MERI LASIL RELEVO
Age: 19
Height: 5 feet 5 inches
Measurements: 32.5 inches - 25 inches - 37 inches
Occupation/Education: Psychology Student
Describe your childhood/growing up years (8-13 years old):
Growing up my family and I would always travel to different places in the Philippines like Puerto Galera, Palawan, Subic, Baguio, Pangasinan, Ilocos and many more. I have always been fond of nature. My childhood was really fun because I have a lot of cousins. My dad would always pick me up at school after my classes because I was a cry baby. I would play different kinds of sports or traditional Filipino games with my siblings. I would pretend to be the chef and use leaves as money. When I turned 12, as a first year high school student some of my classmates started to bully me and teased me about my looks. I was never really the muse or the “Miss Popularity”. And then, when I turned 13, we went on a vacation in America. We had a road trip from Florida to California. We stopped over at 13 different states. I am forever grateful for my childhood and I will use these experiences to inspire and uplift others.
What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?
Enjoy it and be grateful. Growing up, my parents would always teach us and educate us about poverty, how some kids don’t have the same opportunities and privileges like we had and to always help those who needs help and be compassionate. I’ve also learned that you will learn a lot by reading books and watching movies.
Most memorable moment:
I love kids. Whenever I look at them they just look so unproblematic and peaceful. Last December 2020 we went to Baguio to be part of something. And that something is to make people happy, especially kids. It was an orphanage. And that is what I aspire to be everyday, to always give back and be someone who is not afraid to show her true intentions in the world.
Why do you want to be Miss Philippines Earth?
I think I should be the next Miss Philippines Earth because I believe in change. Because I believe that it is never too late to care and be involved in our environment. I will lead the youth by example and help save nature. Because after all, life would be nothing if we haven’t done anything to help save our mother nature now and for the next generations to come.
What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?
I choose renewable, clean, source of energy and gas generated energy through biodigestion - the biogas. It reduces soil and water pollution and produces organic fertilizer. It was invented years ago but I realized that a lot of people doesn’t know about it. I choose this because I believe that it can help make a huge difference not just for people but also for our mother nature.
What tip can you share to promote eco-tourism in your City or Municipality?
First I would educate them with sustainability, then I would encourage them to buy and support the local businesses. Balayan is well known for its bagoong. I would also use my social media to promote small businesses and the foundation that I’m supporting which is the Ten Foundation. They make bags and other Philippine products from recycled materials like tetra packs, straws, etc. I have always believed that if we all work together, we can have a more sustainable future.
