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SABRINA ANIJS- Miss Earth Netherlands 2009
By David Natanawan for Critical Beauty
Please tell us something about yourself, your full name, age, height, vital stats, where you came from, educational
information, your interests and hobbies and other important facts about yourself.
I am Sabrina Anijs, a 21 year young woman, born and raised in the Netherlands. I live in the most beautiful city of my country,
called The Hague. My grandparents are from India and my parents were born in Surinam. Thanks to the fact that I have roots in
three different continents, I got the privilege to be raised with the knowledge of three different cultures. This is also the
reason why I’m always interested in learning more about other cultures. I can’t wait to be in the Philippines and experience
the culture of the Philippine people. Currently I am studying Law at the University of Leiden. Leiden is known for its rich
history, the canals, monumental buildings and courtyards. The famous nickname of Leiden is ‘Sleutelstad’ (key-city).
This nickname comes from the patron saint of the city, St. Peter (Petrus), whose attributes are two keys to the gates of heaven.
My ambition is, besides becoming Miss Earth 2009, to become a lawyer in the future. I hope that my knowledge and my
sense for justice will give me the chance to help people. If I could help people to protect their rights, I will be
a blessed person with the help of God. When I’m not studying, I like to read, travel, dance and exercise. And I
absolutely won’t say no for a trip to the cinema. In my opinion, everyone should try to enjoy every day. Life is
too short and too wonderful to waste one day. Just like Mother Theresa said, "Life is too precious; do not destroy it."
Who influenced you to join your country’s national pageant prior to winning the title to represent your country at Miss Earth?
Since I was a little girl, the world of beauty pageants has always attracted me. When I was 17 years young, I took the
first step and participated in the Miss India Holland pageant. I ended as second runner-up. After the pageant I realized
that I might be a little too young and didn’t have enough life experience to participate in a beauty pageant.
But approximately 3 years later, I discovered that the world of beauty pageant was not yet finished for me.
During those 3 years, where I didn’t do anything with beauty pageants, I got to know more and more about the Miss
Earth pageant. I started to look on the internet, how I could get involved with the Miss Earth pageant. A pageant
that gives me the opportunity to get involved with the preservation of our environment and the protection of
Mother Earth, Yes! That’s a pageant that suits me completely.
I told my parents about this, and they were very enthusiastic. They encouraged me to participate, because
they also knew that I would be able to give 100% of myself at a pageant with such purpose. So thanks to the fact
that my parents gave me their full support, love and blessings, I joined the Miss Benelux pageant.
How were you chosen to represent you country and what preparations have you done for the Miss Earth 2009
competition?
To represent my country at the Miss Earth pageant, I had to participate to the Miss Benelux pageant. This was also very
different then other national pageant, because this pageant represents 3 countries. Besides the opportunity to represent
my country at the Miss Earth pageant, I could participate in an international beauty pageant. The Benelux represents
Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. At the final evening I was chosen Miss Netherlands and that was really a
dream that came true. Miss Belgium and Miss Luxembourg were also chosen. One of those 3 would be the new Miss Benelux.
When I heard that the new Miss Benelux was Sabrina Anijs, the Netherlands, I was thrilled. During my crowning moment
I really felt I was the happiest woman in the whole world!
I collected more than €2600 for Kika by selling chocolates. KIKA stands for Children Cancer Free. The goal of this
foundation is raising money for innovative research and other activities for sick children. KIKA asks your support to
do research for better treatments and healing of cancer-stricken children. I have a weakness for children, so I was very excited
to help these kids and sold the chocolates with full commitment. Thanks to my title, I contributed money so that KIKA can do more research for child cancer,
who doesn’t want to do that?
Since the crowning, my preparation for the Miss Earth pageant started. I took catwalk lessons; I learned how
to walk like a beauty queen on stage and I was one of the jury members at different pageants in the Netherlands.
This showed me how it is to sit on the other side instead of walking on stage. Thanks to this experience I know
what I should and shouldn’t do to represent myself the best at the Miss Earth pageant. I even got the chance to
work on my communication skills.
If you could choose among the four elements: earth, air, water or fire, what would you like to be and why?
I don’t even have to think about my answer, I would certainly choose Earth.
I’m standing down to Earth. My parents taught me to be always myself whatever happens.
Anyhow, our earth contains three other elements, life without air, water and fire is not possible.
Despite the fact that I would choose earth, without doubt, the element fire also attracts me. In fire I
see power and heat and that reflects a big part of me.
What is your fashion sense and style? Who is your style icon and why?
I love fashion and I like to read magazines to get new ideas out of it. My fashion style is very varied. I like athletic clothes
but I also like chic clothes such as evening gowns. What I wear depends on how I’m feeling at that moment. I’m a huge fan of
Otto Rien, the founder of Dutch Spirit Fashion which is a revolutionary new fashion label that focuses
on "new luxury" clothes. Clothing that is made with care for people, animals and the environment. Anyone who buys clothes
from Dutch Spirit Fashion also contributes directly to the environment and living conditions of humans and animals.
It is the first label in the world that produces its clothes without damaging our climate. Their processe in making clothes
is helping to reduce the emission of CO2. They also guarantee that all their clothes are made under fair and good working
conditions. They are also always looking for advanced solutions, so they use Tencel, which is 100% compostable, and by
recycling of old jeans, they’re focused on their goal which is the "cradle to cradle" production. This means that the natural
resources are constantly being reused. This is why I’m a big fan of their clothing.
What environmental platform do you want to pursue during the Miss Earth 2009 pageant and how would you help to
pursue this platform?
I think it is important to first start with yourself. No matter what change you want to make. I am concerned about the
emissions of CO2 gases. These gases have very bad effects on our ecosystem and our health. Actually, it’s not that hard
to reduce the emission of CO2. People should try to leave their car more often at home. I don’t say that I’m against cars,
but I don’t think everyone realizes how harmful all these gases are for our mother earth. I know, most of the time using
the car is easy and fast but if you have some time, leave the car and go by foot or bicycle. I would like to let people
realize how many advantages there are by leaving their car at home. I mean, walking and riding a bicycle is good for your
health, the emission of CO2 reduces and last but not least, you save money because it’s cheaper. Let’s concentrate on
our health, walking and cycling is good for your heart and by cycling 30 minutes, you burn 120 calories. Very attractive
don’t you think? I realize that a world without cars is not possible, but if we can keep in mind what consequences
the emission of CO2 has, then I’ll hope people will take action.
SABRINA LOUNGING ON THE BEACH
Are you a member of any environmental organization or animal rights protection in your country?
I would really like to work for the World Wide Fund. Why I would chose the World Wildlife Fund and not another organization?
This is because of the versatility of this organization. They care not only about our environment but also about animals.
To be able to work on a project of the World Wildlife seems very nice to me.
Do you have any idea about the host country, Philippines? What are your impressions about the country? And what do you know about
the Finals Night venue, the island of Boracay?
It is my first time I will visit the Philippines. As I said before, I find it very interesting to learn more about other
cultures. I am very curious about the Filipino culture. As we go to Manila, I hope that we will visit the San Augustin
Church and Manila Cathedral. From what I've heard the Philippines is one of the most beautiful Asian destinations.
I know that the Philippines has more than 7,100 islands and each island has something special such as white sandy beaches,
green forests and snowy peaks. I hope that we will visit as many islands as possible. I have searched for information
about Boracay and my impression so far I only can describe it in 1 word: AMAZING! What I’ve read about Boracay is that
this island is also considered as the crown jewel among the many islands of the Philippines. On the photos of Boracay
I can see that this island is blessed with white sandy beaches and an azure sea.
Have you heard about the recent disaster brought by typhoons Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma) in the Philippines?
How do you feel about the tragedy that befell some part of the Philippines due to these typhoons?
What happened in the Philippines is one of the most tragic things. I've followed everything on TV and in the newspapers.
The images we received were heart-rending to see. Not one single person would ever imagine that something like this will
overcome you. Many people are homeless and there some people even died and I really hope that the affected people can get
the strength from somewhere to start over. I really respect the young man of 18 years who rescued 12 people
and unfortunately he lost his life by doing this. The fact that he placed, saving other people above his own life,
is truly a heroic deed.
With the recent disaster that happened in the Philippines and other parts of the world, do you think Miss Earth pageant is still
relevant in promoting environmental
awareness all over the world?
Yes. Especially because of what recently happened in the Philippines and other affected countries. I believe that we should
be more aware about how precious our earth is. We live on this earth and we are responsible for it. Unfortunately,
we can’t avoid a typhoon. What we can do is help the affected people. Our nature doesn’t do always what we want, just
like the disaster that occurred. All together we can take care of our planet, let's do it! So promoting environmental
awareness is definitely relevant.
What do you think is the biggest environmental problem that our planet Earth is experiencing today? And how would you do
your share to prevent this problem?
As I’ve said before, I’m concerned about air pollution. I believe anyone can help to keep the air that we breathe clean.
To let people more conscious about this, I think it's best to start with children. It sounds very cliché, but children
are our future. If we don’t tell them how important our planet is, who else will do it? I think we should tell these
children in primary school more about our planet and the consequences of certain actions, which can damage
our planet. It’s up to the children to be aware of this and it’s our job to teach them about it.
A major problem is the damage that cars cause and also other things like fabrics. The fact remains that we live
in a world with cars and that it will always remain like this. So if we still continue to drive our cars when
we have to, why don’t do that in a less environmentally damaging way? Therefore I am a big supporter of cars
with an energy label ‘A’. Cars with energy label A are at least twenty per cent more economical than cars from
a similar size with energy label C or D and ten to twenty per cent more efficient than B-label cars from the
same class. Besides the fact that these cars are economical, they are better for our environment.
The less fuel burns, the less CO2 emissions is being released during driving. Therefore the Dutch government
encourages the purchase of fuel-efficient models. I think if more people will be aware of that, then the buying
of a fuel efficient car will be increased. If I get the chance to inform people about the benefits then I think
there could definitely come some change. I can’t do this on my own, I will need the whole world to help with this.
If you win the Miss Earth title, how would you use your title to promote environmental awareness all over the world?
If I win the Miss Earth title, then it will be a dream that comes true. I would use my title to increase environmental
awareness. Because of the international and national attention this title will bring, I would highlight the problems our planet
is facing with. With full commitment I will try to let people realize what will happen to our planet, if we don’t take care
of it. But I also think, as I said previously, it’s very important to teach children about this. I can’t say it enough, but
they are the ones who will be taking care about our planet. Winning the Miss Earth title will be a great help, in achieving
my goal. After the world has heard my voice, I’ll hope to hear their voice.
Which of the two would you choose and why? Beautiful or Smart.
Smart. I think that being smart is beautiful. I love to study and to develop myself. I don’t say that I won’t choose for beautiful
but the fact remains: beauty comes from inside! I can only choose one but the perfect picture will be absolutely beautiful and smart.
City or countryside?
City. I live in a very big city in the Netherlands. It’s a very crowded city with a lot of different nationalities and cultures.
That’s why I like the city because you get to learn a lot of those cultures. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t like to live
on a quiet place. I’m very glad with the place where I live; the big city is ten minutes from my house. So if I want my rest I just go home.
Money or fame?
That’s a difficult one, but I would choose fame. Why? I think you can achieve a lot with fame. You
can bring you message to the world with your fame.
Blind or mute?
Mute. I love to see the beauty of live. When you can’t hear, you will still be able to see that and although talking
is difficult you’re still able to communicate with a sign language.
Love life or beauty pageant crown?
Beauty pageant crown. I’m participating in the Miss Earth pageant and my goal is to win the Miss Earth title.
My love life is still very important to me but I’m still convinced that real love will never end. So winning the Miss Earth
crown doesn’t mean the end of you love life.
Lastly, what is your message to all the people reading this interview?
I hope that everyone who is reading my interview will get to know me better. My dream for many years is to win the Miss
Earth title and to help our environment with this title. So I would really appreciate it to have everyone’s full support
to helping me achieve my goal!
PHOTO CREDIT: Sabrina Anijs
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