Tree planting, ecological projects, coastal cleanup, school tours, radio and television appearance and seminars and courtesy visits to partner organizations and government officials are among the four-week schedule of activities promoting the pageant’s cause. #MissEarth2019

The 88 beauties of Miss Earth 2019. (Gilbert Kim Sancha/Carousel)

A bouquet of fresh faces and stance to protect and preserve nature kicked off the 19th edition of Miss Earth at the Diamond Hotel in Manila on Wednesday.

“Their striking physical attributes already make them standout. And once you hear them speak their minds, they become even more attractive. They’re like flowers that are about to bloom,” Carousel Executive Vice President Lorraine Schuck said in describing the candidates of the floral-themed competition.

The 88 official candidates not only introduced themselves but also their advocacy and the beauty and health benefits of their native flowers from their countries when they were presented to the media in the morning.

This year’s batch is armed with passion and commanding presence not just their ethereal beauties. As each delegate showcases the national flower of her country, they carry with them a positive attitude, vibe, and message that nature can bloom once again if people would do their part to protect it.

Tree planting, ecological projects, coastal cleanup, school tours, radio and television appearance and seminars and courtesy visits to partner organizations and government officials are among the four-week schedule of activities promoting the pageant’s cause.

The pre-pageant competitions and three rounds of preliminary judging will determine who will have the chance to be the new environmental ambassador, said Carousel Logistics Vice President Peachy Veneracion.

For Carousel President Ramon Monzon, it’s going to be a hectic yet worthwhile month for the delegates.

“Competition aside, the whole process is a learning experience for these ladies. We hope that this year would be another memorable edition of Miss Earth,” said Monzon.

Through the years, the Miss Earth Foundation planted trees and partnered with organizations in their global tree-planting campaigns and enhanced environmental awareness through its “I Love My Planet Earth” school tours that reached about 26 million children in the Philippines and other countries since 2001.

The delegates share their time and knowledge in educating school children about environmental awareness, eco-tourism, addressing climate change and implementing the 5R’s: re-think, reduce, re-use, recycle and respect.

This year’s pageant edition also promotes the #MEandMYTreeCampaign in light of the alarming calamities and the burning of the Amazon, Borneo and African rainforests which are considered as the lungs of the Earth. Through the campaign, ME and its delegates encourage people in different parts of the world to plant a tree in their surroundings to alleviate the effects of these unfortunate incidents.