Karen Ibasco is a Filipino fashion model who rose to international prominence after winning Miss Earth 2017 and Miss Philippines Earth 2017. She is the fourth beauty queen from the Philippines to win the title after Karla Henry (2008), Jamie Herrell (2014), and Angelia Ong (2015). Ibasco is a teacher and physicist. She had never thought of becoming a Physicist during her childhood, as she was not good at mathematics. So, who is Karen Ibasco? Here’s everything you need to know about the model.
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Karen Ibasco Biography
Karen Ibasco was born on the 17th of December 1990, in Manila, Philippines. She is currently 34 years old.
| Birth Name | Karen Santos Ibasco |
| Nickname | Karen |
| Date of Birth | December 17, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Manila, Philippines |
| Age | 34 |
| Sun Sign | Sagittarius |
| Profession | Fashion Model, Medical Physicist, University Instructor |
| Nationality | Philippines |
| Ethnicity | Filipina and Chinese |
Family and Education
Talking about Ibasco’s personal life, there is not much to share regarding her family and siblings. She is half Filipina and half Chinese.
She attended Hope Christian High School in Manila, where she completed her secondary education. Karen pursued higher studies at the University of Santo Tomas, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics with a major in Instrumentation in 2011.
Ibasco graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Physics with a major in Instrumentation from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines in 2011. She further obtained a Master’s degree in Medical Physics from the same university under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholarship. She graduated cum laude in both degrees.
She was a former Radiation Oncology Medical Physicist of St. Luke’s Medical Center, Global City.
Karen Ibasco Love Life
Karen Ibasco prefers to stay away from the media spotlight when it comes to romantic affairs. She hasn’t revealed who she is currently dating and has kept her personal aspect of life under the wraps.
Physical Statistics
| Height | Feet – 5 feet 7 inches Centimeters – 170 cm Meters – 1.7 m |
| Weight | Kilograms – 54 kg Pounds – 119 lbs |
| Body Build | Slim |
| Body Measurements | 33-24-35 |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Shoe Size | 8 (US) |
| Dress Size | 4 (US) |
Career Overview
Karen Ibasco began her beauty pageant career by participating in the Binibining Pilipinas 2016 pageant, but she did not win the contest. The following her she was crowned the Miss Philippines Earth 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
She represented the Philippines at the Miss Earth 2017 pageant and eventually won the pageant. She became the fourth Filipina and the third in the last four years to be named the Miss Earth.
After her reign, Karen continued to work as an environmental advocate, collaborating with NGOs, government institutions, and international organizations.
Karen Ibasco Net Worth
As of 2025, Karen Ibasco has a net worth of around $1 million, derived from her pageantry career, endorsements, public speaking, and her work as a medical physicist and consultant.
Interesting Facts
Karen is a former university instructor and activist. Karen talked about understanding the consumption of energy in everyday life.
“As a physicist, I understand the importance of daily consumption of energy, which is why my environmental advocacy is the conservation of energy and to embrace renewable and sustainable sources of energy in exchange for fossil fuel, which contributes to a huge percentage of global warming.”
Before joining Miss Philippines Earth, Karen tried her luck in Bb Pilipinas 2016. She was also the 1st runner-up in the Ms. Shape PH competition in 2015.
She is the fourth Filipina to win Miss Earth, following Karla Henry (2008), Jamie Herrell (2014), and Angelia Ong (2015).
Karen knows the importance of using social media for social good, and she plans to use it wisely, just as she said during her win as Miss Philippines Earth.
She speaks fluently in English, Filipino, Mandarin, and Fookien.
During her Miss Earth reign, she attended the Philippine State of the Nation Address and studied governance in Singapore.
She never intended to take up a job in science and as a teacher, as she was never academically inclined, but fate had other ideas.
In May 2018, Ibasco was one of the recipients of The Outstanding Men and Women of the Year Philippines for her contributions to society and the country, as well as the active pursuit of her environmental advocacies
In June 2018, she attended social and environmental activities of the Miss Earth Mexico pageant along with Miss Water 2017, Juliana Franco of Colombia.
She has traveled across the globe to countries including Cambodia, Vietnam, Mexico, Réunion Island, Singapore, Colombia, and Belgium during her stint as Miss Earth.
In December 2020, she was appointed as the ambassador for R.E.START Renewable Energy Transition to promote energy conservation and to raise awareness on renewable energy transition.
FAQs
Who is Karen Ibasco?
Ibasco is a Filipina physicist, model, and beauty queen best known for winning the Miss Earth 2017 title.
How old is Karen Ibasco?
She was born on December 17, 1990, which translates to her age of 34 years.
Is Karen Ibasco married?
As of now, Karen Ibasco has not revealed details about her dating life or marriage. She prefers to keep her personal life private.
What is Karen Ibasco’s net worth?
As of 2025, Karen Ibasco’s estimated net worth sits at $1 million, earned through modeling, public speaking, guest appearances, and endorsements.
Where is Karen Ibasco now?
After her reign as Miss Earth 2017, Karen continues to be active in environmental advocacy, international conferences, and guest appearances, inspiring youth and communities to take action against climate change.