Aces and Queens family10 February 2014
Before gowns and glamour there was books and boots for me. I had some knowledge of how to go about dressing myself because I was in the entertainment industry beforehand but I had completely no idea on how to be "Queenly". Sure, I could speak my mind but sometimes that went overboard with me being too frank. Sure, I could dress up well but I had more of a laid-back kind of style. Sure, I could fix up but for big events, I always relied on a makeup team for help.
In the Philippines, we are known to have "beauty camps" where a group of individuals train girls from all over the country so that they can be prepared for their national pageant and hopefully, an international competition. For years, Director Jeffrey Jeturian had been trying to convince me to join and train under their camp, Aces and Queens. I always politely declined the offer as I had other priorities at the time. It wasn't until that I was the one that approached him and A&Q that my world started to go in a different direction.
Top Row: John Cuay, Queenie Rehman Miss World Philippines 2012, Me!
, Ross Misa Miss World Philippines 2012 1st-runner up, Mark Besana, Arnold Mercado.
Bottom Row: Ces Evangelista, Jeffrey Jeturian, Jonas Gaffud, Nad Bronce, Jimmy Estopace, Gerry Diaz
Pageants had always seemed so easy to me. Walking and smiling didn't seem that hard?! What's so tough about that?! WELL, little did I know that I would be challenged to the EXTREME. There were types of walks, poses, smiles, projections and what nots that Jonas taught me. Nad was the one who taught me a bit about public speaking. Whether you believe it or not, I was shaken the first time we had our question and answer training. Oh, answering a question? I can do that. Cat must've bit her tongue while I went through the session as I hadn't realised that there was a form and a way of speaking, especially if you've only got 30 seconds to a minute for a very important moment! But I took my training with Nad very seriously. Being a part of the school newspaper since I was in elementary, I enjoyed it in every aspect. It was like I was writing but everyone could hear me. It was like I was back in my journalism workshops.
Me and Jonas Gaffud. I've heard they've branded him as the "Beauty Queen Maker" in the Philippines!
With Nad Bronce. This was taken during a meeting I had with him and Mark. This was the moment I decided to join Miss World Philippines!
I was very serious with my gym training. I wanted to make sure that if I was going to get onstage in swimwear (which I was terrified of to be honest), I was at my best. I worked hard and trained hard every single day being diligent with my workout and eating. It was great because not only was I ready physically but being healthy started being a lifestyle for me. I started to feel better and more energetic! And a bit more sporty of course (ahem ahem sports challenge).
Me, John Cuay my fitness trainer and Queenie. John is a tough trainer but he's also a really good dancer. He teaches zumba and his classes are always super full!
Me and Mark (I call him Bessie!) and Queenie photobombing in the back! Haha! Bessie was by my side 110% of the time during Miss World Philippines competition. I have learned so much from Bessie. Not only is he one of my mentors, but he's a really good friend now.
I am so blessed to be a part of Aces and Queens training camp. If not for them, I wouldn't be here today. They have helped me become the woman I am today by supporting me and opening my eyes to what is out in the world. What I love about Aces and Queens is that they started the group from their passion with pageants. They wanted the Philippines to have the best representatives and make the Filipino nation proud. I think that's why they are the best at what they do: it's all because of love an passion.
Photo taken after I had won Miss World. It was great seeing them again!
Megan's Miss World Diary link: http://www.missworld.com/ReigningMissWorld/2014-02-10/Aces-Queens-family/