SHIELA DEFOREST IS THE PHILIPPINES BET FOR MRS. ECO INTERNATIONAL 2019
By Noli A. Berioso
Forty-five year old former Emirates flight attendant is the first ever Filipina to enter the Mrs. Eco International pageant happening in St. Point Resort, Las Vegas Nevada, USA from June 23-28.
Shiela Teodoro DeForest, a native of Pagsanjan, Laguna is all set to compete in the international pageant for married women that aim to promote and protect the environment. Mrs. Eco International will be Shiela’s second international pageant in less than a year. She joined and represented Southeast Asia in the 2018 edition of Mrs. Globe pageant held in Shenszhen, China November last year where she placed among the 15 semi-finalists out of 65 entries. But this time, Shiela is more ecstatic and determined to compete because she is finally representing her country the Philippines. Shiela is currently here in the country to do some activities in preparation for her forth coming pageant. She joined the Nat Geo Earth Day Run and Haribon Foundation Coastal cleanup, a tree planting in Baguio City, visited the Philippine Hybrid Energy System in Mindoro, media rounds in Metro Manila and Baguio City, courtesy calls, Philippine Embassy Lisbon, Portugal, LGU in Benguet and Baguio, Eco Costume design collaboration with Filipino designer Edwin Uy and many more.
The 5’11” tall former model is a graduate of BS Tourism at UP AIT Diliman campus. She got married 5 years ago to Timothy DeForest in a wedding ceremony in Panglao, Bohol. She is in full support against child abuse and abandonment and an advocate for women empowerment and mental health. The couple is now based in Colorado, USA. Her interests are singing, fitness, reading, fashion and travelling (she’s been to 54 countries already). She joined the local search for Supermodel Philippines in 1992 and Bodyshots in 1998. She was featured in international fashion magazines and worked with ad agencies as model for TV and prints.
The contestants for Mrs. Eco International will compete in three categories namely Eco Costume, Evening Gown and Swimsuit plus every candidate must submit a video about their environmental advocacy.
A special press conference was held last April 24 at the environmental friendly Henry Hotel in Pasay City attended by selected pageant’s media where Sheila was able to share her thoughts and her preparation for Mrs. Eco International 2019. She was accompanied by her parents Darcito and Vene Teodoro.
The pageant has three divisions, Ms. ECO International, Ms. Teen ECO International and Mrs. ECO International. Shweta Chaudhary of India is current winner of the pageant.