It is the first time that no makeup artist is allowed to be at the backstage.  The candidates were trained to be independent in preparation to the national level.  Every candidate was reminded to bring all the outfits, accessories, makeup and other stuff needed in the absence of their mentors.

Two days before the pageant was the Santacruzan and Fashion Show. The show was participated with ten members of the (OFDG) Oro Fashion Designers Guild.  The show started well with no gaps.  The last part of the show was the curtain call of the fashion designers and self-introduction of the candidates.   Everybody went to the stage already except for one candidate, Chubby Labrador.  All of the candidates wore a white sponsored Tee-shirt and denims.  She cannot find her white Tee-shirt and denims.  I saw Chubby’s face.  She is in deep trouble.  There was no time for me to look for her mentor.  The venue was filled with people.  Without second thoughts, I undressed my black Miss Teen Philippines Tee-shirt as well as my pants.  I was only wearing my briefs, socks and my headset.  Chubby then dressed up quickly and went to the stage gracefully. Her late entrance on stage and her black Tee-shirt was noticed by the Director, Glenn Cabaral.  Through the headset, Glenn squealed and asked me to explain.  I told him that I’m going to explain later at the backstage.  The production number was finished and all the candidates made their exit.  Everybody was shocked about how I look.  I was half-naked.  My lower part was covered with an evening gown worn by a candidate.  Glenn then came.  When he saw me, he just smiled.  I also smiled though I was freezing.

Be thankful of what you have.  Do not hesitate to share what you have.

I was not expecting a thank you as an acknowledgment of my kindness.  I just wanted to know if the gift was received or not.  The recipient may have lost his phone or something.  I would always invent reasons to make me feel comfortable.  But he would text me sometimes asking how I am.  Maybe, there are people who are not attuned in saying Thank You.  Does it make sense?

Months later, that friend sent me a text message asking me something.  I can still remember three years ago that there was a big bulge on his forehead.  I was suspecting that it was a cyst.  I brought him to the hospital and have him checked.  The doctor prescribed him an inflammatory pill.  Three days later, the bulge burst with fuss and blood.  Then on, he looked fine again.  The bulge and the pain were not there.

He has inflammation somewhere on his face again.  He was asking me the name of the pill.  Since I forgot the brand of the pill, I asked him to wait so that I could ask for his records at the hospital.  It took me a while to retrieve his records.  Thanks to Rey Pinalba.  I got the medication through text.   So, I sent him the information.  After sending the message, there was no acknowledgment that he received the message.  So, I texted him if he got my message and he said that he received the information.  Where’s the Thank you?

What a shame?  Shame on me that I befriend people who doesn’t have values. 

Picture was taken by Jiva Jimenez 

Picture was taken by Jiva Jimenez 

The rented boat sailed at 10 AM heading Mactan.  When were islands-hopping, he asked me to take pictures of the island.    I was really trembling.  I might damage the camera.  I adjusted the shutter speed and aperture to come up with a good capture.  He asked for the camera and viewed the pictures I took.  Edgardo was impressed.  He asked me to take pictures of him.  I had fun knowing that I was reunited with the passion that I was longing for.  I did not eat lunch because I know that I could eat anytime.  I have to explore the camera since I have limited time.  On Edgardo’s previous travels, he doesn’t have many pictures.  That is the disadvantage of owning a camera.  You take pictures for others.  If you entrust the camera to your friends, picture results with be far from what you expect.  In some cases, others don’t know how to care for the gadget.  Edgardo was the most difficult subject I had in my whole life as a photographer.  He moves a lot and he doesn’t pose.  If you say smile, he frowns.  If you say standby, he moves.  Thanks to the B-complex supplement he’s taking daily.  He’s energetic at the age of 50.  
He viewed the pictures.  He shared the LCD screen to our friends.  From that moment on, I became his official photographer.
Edgardo has a lot of business plans in CDO. 
In May, he will open an Internet Café at Opol. 
On June, he will be sending three scholars to college. 
On July, he will venture on selling laptops, digital cameras, PSP, Nintendo WII, Black Berry, Xbox, Iphones, PDA and other gadgets. 
On August, he will put up a dance Studio which will be managed by my best-friend Raul Prima.
Later this year, he will revive his theatre company which is based in Cebu.  He has a lot of projects not for himself but for his family and friends.
I was tasked to manage the Internet Café and the buy and sell business.
The most challenging part, I will take care of the scholars.
The most exciting of them all, I will design a web-site for his theatre group based in L.A.
The most rewarding part, he gave me the camera of my dream.

It was such a wonderful summer experience.