Finally, a Miss Philippines bags the crown after eight years since Miss Earth’s conception in 2001. Over eighty-five ladies from all over the world paraded in their swimsuits and evening gowns tonight at Clark Expo Amphiteater in Pampanga.

Her court are as follows:

• Miss Tanzania Miriam Odemba (Miss Earth - Air)
• Miss Mexico Abigail Elizalde Romo (Miss Earth - Water)
• Miss Brazil Tatiane Alves (Miss Earth - Fire)

The last time a Miss Philippines went home with a crown was in 2006 when Catherine Untalan won Miss Earth-Water. That year, Hil Hernandez of Chile won as Miss Earth 2006.

Congrats Karla Paula Henry! You deserved the title!

Mark your calendars (or probably not!): October 11 was the very first time Bee brought home a girlfriend for his parents to meet, and, the very first time I was introduced as someone’s girlfriend. I know how it sounds weird coming from someone whose present relationship is not exactly the first; but I’ve also never imagined how meeting the parents for the first time can really be so nerve-wracking. It was a lot easier the first time since my ex’ parents knew me even before we got together so there was but little adjustments to be made on my part. This time around, there were butterflies all over my stomach and my throat was running dry no matter how much I spoke. They were really nice and very accommodating though, and I must say the experience was great overall despite the jitters on my part.

My friends and I have agreed how planned excursions never really get through the planning stage. The unexpected Meet-the-Parents-Part-II was another proof to that. It all started with a suggestion for him to bring home some flowers for his mom’s birthday; then, the flowers were dissed and the next thing we know, we were arguing over what cake to bring. I don’t really want to generalize but guys really have the tendency to lack taste when it comes to gift-giving. He wanted to bring home Brazo de Mercedes while I argued we get her some more special cake instead. So if you happened to see us with the box of cake from Conti’s, you’d know who won the argument.

Needless to say, the (muy delicioso) Mango Bravo cake, didn’t let me down. Perhaps next time, a candlelit dinner would make her mom feel even more special. Votive candle holders anyone?

Conti’s famous Mango Bravo (photo from here)

The past one week was not easy. I couldn’t sleep peacefully at night as I thought about him and how he was doing. I wondered if he was okay, if he was being taken cared of while he wasn’t with me. It was hard but I had to endure the pain and the sadness of the distance that we both didn’t want but neither did we have a choice. I looked forward to Saturday because of the promise of a reunion. But that sparkle of hope disappeared when a call was made telling me how I wouldn’t be able to see him. Came Saturday and Sunday. Monday, they said, I’d finally get to be with him.

There’s nothing more ecstatic than that moment when I saw him coming, all prim and proper and ready for our much-awaited reunion… » Continue Reading