In science classes at school, students are taught about the fact that at least 70 percent of the Earth is covered with water. Other than being prime spots for tourism, the bodies of water—from the smallest to the biggest ones—all carry an important role in maintaining the balance in the planet. These are home to a biodiverse marine life, and are one of the main wellsprings of resources essential to man.

And since these are of utmost importance, over the years, the protection of the world’s waters remain to be a resounding environmental concern. In the Philippines, the Department of Tourism has anchored on sustainability to promote the preservation of local beaches. Last year, the Department of Tourism led the closure of the world-renowned Boracay island to pursue rehabilitation on its beaches. Not long after this, other beaches all over the country followed suit.

Supporting the DOT in spreading awareness about sustainability and responsible tourism, the Manila Bulletin, together with smartphone giant Huawei mounted this year’s Earth+Lens exhibit to showcase the unique beauty of the country’s beaches as seen through the lens of the flagship Huawei P30 Pro.

CAPTURING SUSTAINABILITY After a successful launch in May, the Manila Bulletin brought the “Earth+Lens 2019” photo exhibit in selected malls in Metro Manila to further spread awareness on environmental sustainability. Present at the opening event for the mall tour of the exhibit were (from left to right), SM Supermalls vice president for Advertising Grace Magno, Huawei Mobile Philippines marketing director Corinne Bacani, and Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation brand manager Ian Belleza.

Following its successful launch last May at S Maison in Pasay City, the Earth+Lens photo exhibit visited various malls in the Metro, including SM City San Lazaro, SM City Sta. Mesa, and SM City Manila from Sept. 24 to Oct. 25 to further spread the message of sustainability to a wider audience.

During the launch of the exhibit, DOT secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat highlighted that sustainability should be a shared responsibility among Filipinos.

Also present at the commencement of the exhibit was the Manila Bulletin EVP Sonny Coloma, who defined sustainability as “tourism that respects local people, cultural heritage, and the environment. It seeks to provide people with exciting experiences that also create economic freedom.”

According to Grace Magno, VP for advertising at SM Supermalls, the Earth+Lens photo exhibit is one of the many tourism efforts of SM.

“The Philippines is so full of beautiful places,” Magno said. “And SM is located at each one of those cities. We are considered as the third place in the community. People come to SM to see what they can see in those places, what are the things they can learn. That’s why we have Earth+Lens and other exhibits with the Manila Bulletin. Together, we’re able to promote tourism.”

This Earth+Lens 2019 photo exhibit also marks the second year of partnership between Huawei Philippines and the Manila Bulletin. In its previous year, the said exhibit brought a closer look to the beauty of nature through the macro lens of the Huawei P20 Pro.

“We are one with all of these partners in promoting the protection of the beautiful beaches in the Philippines,” said Corinne Bacani, Huawei Philippines marketing director. “Through these pictures captured using the Huawei P30 Pro, our intention is to encourage and inspire Filipinos and tourists alike to take good care of our beaches, our nature, our resources, and the people living in these areas.”

The Earth+ Lens 2019 photo exhibit made use of environmentally-friendly materials in line with its theme of sustainability and responsible tourism.