22 Facts About Karla Henry

Karla Henry was crowned Miss Earth 2008, becoming the first Philippine delegate and the first in the Asian region to win that title.

Karla Henry graduated high school from Camp Lapulapu National High School and attended college at the University of Cebu.

Karla Henry holds a bachelor's degree in tourism and was working with Marco Polo Plaza Hotel when she was invited to join the Miss Earth pageant.

Karla Henry joined her first professional beauty contest at age 17 in October 2003.

Karla Henry moved from Canada to the Philippines, but before joining pageants, she had a 9-to-5 job as a hotelier in Cebu.

Karla Henry then moved to Manila to participate in beauty contests.

Karla Henry was chosen Miss Philippines Earth 2008 on May 11,2008, and was held at the Crowne Plaza Galleria in Ortigas, Mandaluyong, besting 40 contestants from all over the Philippines and Filipino communities abroad.

Karla Henry gave the winning answer: "I will educate them by giving them an example; through my example I will give nature the best of me".

Karla Henry was announced as one of sixteen semi-finalists who would move forward to compete for the Miss Earth 2008 pageant that was held at Clark Expo in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines on November 9,2008.

Karla Henry articulated in her video interview about going around public schools teaching about the environment as she cited that lack of knowledge about environmental concerns is a key issue in her country.

Karla Henry became the first Filipino and Asian to win the Miss Earth title.

Together with the runners-up, Karla Henry went around public schools in the Philippines to teach elementary pupils in public schools about environmental awareness.

Karla Henry promoted the "Green Thumbs Up" project, which enumerates 10 simple acts that these kids can practice at home and participated in a coastal cleanup in Manila Bay.

On December 4,2008, Karla Henry attended an environmental press conference and activities for a "Toxics-Free Christmas: Our Gift to the World" as part of the ongoing effort of Miss Earth Foundation, in partnership with the Eco Waste Coalition, to inform consumers about the risks and dangers of exposure to hazardous chemicals to public health and the environment, and empower the public to make sound decisions on what practices, products, and services to choose.

Karla Henry shared tips on "decorating green" with eco-friendly Christmas ornaments such as the traditional belen and parol from used or locally sourced biodegradable materials.

On January 18,2009, Karla Henry was the lead dancer in the grand finale of the Sinulog Festival, an annual festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City.

Karla Henry was tapped to take the place of Cebu City First Lady Margot Osmena in the grand finale of the festival.

On March 17,2009, Karla Henry traveled to Miami, Florida to attend the first annual Green Fashion Show hosted by former Vice President of the United States Al Gore.

Karla Henry led the Pledge for Mother Earth where 13 megawatts were saved by residents and establishments in Metro Cebu who switched off their lights and non-essential appliances.

In May 2018, Karla Henry was one of the recipients of The Outstanding Men and Women of the Year Philippines for her environmental advocacies and received the award at the Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila.

In January 2012, Karla Henry danced with the Cebu City government contingent in celebration of the Sinulog Festival to commemorate the Cebuano people's pagan origin, and their acceptance of Roman Catholicism.

Karla Henry was named spokesperson for Cebu City mayor Mike Rama in March 2022.