MISS UNIVERSE 2011: Miss Earth 2011 Contestant - MISS PANAMA EARTH 2011 - Marelissa Him Betancourt's Photos & Profile/Interview

Birth Name: Marelissa Him Betancourt
Birth Date: July 2, 1988 (age 23)
Birth Place: Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
Occupation:
Height: 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
Measurements: 88-60-88
Hair color: Blonde
Eye color: Light brown
Title(s): Miss Earth Panamá 2011
Major Competition(s):

Señorita Panamá 2010, Miss Earth Panamá 2011(Winner), Reina Hispanoamericana 2011

BIOGRAPHY:

Marelissa Him Betancourt, (born 2 July 1988), (Ciudad de Panamá) Panamá is a Panamanian model and beauty pageant contestant, winner of the Miss Earth Panamá 2011 title.

Marelissa Him Betancourt was born on July 2, 1988 in Panama city, Panama. Daughter of Miriam Betancourt and Gustavo Him, has a younger brother named Jorge Luis Him. During her childhood years she studied in The Oxford School where she discovered her passion for arts&crafts by participating in different art contests held in the school. When she turned 12, she started modeling for Physical Model Agency, as the years went by she became one of the most out standing models in Panama. Modeling career: 2005-2007 ESTAMPA, 2 Magazine covers (Ellas teen, teen lifestyle) 2008 Charlie's Place and 2 "Ellas Magazine" Covers and became the face of Felix B. Maduro. Also joined a non-profit organization named ANCON to help protect the environment and nature. 2009 Felix B. Maduro and started participating in Fashion Week Panama (also called Dias de Moda Panama) 2010 Started modeling for one of Panama's best designers Greta Bayo, posed for BLANK Magazine, Selecta Magazine, 2 Ellas" covers and in the Miss Panama 2010 beauty pageant she became a finalist entering the top 10. Right after the Miss Panama Pageant was held, she received a call from Ana Gabriela Delgado (Old Fashion Icon) to become the next TV hostess for her TV fashion show "Ellas y tu". 2011 While still working at "Ellas y tu", Marelissa was recently crowned as Miss Earth Panama 2011 because of her passion for the conservation and protection of our planet earth.

Him is 5 ft 7 in (1.72 m) tall, and competed in the national beauty pageant Señorita Panamá 2010, where she unplace contest winner for Anyolí Ábrego who participate in the Miss Universe 2010 (who in turn failed to enter the semifinals of Miss Universe 2010).

She will represent Panamá in the 11th edition of the Miss Earth pageant, is scheduled to be held on December 3 in Manila, Philippines.

INTERVIEW:

What environmental project will you create to promote the protection of Mother Earth and why?

I would like to initiate a project that raises awareness by training local leaders on sustainable forest management and sustainable agriculture.

What makes you proud of the country you are representing, and what can you promote about your country?

I've always had this constant feeling of gratitude for being born a Panamanian. I love this country and I will tell you why. Panama is a land full of contrasts: from a cosmopolitan city with amazing skyscrapers to indigenous areas that have kept their ancient traditions for hundreds of years. Panama is full of color: from white sand beaches to our green tropical forests and mountains. Last but not the least, our heart-warming people make you feel right at home.

Panama has always been a meeting point between cultures and we are a country where you can instantly fit in and make a home for yourself. Here in Panama, we care a lot about the environment and that is one of the things that make me very proud of my country. We are true believers of Mother Nature and are respectful of her gifts.

Here in Panama, you can swim in both the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean on the same day as it is only a two-hour drive between the two oceans. You can enjoy our fascinating marine life with our magnificent groups of islands decorated by coral reefs and the most beautiful and colorful tropical fish.

To me, these reasons are enough for you to visit this breathtaking place I call my HOME.

Describe your childhood/growing years

My childhood was very much full of joy and happiness. I grew up surrounded by love. I learned at an early age the respect due to others and was made aware of the need to protect nature. I was encouraged to pursue my goals and to appreciate life in a free society. My relationship with my family was and has always been open and easy. Laughter and a sense of humor were the basis of our everyday lives. Those early years defined my personality.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?

The most valuable lessons were:
Respect for others – no matter our social status and background, age, race and religion, everybody deserves to be treated with respect.
Respect for Mother Nature – because its bounty is not limitless.
Tolerance – diversity is the essence of the human race and that makes each and every one special. I was taught to put myself in other people's shoes before judging.
Discipline – I was encouraged to develop my willpower through work, discipline and perseverance.

What is your most memorable moment?

I would have to say my most memorable moment was when my grandmother bought my first painting for one dollar ($1). I felt that finally, someone had really cared about my work and appreciated my painting skills. This painting still hangs in her bedroom and every time I look at that messy rendering, I can still remember how that moment gave me the determination to work hard and the passion to pursue an art that filled me with happiness.

What is your environmental advocacy?

I advocate for education and raising awareness. I would love to be a part of a program that will pinpoint and educate local community leaders on how to protect the environment. Programs to be taught would be sustainable forest management and agriculture. I have a great concern for the food crisis and the welfare of the planet we live in. I truly believe education is the solution to the problem.

PHOTO GALLERY: