A mini gathering planned in less than 24 hours beforehand saw us trying to make decisions in an MSN conversation while not getting distracted by the 531634752 things going on everywhere else.

Thanks to a well-connected person, we landed ourselves in a nice little restaurant at the roof top of Orchard Central sampling fine dining Vietnamese dishes. Nuoc’s ambiance was nice and chill. We lounged in the plush chairs and watched as the crowd outside milled about the roof top garden. Haha. Talk about having a good view.

The unofficial theme was Black Christmas and we looked very much like mafia.

Monkey faces were optional. But we came prepared with them anyway.

We wined and dined like royalty; stuffing ourselves silly with humongous burgers and toasted to “Happy Jesus Birth Day” when the clock struck 12 many times over on our different time pieces.

But it was okay. Christmas is THE time to make merry and disregard the cries of your about-to-explode stomach. It is a time to feast, spread joy and of course, give.

Our last minute gift exchange stash turned out to be a pretty HUGE stash. Some braved the last minute shopping crowd to make a lot of wishes come true, while others gave up time and sweat to personalise each and gift.

Last minute things can truly turn out to the best and most exciting things. We chilled out, feasted, pretended to be zombies and had a memorable time despite being plan-less a day before.

Impromptu is our middle name.

Merry Christmas everybody!

I’ve done free fall harness jumping from the tops of trees, zipped through the canopies and now, for the first time ever I did a New Moon.

I cliff dived in Boracay off Ariel’s Point.

Unfortunately I didnt have visions of Edward Cullen, nor did I have anyone’s voice talking to me in my head. All I felt after I took the leap of faith, was the nothingness beneath my feet, the rush of falling, a sudden collison with the waters and eventually, its embrace and gentle weight around me.

When I was in the waters, all I could think of was swimming for my dear life.

GASP. Water. Blue. Dont sink, I pleaded.

Frantically treading water, it seemed like I was doing so much and not getting anywhere. Horror of all horrors, what if I was swimming the wrong way?!

Still in water. Still blue! EEP!

Maybe instead of pushing myself to the surface, I was heading deeper and deeper into uncharted waters. Literally. It was as though forever had passed and I was STILL struggling to get to the top. Keep treading, I told myself. Dont stop. Kick kick kick!

Finally, after what seemed like ages, I did break through the surface of the water.

Phew. Major relief. Cue huge megawatt smile.

No, it didnt hurt when I plunged into the waters. It WAS incredibly thrilling though jumping and not knowing when and how the waters would catch you. I didnt know whether I should have held my breath when I was falling but hey, I survived!

Whoooosh!

I may not have done it again on the spot, but definitely am game to take the plunge if asked to do it one more time. This time, I think I’ll do it with my eyes closed.

After my jump, the girls then decided to follow suit. Proud to say I was the first amongst the girls there to dive off the cliff. Lol. Always good to be a trend setter. Haha.

Video!

[youtube= http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF5JvakOMRU]

The person who said it must have been a beauty queen of some sort.

The last time we were so sleep deprived was the time we travelled 8 hours on the bus from Subic to Mamburao. If my sleep-deprived-working-in-safe-mode brain still serves me well that is.

We had our final long gown competition last night in Pagcor and Sandra, Miss Philippines, definitely had the most outstanding gown among the top 15 finalists. We were blown away the moment she stepped on stage. Alongside Best in Swimsuit, she thus also bagged Best in evening Gown.

3am and we leave for the airport to Iloilo. A convoy of buses carrying girls in states of unconciousness blazes through the surprisingly still busy streets of Manila. We arrive at the airport and everyone files out. You’d think that a bunch of Hollywood celebrities have arrived since almost 80% sport large sunnies. But really we’re all hiding behind our oversized shades trying to conceal our fatigue.

Iloilo’s CPU was the venue for the talent competition tonight. It was a tough fight but Tahiti danced her way amidst other hiphop, traditional and song performances. She definitely wow-ed the audience and the judges with her nimble hips.

As I was watching the contestants, I did wish I had continued with dance more. Haha. I miss dance so much! Especially my loves jazz and hiphop. I could have been up there with a fighting chance. LOL.

But I’m so proud of Neu!! And so happy for her. She is such a sweetheart. Tonight she was excellent on stage. Not only were her moves fantastic she won the judges over with her beautiful smile. Yayyy!!! Group 3 for the win! So far we’ve got Best in Talent, Best in National Costume and Miss Congeneality to our group’s name. Wo00ot! I hope somebody from our group gets Top 4 spots.

Just a couple more days to Coronation before a new queen is crowned. It’s tiring but hang in there girls. This will probably be the only time in our lives we do something like this.

No one ever said being beautiful was easy.

Considering we’d woken up at 3.30am that very same day to travel out from Mamburao, I’d say we did very well on stage. Miss Brazil was the biggest winner of the night. She swept away 3 sponsor awards along with Miss Northern Ireland, who won Miss Island Rose, and Miss Mexico for Beautiful Hair.

The last time we girls got some time off was when we went swimming at Mamburao’s mayor’s private beach. Hoooooo!! Prior to that, we had the tour at the province’s different schools and an open forum cum lunch with the Barangay leaders about the environment. In the sweltering heat, we talked and exchanged ideas about protection of Mother Earth. The short dip in the open seas afterwards was a welcome relief in the melting heat.

After that one good night’s sleep, we’re back on the bus to Manila for a fashion show in Robinsons Mall.

So many places, so many girls, so little time.

We stayed overnight in the L’Fisher Chalet Hotel after the talent competition. I was glad that the 11 of us girls with “no talent” (actually we have talent, just not the kinds you see on stage. haha) got a sort of night off. Still, we were required to go on stage prior to the actual competition to introduce ourselves to the guests present.

Then came the competition proper. 15 girls danced, sang and shook their booties to impress the judges. Cant say all were impressive but there were some that definitely stood out owing to its technical difficulty. Some wise person once said talent is being able to do something others find difficult. How very true. Miss France, Nepal, Tahiti and Brazil thus were truly deserving of their spots in the Top 5.

Today’s agenda in Mamburao was a hectic one. We visited 3 schools – an elementary school, a pre-school and a high school. The reception by the kids, regardless of their ages, was heart-warming. Some greeted us with shy smiles, brilliant smiles or even embarrassed ones as we blew kisses out. The high school kids especially swarmed around us within 3 seconds as we entered their compound. Even as we were leaving they banged on our vans and screamed our names. Not wanting to disappoint them, we opened our windows and shook their hands evoking louder screams and frenzy in the insane crowd. That probably gave our security headaches that would last them the whole day. Now I know how Hollywood celebrities feel. Haha. But seriously, I see the look of worry and stress in the faces of our security personnel and chaperones and know how dangerous the mob can be if things go out of hand.

We usually stay a night in most towns we visit so we hardly ever get to unpack our luggage and fully enjoy the comforts of the hotels we check in to. It’s quite exciting having to live out of a suitcase but I’m thankful I usually put things back where they go in my luggage so I can keep proper check of my stuff. Things can go missing or get mixed up easily since we’re living 2 or 3 a room.

Other than that, the one biggest fear I have of living out of a suitcase is leaving any of my personal belongings in the hotels we stay in. Especially since we’re moving around so much, leaving any item in the previous location would mean losing it forever. The worst is if you’re borrowing someone else’s belongings and you happen to lose it. How do you explain and account for the lost item?

If there’s one piece of valuable advice that the previous winner gave me before I came here, it’s this: Be self-sufficient.

And those will be the same wise words I pass on to my successor.

On a happier note, we got some free time today to go swimming. Chillaxing for the win! The governor of Mamburao opened his private beach to us and while some hung out under the villa in hammocks, a handful of us went swimming. The cold water soothed our skins and provided respite from the heat of the afternoon.

Chatting about our individual lives, it was as if we’ve been friends for so long and were just having a girly day out. Cultural differences, language barriers and especially geographical distance of our countries did not matter at that point in time and we could, for that moment, relax as friends gathered from all over the world.

This morning, we went on a tree top adventure and got to experience free-fall rapelling ala Mission Impossible style, sending screams through the tree top canopies. It was scary at first because it truly felt like you were falling with no parachute, but at least for me, nearing the ground it became a lot better and the fear subsided. I really enjoyed it. Then there was the Superman ride which saw 2 girls zip thru the air forwards and backwards. Now, that was super fun. Hahaha. I caught Miss Switzerlands’s and my expressions on video. Haha.

The adrenalin rush was amazing but short-lived. We had to quickly leave for our preliminary swimsuit competition at Lakeshore.

We had no time to spare. The girls from Group 3 rushed to do their own hair and makeup before going on stage. But as is expected, the actual show always seems to pass in the blink of an eye. The judges picked 5 girls and they will be competing with the other 10 girls from Group 1 and 2 to land the title Best in Swimsuit. These girls are: Miss Mexico, Miss Switzerland, Miss Brazil, Miss France and Miss Paraguay.

Most of us are just really glad that the swimsuit competition is finally over because we’ve been so worried that we’d be eating ourselves fat. The hospitality of the people of Iloco Norte has been absolutely amazing. They feed us non-stop! I think we get at least 5 meals a day: breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, snack, dinner.

But we’re back in Manila now and leaving in a couple of hours for another province. I think our group has the best itinerary because we get to explore the lesser seen side of the Philippines. Despite the fatigue, viewing the untouched civilisation and serene beauty of nature is mind-blowing. But let’s not forget the competitions.

Haha. I think it’s funny how we switch from being all road-trippy/girls day out to competition mode in an instant when the time calls for it. But that’s probably the mark of true beauty queens.

Like Miss Northern Ireland said, “How are we supposed to be beautiful if we’re not gettin’ beauty sleep?!”

Especially if we were gonna be meeting our fans today. Haha. Not that we KNEW about the welcome reception that awaited us. We were told to dress comfortably in jeans and a red Miss Earth top for our flight to Laoag. Emblazoned on the front our mini tops were the words “I am Miss Earth”. As if the green sashes proudly declaring our the pageant and our countries weren’t statement enough. Haha.

Naturally, a bunch of already tall girls pottering about with luggages on tall heels attracts attention. But with the eye-catching red tops and green sashes, we were suddenly celebrities in the local airport.

I cannot even begin to describe the attention we got. We thought the picture taking was crazy at the Manila airport, what with people trying to sneak shots of us as we were eating, but we had only just gotten the least of it.

Laoag took us by storm. Upon touch down at the Laoag International Airport we were so mesmerized by the blue skies and vast lands that the welcome reception for us was ignored. People were waiting for us and there even was a band playing, but truth be told, we did not expect any of it. When our attention was finally drawn to it, we were overwhelmed. Officials came to meet us and we were given traditional sunhats alongside ribbons. Hey, there even was a brochure with our faces printed on it! Haha.

Welcome ribbons donned, the following awesome motorcade was particularly memorable. Riding in the brilliant sun atop open top jeeps and seeing the cheering crowds lining the streets waiting to catch a glimpse of us made it seem as though we were Hollywood celebrities. Not something we were used to. With their mobile phone cameras pointed at us, trying to snap whatever picture they could, it was a reception to remember.

We were whisked away in a blink of an eye to the almost complete convention center for important business: tree planting. It’s not all fun and games boys and girls. We girls are here with a mission and tree planting is one small step we took today in helping to promote our green cause.

But once we got the serious business out of the way, we got to enjoy the native lands. After touring our first destination, Saint Augustine’s church, we exited to a massive crowd of cheering, screaming and delirious “fans” – a stark contrast to the quiet and serene interior of the church. The school going kids wanted pictures. We gave them that and more. Handshakes set them screaming wildly and brought them to the brink of tears. It was like we were Beyonce. With an important and strong environmental message that is.

We also visited the Marcos Mausoleum of the late President Ferdinand R. Marcos, watched how local food Empanada was prepared and toured another church. Wherever we went, the entourage followed. Even when we had some delish local food, the crowd was never too far behind. They peered in through whatever available windows there were, never giving their trigger happy fingers any rest. They waved, grinned and watched every move we made. Even as we were shoving the famous Pinakbet pizza and fried corn kernels down our throats, they were there watching us like a hawk. Haha.

The Ilocos Norte hospitality was amazing; they fed us with too much food. We ate non-stop and ate too much because it’s a waste to let scrumptious food go wasted.

Again I’m typing in the dark as the other girls nod off on the way back to our beautiful resort. We’re staying here in Laoag for 2 days before setting off to another province.

It’s been an amazing and exhilarating day. Wow. We’re so thankful that the beautiful people here are giving us great memories to bring home to our respective countries. Truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Haha. I’ve just spent an entire day filled with nothing but fun in the company of 11 other girls in one of the best themes parks in Philippines – Enchanted Kingdom.

We were first part of the parade with our little charges. I was paired up with a 4 year old bundle of energy and we had an awesome time waving to the crowd, dancing, jumping over cracks and fake racing each other when there was space in front of us. It was hot out but we quickly returned to the performance tent for a story-telling session by Miss Karla, the reigning Miss Earth 2008. The Frog Prince was told alongside an entertaining drama performance on stage.

Then came the fun part!! After the story-telling, we girls got to roam the theme park and experience whatever ride we wanted! I paired up with Miss Hungary and we went on the most exciting rides like a roller coaster, the Viking boat and a mechanical hot air balloon that left me breathless from its powerful centrifugal force. Haha. Dont forget the thrilling water rides that got us ALL squealing as water splashed about and soaked us to the bone. Haha. My favourite ride had to be the Flying Fiesta though. You were strapped to a seat and lifted off the ground with absolutely nothing below your feet. Haha. It was such an exhilarating experience that one. With nothing below you, your feet dangling high above the ground and the wind running its warm gentle fingers through your hair, it’s a liberating yet adrenalin pumping experience.

I could surely ride the Flying Fiesta a million times over and not get sick of it. Theme parks always brings out the kid in me. And with the little angel with a sunshine smile by my side, I felt like I was 10 all over again.

As I write this on the bus ride home with lights dimmed to stimulate a conducive sleeping environment, the biggest testament to how much fun we had would be the sleeping 4 year old in my lap. My present to her before we left the theme park was a flashing light wand with a star tip because I want this experience to be that bright shiny star that makes her smile every time she thinks of the time she spent an entire day with Miss Earth 2009 delegates in Enchanted Kingdom. I know it’ll definitely feature prominently in my mind in time to come.

Enchanted Kingdom has definitely got me under its spell with its exciting rides, yummy food (we had fried chicken for dinner!) and of course the friendly people, all who came up and clamoured to take pictures with us girls because it’s a rare opportunity to have girls from all over the world together in your country for an international pageant.

Thank you all the staff at Enchanted Kingdom for having us. Thank you the security for taking care of us. Haha. I found it highly amusing that people had to be turned down as we were ushered away when people asked for photos. So this is what it’s like being a mini celebrity. Haha. Might take some time getting used to.

It’s not, however, all fun and games. The other girls went through their interviews as we spent our time in the sun. Also, the National Costume competition comes up in about 2 days time.

Time to rest up now.

I’m in the restaurant with Miss Mexico, Miss Nepal, Miss Honduras and Miss South Africa using the hotel’s free wifi. It is teh awesome! The other girls are all on their laptops while I’m on my Berry blogging this and tweeting from my iPod Touch. Haha ge3kness to the max!

I’m sorry I cant be posting pictures but here’s what has gone down so far.

Day 1 has been exciting. We’re all just settling in, getting to know one another and taking some time to chill and get used to the surroundings. Of course it’s an absolute pleasure to meet the different girls from exotic countries like Turks & Caicos, Spain, Brazil and the Dominican Republic just to name a few. Learning more about where they come from and where they’re at in terms of geographical location is fascinating. Some interesting nuggets about the girls include how Miss Turks & Caicos actually owns 3 boats (that’s the life you get when you live in the Carribeans!), Miss Switzerland has a Sri Lankan dad and a Swiss mum which explains her skin colour. I’ve met some really great girls in my group too. We’re in Group 3 – Miss Thailand, Miss Greece, Miss Honduras, Miss Guam, Miss Mexico just to name a few. There are supposed to be 28 girls in our group but I think only about 3/4 have arrived. Some girls only arrived during dinner time.

Upon my arrival in Philippines at almost 12.30am local time, I stayed at Carousel productions (the official organisers for the Miss Earth pageant) and bunked in a room with about 5 bunk beds. Haha. But we’ve now moved to our official residences Discovery Suites which is absolutely beautiful. My current “flatmate” is Miss Slovenia. She’s so pretty! Miss Latvia looks just like a Barbie doll. Did I also mention Miss Venezuela looks like Victoria Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio? How on earth do these people grow up to look so good?!!?? These gorgeous people actually exist! !
*mindboggled*

Anyway, one comment Miss USA and Miss Canada made as we were having lunch was that I speak really good English. In fact, they thought I was from North America or something. You’d be surprised at how people dont know Singaporeans speak mostly English. Even when I speak Mandarin the Miss China, Miss Hong Kong and Miss Macau, they’re so amazed and pleased that someone speaks their language. In fact, I’ve sort of become their unofficial translator. Not that my Mandarin is fantastic, but I get the point across.

It’s humbling yet eye-opening to be in one place where so many gorgeous beauties carry themselves well. But at the same time, you still eventually find out that each and everyone is still almost the same on the inside despite our languages, skin colour and cultures. It might be too early to say, but we’ll see in time to come.

Anyway, it’s off to bed for me now. I’m heading off to the Enchanted Kingdom with 11 other girls and I get to wear sneakers! Haha. Actually I was on heels the whole of today and you know what? I was actually one of the taller ones here alongside my Chinese counterparts Miss China, Miss Macau and Miss Hong Kong. How interesting.