Beauty With a Purpose: Plogtastic Day!

On my first blog post, I blazoned to be tireless in denoting a kind beauty beyond its subjective form. I have promised to keep exploring heights of influence and inspiration. A couple of weeks ago, I was called to participate in another pageantry somewhere a little far from my district. At the same time, I have organized an event called "Plogging" where people can jog and pick up litter as they go. I hosted a Fun-Run with very scarce time and resources, come to think of it.

Nevertheless, I was happy to oblige myself of the restlessness so I could introduce a fashioned way of molding our modern society.

(behind the stage after QandA)
"We need to be less in the virtual world, and more in the real one. Go out there and make this community livable."

Just a few hours later after the coronation night which ended near midnight, I had to drag myself out of bed to prepare for the Fun-Run. That was around 4:00 in the morning. As my team and I arrived at the 'starting point' venue, I was kind of relieved to see we had willing participants, after all. They numbered to almost a hundred. Most of them were youngsters in ages 15 - 20. We had a quick briefing and I wholeheartedly said my thanks to them for being able to join.

The commencement began in a quite ecstatic way. They were yelling and cheering as they went about with their small garbage bags. Even in the adult participants, I could see the thrill of peculiarity and curiousness in their eyes as they started their regular jogging routine, only now with a duty to pick up trash along the way, too. I had my team set up a water station on the 4th stop to make sure the participants don't dehydrate. Moreover, we were also chuffed of the active participation of the TMC crew, Medic and Rescue Team as they made sure of our safety all the way through. Even in the tightest, hazardous areas.

The kids were very competitive. So much as so, they asked us for another garbage bag to fill in because theirs were already full! Superb! To uplift their spirits more and more, we waited for them at one corner to cheer them on with our neon flags and happy smiles!

Arriving at the finish line, we all gathered to hear an educational speech from the Ms. Earth, Davao Oriental 2017. She talked about how plastic could drastically harm our environment and overall health especially if we overuse them, and dispose of them improperly. True enough, because even just on the streets alone there were more than 3 sacks full of garbage roughly collected by a young joggers. How much more in households where families use plastic containers for everyday consumption.

We find that there is a great need to change our daily habits of using plastic. Plastic straws, plastic cups, plastic cellophane, plastic utensils, that after one use, go to garbage bins. Unknowingly, these plastics go into the ocean, eaten by sea creatures we happily consume. If that isn't sick enough! Moreover, as we keep throwing trash in landfills, we risk the chance of absorbing 'bad air' in our system. This causes diseases that could sometimes last for quite some time to repel from our body.
What I would give to have a more green, subtle, healthy environment.

With regards to this ambition, I've put up a team called Young Earth Organization which was responsible for this Plogging event. We themed it, The Millennial Run Towards a Diverse, Eco-Friendly Culture. How does that sound?

Young Earth team with Ms. Earth, Davao Oriental, 2017, Pamela Janson, on the third

This event actually had two beautiful guest speakers with the same love for Mother Nature. Ms. Jacintha Eve Sevilla, the Ms. University of Southeastern Philippines, 2015, and Steemit blogger-artist, also made her contribution to inspire people to become more considerate of what we do with our environment. She exclaimed how we could run out of resources if we continue to abuse nature. Above all, she encouraged us to value the lives of animals as they are important components of this planet. She gave out her art samples which took the attention of young girls in the audience.

Ms. Eve on the right with me

Although, I must say I did feel terrible that she had to cross that wobbling wooden bridge to get to the venue because she got a little lost along the way. It was a little hilarious that she was frightened to life about it. Hahaha Congratulations, still, Ms. Eve! You made it fabulously in one piece.

the wooden bridge of Eve's terror

Finally, we all threw ourselves to some light meal. We were fortunately sponsored by the district's forever-a-public-servant-at-heart , Sir Joel Santes, with his famous home-made congee, and 400 pieces of Egg bread by Julie's Bakeshop. Outstanding! So much for that "light" in the meal, though.

It was an exhausting agenda especially for the organizing team. Yet again, if one thing should keep us going, that has to be one that's worthy enough to be restless of.

Till next time, steemians!