While developing nations like our own are now under the watchful eye of world organizations who safeguard the planet and how we protect or maltreat the environment, it’s a solace to know that there are actions dedicated to conserving our natural resources while promoting to peoples around the globe the inherent beauty of the Philippine Islands. From our flora and fauna to the world-class charm of today’s Filipina, the Miss Earth Philippines Pageant is now in full swing as millions await the coronation of 2008’s beauties for a cause!

After establishing a track record in mounting world-class beauty pageants over the last decade, Carousel Productions Inc. decided to reinvent and improve the concept of beauty competitions for the new millennium. Because many people admire and even aspire to become a beauty queen, Carousel believed beauty queens would be a good and effective advocate of worthy causes. I can clearly recall a conversation with Lorraine Schuck, Carousel’s EVP, where her noble idea to save the planet coupled with her penchant for pageantry became the brainchild for "beauties for a cause."

Miss Earth Philippines comes to life

To give life to this vision, Carousel organized and launched in 2001 the Miss Philippines and Miss Earth Beauty Pageants, two beauty events whose raison d’etre is to have its candidates and winners actively promote and get involved in the preservation of the environment and the protection of Mother Earth.

The Miss Philippines-Earth has since been known for its unprecedented regional search for a true Filipina who cares for and helps in the preservation of the environment. Now on its 8th year, Miss Philippines-Earth continues to expand its coverage in every corner of the Philippines as various provinces, cities and municipalities send in their candidates.

Likewise Filipino communities abroad, such as France, Germany, the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America will also join the new batch. With more participants involved, Carousel is confident it will reach more people and communities involved in its environmental advocacy this 2008.

Ramon Monzon, President of Carousel Productions explains, "There is an increasing involvement and dedication of the candidates to the preservation of the environment and they deserve to be recognized."

The Miss Philippines winner eventually competes in the Manila-based Miss Earth Pageant participated in by over 80 countries around the globe. Carousel’s eco-friendly idea has even spun off to include a "Lil’ Earth Angels" pageant for young girls in the Philippines who also share a love for Mother Earth and protecting the Philippines and all its natural splendor and glory.

"The excitement really builds up as we have more candidates for the first time in a national competition level. We used to have 24 semi-finalists in the past representing the different regions in the Philippines. This time with about fifty (50) candidates from municipalities, cities and even provinces. We shall be encouraging more advocates promoting our cause." expressed Lorraine Schuck.

Pageantry takes over this summer

With the onset of summer heat in the city, the first wave of heat has already begun with the Long Gown Competition of the Miss Philippines-Earth 2008. Marian Michelle T. Oblea from the Municipality of Obando won the Best in Long Gown special award.

Hosting the Long Gown Competition is the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) who has its shares in the nation-building of the country and will continue to do so in developing means of promoting tourism for the country. Tonight’s event also ushers in the eventful four days Asia’s Gaming & Entertainment Plus Leisure Expo Manila 2008 (Asia’s GEM), an annual event that brings together luminaries entertainment leisure in global gaming. Likewise, PAGCOR shall be working hand in hand with Carousel in the preservation of our environment and shall for this year, include MS. PAGCOR International Tourism Ambassadress as one of the major titles at stake.

With a full roster of activities planned for the summer, "Missology" fans can look forward to following this years 42 Miss Philippines candidates around the nation for tree-planting tours, environmental seminars and beach clean-ups as well as the swimsuit and talent competitions, Coronation Night will be on May 11, 2008 at Ortigas Crown Plaza Hotel and will be telecast live on ABS-CBN and The Filipino Channel.