ILOILO City – With cheers echoing from her hometown of Leon, Iloilo to the bustling streets of Iloilo City, Alexie Mae Brooks — the third Filipina to win the Miss Eco International crown — came home on May 5 to a hero’s welcome that celebrated not just her global triumph, but also the pride she brought to Iloilo and the country.
Brooks, who clinched the title in Egypt last month, was feted with a festive motorcade and a program at SM City Iloilo before meeting the media in a press conference.
The 24-year-old athlete, model, and environmental advocate shared touching reflections about her journey, including a quiet return to Leon to honor the memory of her grandmother, whom she credited as her spiritual inspiration.
“It finally sank in that I won when I went home,” said Brooks, who was also a Miss Iloilo 2024. “I lit a candle for my Lola Basing in Leon. It was her birthday just days before the competition. This crown, this moment — it’s for her.”
While Brooks’ fans are already abuzz with hopes of seeing her compete again in Miss Universe Philippines, she said she has no firm plans yet.
“I feel like I need to focus on my Miss Eco International duties first. Maybe, someday, before I end my pageant career, I’d join another big one — but not anytime soon,” the 5 feet and 9 inches tall beauty queen queen explained.
As Miss Eco International 2024, Brooks will be traveling the world over the next year to champion environmental awareness and promote tourism. But for now, she’s savoring the warm embrace of her hometown and the support of those who stood by her from the start.
“I’m just happy that I was able to bring this honor not just for myself, but for Iloilo, for the Philippines, and for my Lola,” she said./PN
