Miss Earth Philippines 2017 candidates presented

The search for Miss Earth Philippines 2017 queen has started, and the 40 young women vying for the title strutted and posed as they were introduced at the media presentation on Wednesday at Diamond Hotel in Manila.

They paraded by the pool in green two-piece swimsuits, holding banners that said, "Ecotourism is a key to poverty alleviation," and "re-think," "re-use," "reduce," "recycle," and "respect."

Eighteen-year-old candidate Samantha Viktoria Acosta of Pulilan, Bulacan (bottom) was named "darling of the press" by the media at the event.

The Miss Earth Philippines bets meet the press at Diamond Hotel in Manila on July 5, 2017. Photos: DANNY PATA

The Miss Earth Philippines coronation night will be held at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City on July 15. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/BM, GMA News