Model and former Miss Philippines Earth titleholder Sandra Seifert has been crowned the Philippines' Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity 2012 after a fierce, monthlong battle that recently ended at PETAAsiaPacific.com.

Seifert narrowly beat out Delara frontwoman Lougee Basabas, FHM cover models Alicia Mayer and Geneva Cruz, and Kapuso star Yasmien Kurdi for the title. Other popular contenders included actors Chin-Chin Gutierrez and Raymond Bagatsing, newspaper columnists Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and RJ Ledesma, and international stars Natalie Portman, Russell Brand, and Leona Lewis.

Seifert—an environmentalist and longtime vegetarian—was crowned Miss Philippines-Earth 2009 and represented the country at the Miss Earth international pageant, where she was crowned Miss Earth Air (first runner-up). She has also graced the covers and pages of many magazines. Seifert recently starred in an ad for PETA (attached), which featured her posing nearly naked and painted like the Earth next to the tagline “Save the Planet, Go Vegetarian.”

“Meat production has a devastating impact on the environment,” says Seifert. “With so many alternatives to meat available, it’s easier than ever to enjoy great food while saving animals and the Earth. Going vegetarian is the best thing that we can do to save the planet!”
“There’s no easier way to put passion in your life than to put compassion in your diet,” says PETA Asia Vice President Jason Baker. “Sandra knows that going vegetarian is the best thing that you can do for animals, the Earth, and your health. Plus, she’s living proof that being vegan keeps you slim and sexy.”

The complete list of vegetarian celebrities who were in the running in this year’s contest is available at PETAAsiaPacific.com.