Roaring traffic jams, raucous streets and rushing commuters, and other hullabaloos of city life: these are the common scenarios seen in Metropolitan Manila.

But who could ever imagine that within a highly-urbanized city is a hidden paradise that can give peace and tranquility to exhausted souls?

Valenzuela City proudly showed its emerging eco-tourism places to the candidates of 2017 Miss Earth during their visit, October 11.

Miss Venezuela Yorbriele Ninoska Vasquez Alvarez, Ms. US Virgin Islands Kaylee Carlberg, Ms. Singapore Elizabeth Lee, and Ms. Netherlands Faith Gennevieve Zawadi Landman had time to relax and to experience the rustic life in the city’s fishing village of Tagalag.

They tried pitching the line to catch fish in D’ Cove Pavilion and Fishing Ground, a private property developed into a tourist attraction that reflects what describes Barangay Tagalag - a rural attraction with in an urban area.

Barangay Tagalag is surrounded with several fishponds and fishing resorts that offer an accessible getaway for families, friends and workmates alike.

According to Ms. Singapore, their visit in D’ Cove Pavilion was one of her favorites during their city tour. “It is a very good eco-tourism for city people like me since I am very used to urban life,” Ms. Singapore said.

Aside from D’ Cove Pavilion, the 2017 Miss Earth candidates also learned more about Valenzuela City’s history through the City Museum located at the City Hall, experienced more of the city’s ecological protection and re-greening efforts through the Valenzuela City People’s Park, and interact with the children with special needs at the Valenzuela City Special Education Center (ValSPED).

Ms. Singapore, likewise, appreciated the heartwarming welcome that they have received from the students of the ValSPED. “Meeting the special needs children [children and youths with special needs] because seeing them really touches my heart. They are not ordinary folks like us who can do what we want freely,” Ms. Singapore added upon telling her most memorable experiences in the city.

Meanwhile, Ms. Netherlands shared her impressions and thoughts about Valenzuela City.

“I really like it. I like the people in here and I like the culture of things [culture]. I like the promotion of eco-tourism and I really like the initiative of special children [initiative of the local government to support the needs of special children], “Ms. Netherlands said.

The delegates also experienced the emerging food and dining destinations along the commercial strip of MacArthur Highway. One of the city’s busiest food parks, the Arca Yard in Barangay Karuhatan, sponsored their send off dinner. First district councilor and former Binibining Pilipinas International, Coun. Jennifer Pingree-Esplana accompanied them throughout the tour.

Miss Earth pageant is an international environmental event, which was initiated by Carousel Productions, Inc in 2001, aims to promote environmental awareness through the beauty pageant entertainment industry.

The coronation night of Miss Earth 2017 will be held on November 4, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena.