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The final and last installment of the travel files to Ilocos Norte! Phew. After which there’s Subic, Occidental Mindoro, Bacolod and umm… I think I’ll just skip straight to some of the highlight events like the National Costume competition and Swimsuit competition. Hurhur.

The day after we did our tree-planting activity and was welcomed by the Govenor, we set out early in the morning to Kapurpurawan White Rock Formation for a trek. Kapurpuraoan rock means “white rock” and it clearly demonstrated the power of wind, water and rain on rock and coral. The massive rock juts out into the sea and from afar looks as if someone has wiped off the top frosting and exposed the cake that lies beneath. Up close it was a dazzling white rock that sparkled in the sun. But, dont take my words for it. See for yourself.

We’re almost there. We had to trek for a bit. But finally we see the white rock in the distance.

Can there be a more amazing view?

WE’RE FINALLY THERE!

After trekking through rocky roads, by-passing some ponds or whatchamacallit, we finally make it to the white rock. And it REALLY is white even in the distance.

We climb on top the actual white rock and of course, the trigger-happiness starts all over again.

Close up view of the rock formation.

Moving out closer to the edge, we ran the risk of falling into the ocean if we werent careful! Also, the breeze was so strong, our hats were almost stolen by the wind. Everything was flying! See everyone desperately clinging onto their hats. Lol.

Cam-whoring pictures with the awesome background.

Ok. This obviously isnt me. It’s Miss Switzerland who eventually took the title of Miss Congeniality.

Group picture!
Pose girls pose! Wave! Wave!

By noon, we were on the way to Bangui Wind Farm. Because the Bangui area is so windy, plans to construct various tourist attractions were shelved. But, instead of letting the natural energy go to waste, why not make use to Mother Nature’s gift and build wind mills to harness her energy? This is the FIRST power plant in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. There are 20 units of wind turbines rated at 1.68MW each and they are a magnificent sight to behold.

Each structure is beautiful on its own.

But combined with the rest of the awe-inspiring structures and set against the blue backdrop, it is a picturesque scene.

Again, who would pass up the opportunity to take pictures?

Pardon the mad hair. Mother Nature decided to be my hair stylist for the day.

But that wasnt the last of our stops for the day. We then had to travel to Pagudpud, Blue Lagoon, Maira-ra Beach touted to have white sands and waters so blue. We had lunch at Hannah’s Beach Resort and then did a beach cleaning on the Blue Lagoon Beach.

We had a warm welcome reception when we arrived at Hannah’s. Beautiful bouquets and welcome ribbons for us.

Important message for everyone from Hannah’s.

Lunch was in a function room. They had set out tables for us very much like a press conference and we sat facing the audience. Imagine people watching you as you ate. Haha. Very common regardless of where we went in the Philippines.

Lunch is served.

Lunch was followed by a tour of the premises. Hannah’s overlooks the beautiful Blue Lagoon Beach.

And we got to see their cosy rooms too.

But our crucial mission there was to do beach cleaning. Armed with gloves and trash bags, we made our way down to the Blue Lagoon Beach to pick up whatever rubbish that was there.

And we take some time in between to make our fans happy by taking pictures with them. Haha.

Ilocos Norte was amazing and truly unforgettable. We visited so many astounding and breath-taking places that it makes me sad to read that the Copenhagen Summit was sort of a failure.

According to Newsweek, studies made at the environmental summit show that commitments by the various countries will fall short of of its goal to cut carbon emissions sharply enough to hold off a 2-degree-Celsius rise in global temperatures. The United Nations Environment Program found that the world had locked in less than half of the greenhouse gas reductions needed to provide a 50-50 chance of preventing the temperature increase by 2050.

2050 may seem like a long time away, but it is only 40 years into the future considering we’re already in 2010. 40 years later and many of us will be in our golden years. Years that we might want to enjoy with our families or possibly spend retirement in some exotic country where the beaches are blue and the sky in bluer. But, irresponsibility on our part not only causes the temperature rise in our environment, it in fact, costs us OUR home and OUR future. OUR chance at enjoying what Mother Nature has to offer.

The fact of the matter is this: despite already saying we’re TRYING, we’re barely making enough reductions to reach a 50-50 chance of preventing the temperature rise. Maybe we’re just not trying hard enough, or in Mother Nature’s books, we’re not even trying at all.

But the picture is not bleak. There is still time to stall the global temperature rise and we need to do it NOW. The experts will tell you if the world delays action by even a few years, emission cuts will have to be considerably LARGER so global temperatures stay within the 2-degree range to prevent melting ice. Why make things difficult if you can take small steps now?

Warning: Image heavy post!

OKAY. Finally gonna continue from the first post about Philippines. Mad load of photos I photoshopped today!

So after lunch at Fort Ilocandia Resort, we went to the brand new convention center to do tree-planting!

Armed with our sunhats, we walk to our nearby destination where our trees wait for us. Haha.

Remember, if it’s nearby, dont pollute the environment by travelling in a vehicle, WALK!

Following our guides.

Waiting to go to our trees. We hide under some umbrella shade. It is MAD glaring and hot judging by our shades, umbrella AND hat. Haha.

Miss Northen Ireland goes first.

My turn to plant!

Plant tree until glasses all crooked.

A much better picture.

YAY! We did it! Save the Earth!

Taking a breather after HOT work by the cool and relaxing pool in the new convention center.

It wasnt too long after that, we zipped off in our bus to visit some beautiful sites in Ilocos Norte. Paoay Church was our first destination. The church is built of coral blocks and stucco-plastered bricks. It’s architecture is a unique combination of Gothic, Baroque and Oriental. What’s really fascinating about the church is the bricks of the church were said to have been made by mixing sand and lime with sugarcane juice! These were boiled with mango leaves, leather and rice straw. Talk about being environmentally friendly. Haha.

Interior of the church

The main religion in Philippines is Roman Catholic.

When we came out, guess what greeted us?

A HUGE SWARM OF PEOPLE!

No, more like MASSIVE SWARM. They were already gathering when we were preparing to enter the church.

But when we came out, it was just….. PHWOAR!

We had to fight thru the massive swarm of people screaming, pushing and trying to shake our hands to eventually get to the cafe where we were supposed to have a rest. Of course, in the local province, you could never do without tasting local fare. We thus had a snack at Herenia Cafe and got to sample their famous Pinakbet Pizza and Empanada (like a big curry puff).

Here’s the pizza with your usual pinakbet veggies. It was SOOO GOOOD! Om nom nom.

And we had this fried corn thing that is apparently dried first before it’s fried. Crispy, crunchy and salty, it would make a perfect snack for any time of day.

I stuff myself silly while Kayleigh looks on in disgust. Haha!

Even when we’re eating, THEY NEVER STOP HOUNDING US! Look at the camera pointing inside.

By this time, it was already evening. We had to go back on the bus and return to our hotel to shower, get dressed and go for a welcome dinner hosted by the Govenor. It was a welcome dinner with cultural presentation.

So although we were told the dress code was cocktail dress, everyone really dressed up to the nines.

When the event started, it began with a cultural presentation alongside some yummylicious Chinese cuisine.

The final item was the traditional bamboo dance.

And we got to try our hand at doing it! It may look really simple but it’s actually quite hard. I, however, managed to get the choreographed sets right! Yay!!!

The end of the dinner marked the end of a very busy and packed first day. However, day 2 in Ilocos Norte was even more exciting and we visited even more beautiful places.

This is my 400th published post! Wo0o0o0ot!

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]

Warning: Image heavy post!

Finally the first installment of the many travel posts that will come.

12 girls from Group 3 had to leave one morning bright and early to take a plane to Laoag. I was fortunate enough to be one of those 12.

Checking in. The headache begins. The dude looks appalled at the number of luggages we have. But we only carried 15kg each!

But once all that needs to be done is cleared out of the way, we have time to pose and make our adoring fans happy. Haha.

This is the crowd that has gathered.

In the midst of all that, we take time to cam-whore on our own.

Once we enter the waiting lounge, we still get mobbed by people who want pictures!

So we has to sit and pose nicely.

Sometimes, we turn the tables and ask the photographers to be the photographed. These guys willingly smile and pose. Haha.

After about an hour on the plane, we touch down to blue blue skies!

Welcome reception at the airport. Lovely kiddos present us with sunhats and welcome ribbons.

We were immediately ushered out to jeeps lined up outside the airport. At first we werent sure what they were there for, but we soon found out.

Cruising down the roads along scenic sights.

Check out our entourage.

And little did we expect that the WHOLE town would stop for us. The streets were packed with bystanders. Some just stoof and watch while others were waving, cheering as we zoomed by blowing kisses and doing “queenly” waves.

After meeting our public, we head off to our accomodation for the night – Fort Ilocandia Resort.

Dancing girls welcome us at the entrance.

The interior of Fort Ilocandia.

We can has a welcome drink too!

After checking in to our comfy rooms, we headed off for lunch at the in-house restaurant. We had a HUGE spread prepared for us.

Not only did we get to eat out fill, we got fresh fruit juices too. Elza Miss Kosovo proudly shows off one of the most popular drinks that we girls always order: a mango shake/mango juice! We love it so much because the Philippines mangoes are absolutely the best! They’re sweet, juicy and so very, very fragrant.

After lunch we had a full day of travelling and activities visiting various places, but am gonna save the pictures for a Part 2.

We finally had a good rest in Club Balai Island after a Resort & Swimsuit Show at 5pm. Snuggling into the comfy double beds after making do with stiff coach chairs and sleeping on the boat, was absolute bliss. I havent slept so well in a while.

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.

Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Subic, Manila, Negros Occidental, Bacolod City and now Mindoro.

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.

The province of Negros Occidental produces beauties. This year’s Miss Earth Philippines Sandra and 1st Runner up Adi both hail from here. But other than the people, they produce another beautiful product: sugar.

If sugar is a main part of their diet, it’s no wonder the people of this province are incredibly sweet. We graced a mangrove afforestation project right away after lunch and was warmly welcomes by a swarming mob of people. What got us truly smiling was seeing the children of the local elementary school holding flags of our respective countries! Yay! I didnt manage to get a picture with the girl carrying Singapore’s flag though I did get one of her on her own. Seeing my country’s flag brought back a massive wave of nostalgia and a surge of pride toward my homeland. The exact same feelings I got when I saw pictures of Singapore’s Tiong Bahru wet market in the in-flight magazine of Cebu Airlines. I couldnt stop telling the other girls about how the ah peks get up early in the morning to have their coffee while reading the daily news at the nearby coffeeshops. Aunties, on the other hand, trawl the wet markets that offer fresh produce like meat and vegetables. Ahhh…

It’s been just past a week since we girls have arrived here in the Philippines for the Miss Earth contest but it feels like forever. Our schedules have hit an all-time high and fatigue is slowly making its way round. Nothing, however, rejuvenates me like being reminded of the little quirks that make Singapore unique.

You never really truly appreciate your country’s little quirks and until you meet another and discuss what’s similar or unique about your own homeland. Like I had to actually THINK about which side of the road Singaporeans drive on. I know we have our driver on the right, but I finally realise we drive on the left.

So anyhoo, my point was that the children were so sweet. They hand-made those flags for us. I wish we could have kept them.

We’re in the hotel chalet now resting up for the night. The rest of the girls are doing a talent segment. My talent will be watching and appreciating the different dances. Cheering and screaming is a difficult talent to have. Eye power for the win!

We’re on the bus to Subic. A province 8 hours away from Ilocos Norte. We had a jam packed schedule from 7am this morning all the way till just past midnight.

Now we’re going to be spending 8 hours on the bus with makeup on, teeth not brushed. Oh and we have our evening gown competition tomorrow evening. Hahaha. So much for looking beautiful.

Who ever said being a beauty queen was easy? Welcome to beauty boot camp people.

Beauty sleep apparently isn’t the order of the day in a beauty pageant.

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.

Having fun is tiring!

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.