Miss Earth 2009, an annual pageant where beauty queens from different countries espouse the environmental cause, will hold its pageant and coronation night in the world-famous island of Boracay tonight. There are about 80 of them vying for the prestigious crown of Miss Earth, Miss Earth-Air, Miss Earth-Water and Miss Earth-Fire.

Sources say the Philippine bet, Sandra Inez Seifert, has a strong chance of winning after she was named Best in Swimsuit and Best in Long Gown in the pre-pageant competitions. She was previously disqualified from Binibining Pilipinas because of her sexy photos that appeared in men’s magazines FHM and Maxim. I have to say Miss Seifert is lovely, but the other ladies are equally as stunning.

We were able to take a close look at the Miss Earth 2009 contestants in the Long Gown Competition held at the PAGCOR Grand Theater last week. Some of those who made an impression: Miss Brazil, Miss Spain, Miss Korea, Miss Cuba, Miss Czech Republic, Miss Venezuela and a lot more.

Here are some of the photos I took backstage. Was testing my new toy, the Panasonic Lumix LX3. Results were good, but I felt like I should have used the Canon DSLR and a bazooka lens, since the stage looked so far away

If you happen to be in Boracay tonight, the event happens at the Boracay Eco-Village Resort and Convention Center. Good luck, ladies!

Beth Celis of the Inquirer, quoting people close to Manny Pacquiao, wrote last Friday, Nov. 13: “Not only does she [Krista] wipe his face and body during workouts, she also feeds him like a baby during mealtimes,” said the well-informed source.”

Not a few people saw the two of them in romantic Baguio City where Pacquiao trained for weeks.

Sources in the sports community now chorus “totoo talaga.” (yes, it’s true)

We can only say: yes it’s true. Manny Pacquiao and Krista Ranillo will be seen together in the forthcoming movie Wapakman, to be shown during the Metro Manila Film Festival 2009

Who is Krista Ranillo and why are people suddenly curious about her?

Showbiz runs in her blood, being the daughter of 70s heartthrob Matt Ranillo III and the former Linda Tupaz. She is also the granddaughter of veteran actress Gloria Sevilla.

She’s posed sexily for the Philippines’ top men’s magazines FHM and Maxim.

She was a Dean’s Lister at the Ateneo De Manila University where she majored in Interdisciplinary Studies and graduated in 2007.

Anyhoo, Pacquiao’s historic match against Miguel Cotto certainly didn’t show any strains in the Pacquiao household. His wife Jinkee Pacquiao was seen cheering him on in the front row. ’twas also the first time when Jinkee was seen walking side-by-side with Manny as he entered his dressing room at the MGM Grand Arena, prior to the bout.

And somehow,Mrs. Pacquiao looked quite the looker in a pink cowl neck mini dress, matched by a bright pink Hermes bag (prices ranging from $7,000 to $50,000).

Ayaw patalo. Kibitzers say the bag Krista is carrying these days is a Chanel