Geneva Cruz Named the Philippines’ Sexiest Vegetarian

Singer and actress Geneva Cruz has been crowned the Philippines' Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity for 2011 after a fierce, month-long battle that recently ended at PETAAsiaPacific.com.

Geneva narrowly beat out Delara frontwoman and TV personality Lougee Basabas for the title. Other popular contenders included actors Yasmien Kurdi, Chin-Chin Gutierrez, and Raymond Bagatsing, actress Alicia Mayer, and international stars Natalie Portman, Hayden Panettiere, Russell Brand, and Leona Lewis.

Geneva has appeared on the covers of several magazines, including FHM, Uno, and Maxim. Her fame grew after the album that she released with pop group Smokey Mountain went double-platinum. Not long after that, her first solo album, I Like You, went platinum. She recently performed at a sold-out show on Valentine’s Day.

Geneva has been vegetarian since she was 15 and made the decision to switch to a compassionate diet after she interacted with animals in their natural environment while filming a shampoo commercial. "[We] were in this location in Palawan where all the animals were just roaming free! Free! All I had to do was feed one of them and say 'Natural!' We kept doing that, take after take. … I couldn't take it anymore. Not after that." Now a staunch vegan, Geneva says, "For me, being vegan is not about the diet. It's really about my love for all creatures."

"There's no easier way to put passion in your life than to put compassion in your diet," says PETA Asia Vice-President of International Operations Jason Baker. "Geneva 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 poll is available at PETAAsiaPacific.com.

[via Email from Ashley Fruno/PETAAsiaPacific]

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Pinoy Celebrities Among Asian Contenders in PETA’s Annual ‘Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity’ Poll

Recognizing their contribution in spreading the awareness in protecting the animals and the benefits living in a veggie lifestyle, here are the Pinoy contenders for the sexiest list.

FHM cover girls Alicia Mayer and Geneva Cruz, kapuso star Yasmien Kurdi, and TV personality Lougee Basabas are solidly in the running among Asian contestants in People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia's annual Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity contest on PETAAsiaPacific.com. Other contenders from the Philippines include models Isabel Roces and Raya Mananquil and actors Chin-Chin Gutierrez, Juliana Palermo, Carlos Agassi, and Raymond Bagatsing.

Top vote-getters from outside the continent include singers Anthony Kiedis (of the Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Leona Lewis; actors Hayden Panettiere, Natalie Portman, Milo Ventimiglia, Maggie Q, and Tobey Maguire (aka Spider-Man); Taiwanese singer and actor Barbie Hsu, who played Shan Cai in the hit TV drama Meteor Garden; and fighting champion Jake Shields.

Why are more and more trendsetters choosing to go vegetarian? Healthy vegetarian diets can help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and strokes. Plus, meat-eaters are nine times more likely to be obese than vegans are, making a vegetarian diet the easiest way to stay slim, fit, and sexy.

"When you look at the more than 300 gorgeous celebrities in this year's poll, it's clear that there can be no bones about it—a vegetarian diet makes you beautiful, inside and out," says PETA Asia Vice President of International Operations Jason Baker. "After all, going vegetarian is the best thing that you can do for animals, the Earth, and yourself. Plus, everyone knows that there's nothing sexier than someone who exudes both passion and compassion."

The poll runs through June 23.

For more information and to cast your vote, please visit PETAAsiaPacific.com.

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