A FILIPINO-CHINESE businessman has launched a personality and modeling search for women and men who will become ambassadors of tourism and environmental protection in the country.

Galaxy Entertainment and Production Services chief Paul Zhuang said it?s time to have more events that do not only entertain, but also also educate the public.

The Mister and Miss Ecotourism Philippines competition is his company?s first big venture in local entertainment.

?I?m producing this search because I believe the youth plays a big role in shaping the future,? Zhuang said.

Zhuang?s family markets air conditioning units that do not use Freon and need no water or ice to produce cold air. As such, they do not emit chlorofluorocarbons, which deplete the ozone layer.

This environment-centered initiative was what prompted Zhuang to merge his business model with entertainment. ?I see a lot of potential talents in the country. I want to help them get noticed in the international scene through my foreign networks,? he explained.

Ambassadors

Zhuang envisions pageant winners to become ambassadors who will promote the country?s tourism and push environmental awareness. His company plans to launch an international pageant in the future.

The pageant is looking for female contestants who are at least 5?5? tall and male contenders at least 5?7? tall.

Applicants must be single, never been married and have no children, and must be between 18 years and 25 years old.

Screenings started yesterday (Saturday) at the Icon Club in Makati, and contines today at the Bellevue Hotel in Muntinlupa. Another wave of screenings will be held April 2 at the Dolce Superclub in Quezon City, and April 3 at the H2O Hotel in Manila. All interviews start at 1 p.m.

Interested parties should bring their portfolio, set cards or photos and their own swim wear. For details, check Mossimo branches or call the pageant?s secretariat at 482-9106 or 0919-6245466, look for Laarni Tila.