentioned that she had to postpone her scheduled departure from the Philippines to March 17 to attend to more activities and invitations, before touring other Asian and European countries.
Talking about her activities, Katherine has made various school tours and also attended the Isabela for the Bambanti Festival, in Vigan City upon the invitation of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines, Davao and Bacolod. “The most unforgettable part is when I went to Davao and I was able to receive all the love from the people and they were really really kind to me. I felt so loved and cared for by people from not even my own country, people from other places. I was receiving gifts and good messages,” she said.
“I would say that’s an unforgettable moment because I’ve never felt anything like it in my life, so coming over to the Philippines and being able to feel that was amazing,” she added.