The best preparation one can do for themselves is to prepare for the worst case scenario. In other words, mental preparation is everything. Many people think that a beauty pageant is merely surface beauty. But really, 4 days into the competition, as things are picking up speed, you see that it is about getting yourself ready for whatever circumstance might arise.

We had our press conference today. More a press presentation to be exact. We had to be ready by 7am, dressed and madeup before the bus could ferry us to our destination. Huge bags aside, many of us didn’t have time to get breakfast.

If you do the math, 80 hungry girls waiting for 5 makeup artists to do their hair and makeup does not equate a show that will start on time

Lesson 1: Always be prepared to do your own makeup and hair. And you better bloody make sure you have good makeup skills.

Then comes some circumstances that are beyond your control – the weather. We were scheduled to do an outdoor presentation on a makeshift stage. Girls in bikinis, you’d think that since we were in swimwear there be SOME water right? Well the heavens gave us exactly that: a heavy downpour. We thus had to learn another choreography JUST IN CASE it kept pouring.

Lesson 2: Be quick and flexible and you better hope you learn choreography at the drop of a hat.

Thank goodness this was a gathering of 80 beauty queens, all winners in their own countries, so choreography was a breeze.

When show time came, it was still raining and the presentation was held indoors. But the final group picture was outdoors….. Until the rain came pouring down again. Despite the gloomy weather, the cameras never stopped flashing and smiles never waned.

Lesson 3: Keep smiling through the darkest or in this case, wettest of situations.

What did I tell you? It’s not all about looking pretty. Pretty girls who don’t have resolve wouldn’t be able to stand in the rain without complaining. Oh I’m not saying there weren’t any around but most people endured it without throwing a hissy fit.

Anyhoos, it’s off to the theatre we go for the National Costume competition. But before that ima power nap on the bus. Oh and that’s a very important lesson 4.

You must be able to sleep anywhere, anytime. Especially on the bus. Long travelling times from one destination to another are good opportunities to catch up on some shut eye and recharge for the next event.