PH’s Gabbi Carballo is ‘Top Model’ in Miss Eco International 2026

May 22 ------ The doctor is in. Cebuana physician Gabriella “Gabbi” Carballo snagged the “Evening Wear Top Model” award at the 2026 Miss Eco International pageant’s preliminary competition in Egypt.

Wearing a fully beaded green Philipp Tampus gown, the Filipino contender received her award from reigning Ilongga queen Alexie Brooks at the ceremony held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Alexandria on May 20 (21 in Manila). However, pageant fans grew impatient with the much-delayed program that was supposed to start at 7 P.M. (12 midnight in Manila) but commenced past 9 P.M. (2 A.M. in Manila). The show was streamed on the Miss Eco International YouTube channel. It was an Asian domination at the preliminary competition show as the other special award of the evening, Miss Eco Elegant, went to Thailand’s Jessica Ninima.

Carballo had earlier placed second in the Fitness Day Challenge and the Talent Competition in separate programs held at the Alexandria Stadium and Rixos Montaza, respectively. The medical doctor, meanwhile, highlighted the devastating consequences of catastrophes brought about by natural calamities and man-made activities in another segment of the program.

During the “Eco Dress” competition of the evening, where delegates paraded in fashion creations made of recycled and discarded materials, Carballo paraded in a gown inspired by a tragedy in her home city. “Inspired by the tragic Binaliw landslide in Cebu, this eco dress is a painful reminder that some disasters are not caused by nature alone—but by human neglect, indifference, and our failure to care for the Earth entrusted to us,” she posted on social media. “Made from discarded tarpaulin and aluminum foil, the piece transforms waste into mourning. The red mask symbolizes society’s blindness to environmental destruction, while the falling crimson tears grieve the irreversible consequences of negligence,” Carballo added.

The gown’s bodice incorporated 36 red beads representing the lives lost in the garbage landslide that took place at a sanitary landfill earlier this year. She carried a dove made of the same materials to signify hope. “This is not just fashion. It is a warning. It is a prayer for awakening,” Carballo continued, posting a video that showed the dress in detail, and the concept behind its creation. But the flower-themed creations emerged triumphant in the Eco Dress segment as Chile’s Hangarahl Pakarati topped the contest with her blue beaded gown with floral appliques and matching headdress.

Mexico’s Palmira Ruiz placed second with her Cinco De Mayo-inspired dress embroidered with various flower designs in different colors, while Malaysia’s Nivethaa Kumar finished third in a winged creation with flowers on the dress and matching head piece.

Source: inquirer.net