don't you dare move my marker!

akala nyo ba eh sobrang malumanay ako pag naku-kwento ng mga bagay bagay sa blog ko? Hay nako kung alam nyo lang. minsan lang kasi ang hirap humirit sa isang bagay na maraming pwedeng bumasa pero minsan din gusto mo lang i-kwento. Para lang ilabas mo kasi nga pag pinigil baka kung saan pa lumabas! As in!!!

example, etong last Ms. Gay na ito. actually may nakaaway ako dahil sobrang nakikialam... paano daw? ganito yon. At kung may doubts kayo, tanungin na lang si husticia na bumisita sa akin at nakita ako in action!

Kasi yung waswit ko kailangan magtrabaho ng araw na yon. Conference kasi sa isang UN organisation at dahil short-term lang sya di pwedeng mag-absent. So yung kanyang responsibility sa pagtuturo ng choreography eh napunta sa akin pero usapan na namin yon at kaya nga ako nasama sa kanya para tulungan sya. Ok, so walang problema. At ok pa rin ang nangyari dahil maski ala akong ride, dumating ng friday nite ang isa sa aming best friend na si M. (a.k.a. City-Driver-Girl sabi nga ni Justice) kaya may sasakyan na.

Eto na, nako late kami ng 30 minutes kasi sinundo pa namin ang isang muder at tagaktak ang ulan sa kalye. Pagdating doon, di rin kami makapagsimula kasi di pa kumpleto ang mga bading at super ayos pa sila ng hall. Hay antayan blues ang nangyari sa amin. Eto pang iba na may nakalimutan at kailangan lumabas sandali para sa kung ano-anong bagay. Ok, sige lang, antayan lang at alam ko rin ang feeling ng kandidata. At isa pa, mababait talaga ang mga gals na ito kaya ok lang sa akin.

In the meantime, punta sa stage ang beauty ko at nag-iisip kung saan ko ilalagay ang marker ng mga bakla. Baka di makita o baka mahulog sa stage nako eh di naloko na. While there, nakita ko na may kausap si M., also one of the host for the night, at I assumed eto na yung ka-co-host nya na guy. So punta ako sa kanila at sus! di na maipinta ang mukha M. sabi ko tuloy "Oh!Oh! Bakit kaya, anong problema... alam nyo ba ang dahilan? Nako day! Bagyo! Madaming sinasabi si Mr. B. na mga antics daw na pwedeng gawin at kung ano-ano pang ekek... saying things like, "I warn you ha! I'm not formal, magulo ako kaya nga nila ako kinuha." and I felt some apprehension dahil we wanted the show to be decent and not cheap. Baka gawing Vic and Joey style, kawawa ang mga bakla. Plus I know that M.'s style is really elegant and subtle. Hello?!? eh professional host ang friend ko noh! As in, she even made an extra copy of the cue cards for him na he didn't even bother to print out or read kasi wala daw syang time. And to think that I already sent the provisional programme to him a couple of days before the event so that he would be more or less ready. Anyway, I tried to consider and say not everyone is like me, so I tried to calmly explain to him that their job for that night was going to be something simple coz there would be few occasions where they would have to do some impromptu talking gently urging him to read the f**king programme. Pero you know what, para kong may kausap na hanging. Day! kung makita mo lang ang kilay ko... tumataas na!

Well, wala na akong pakialam muna don kasi mas concerned ako sa mga bading so we tried to practice a bit on the stage and put the markers on the floor so they would have a guide kaso talagang ang hirap kasi kulang sila. Tapos lapit pa uli itong guy na ito after ng practice at sabi, "so after the production number we come to the stage for our introduction?" Nako! pinigilan ko lang ang mukha ko na mapangiwi dahil parang hello! basahin mo kaya yung programme no! Pero kalmado ko pa ring kinuha ang another type of programme na ginawa ko para may global view sya. And later on while waiting for the stage to be ready, I again thought and brought him another version of the Programme with comments on it so he would know more or less what's going to happen. Guess what?!? He still has no clue.

By that time, we had to pick up husticia at the train station so M. and I quickly went together with some bilins from the candidates hoping to be back by 2pm to practice. In the end, we we're only back at 2:30 p.m. but thank goodness the candidates took the initiative to practice by themselves. Ok, so to position and cleaning ng steps. Then, while looking at the formation, we realized one small detail na palpak. When we were practicing the night before, there were 8 people but since the last candidate is not able to arrive early to learn the dance at di na sya kasali, may butal kaming space. By then it was 3pm... waahhh... so I was trying to arrange things in my head at lapit na naman itong si Mr. B. at kung ano-anong tinatanong!!! But I just didn't have the time to deal with him so I sort of dismissed him offhandedly (diba jus!! **wink**). And while trying the choreography again and seeing another formation that is not working, nako! I was getting frantic.

Tapos, si Mr. B, kinukulit naman yung member ng banda at nakikigulo doon sa stage asking where they were going to stand?!?! (Yup that's such a BIG problem). Eh ako yung tinuro kasi parang pinag-uusapan nila yung marker ko sa floor. He then asked me that I should move my marker coz they we're putting the host podium on where my marker was. I told him that they can easily put the podium on the far left-side corner. Sabi ba naman "Host kami hindi kami pwede sa side!" Wow! I started heating up. I told him that they would be easily noticeable because the spotlight will be upon them while hosting kaso ayaw makinig. Hindi daw sila pwedeng nasa side! Nako naman Diyos patawarin! Naiisip ko kung pwede lang siyang i-hang sa gitna gagawin ko! Sabi ko na lang "If you're a host then you have to be flexible." "Yes I am flexible but I need to know where I should stand." (Again such a BIG problem). Then I told him to discuss with his co-host. Eh si M. sobrang cool na nanunuod lang sa baba, observing, such a difference from him. Kailangan daw alisin yung marker then I exploded! "No one is removing that marker. This show is about my girls and the band and that's it!" Then he started backing off coz my voice is now raised, tapos patutsada pa sya nung nasa baba na ng stage, "I was just asking! I'm not dictating you" nako day! I yelled back "You were!". Tapos ang dami pa nyang satsat na super-explain sa mga tao sa baba. I was just so fed up dahil sa dami ng bosing sa show na yon dagdag pa sya na kararating lang at host lang naman, I just yelled again "I don't even need another host! I can live with one!" Pero di na ata narinig at baka kung ano pang nangyari.

Anyway, it was an experience although quite unpleasant. I just feel justified coz I was doing my job and he didn't have anything to do on that side. I felt pushed around when all the while I knew that I have given him infos that he needed to know and his only work was to then observe what we are doing or at least ask me after the practice what they are going to do. I call it prioritizing. And another thing I can't stand? Was the fact that he was playing with his American English always dropping information of him working in an American Base. Honestly, he's like an epitome of Pinoys filled with American Junk. How you speak English and where you work does not make you better than the rest of us. My respect level for him just dropped.

But you know what? I don't know what he thought after but after some point he approached me and he apologized. I was torn but I'm naturally forgiving. Who am I to not accept an apology. So we even hugged and just said sorry to each other. At least that became his saving glory.

Moral of the story: Don't ask me to move my marker next time, ok? Peace!

Miss Gay Philippines-Germany 2005

Miss Gay Philippines-Germany 2005
Originally uploaded by karampot.

On 14 May 2005, the Mabuhay-Sampaguita e.V. was formally launched with a big disco night party and the first ever Miss Gay Philippines-Germany 2005. It was held in the Bruckenforum in Bonn, one of the most prestigious venues the city has.

With 8 candidates hailing from the different parts of Germany as well as a representative from the Netherlands and Italy, it was a night to remember.

I was very lucky indeed to experience this event first-hand because it is the first time that my husband and I assisted in organising one. The preparations started already months before and they first contacted my husband to do the choreography. I came into the picture as assistant to him and to eventually organise the programme together with the members to make sure that there would be a flow in it. It sure was fun to explore one's creativeness on the possibilities of showcasing each category and see how one can make the evening a success. It is a tough job because of all the details that one needs to think about and thankfully, everybody in the group worked together and all just fell into place the day before the event.

I must admit, my husband just have the talent to create a production number because if it was me, I would never think of something that quickly nor that nice. I tell you it is plain talent. He also has a huge reserve of patience which is really essential when teaching dance steps and dealing with tensions and nervousness of the candidates. I have to admit with shame that I am never the patient type. But he can go on, even if tired, patiently teaching the dance step and soothing the tired nerves of everyone.

The production is a re-mix of "I'm every woman" of Whitney Houston, "Lose my Breath" of Destiny's child and a song of Nina Sky. It was very upbeat and the dance steps were full of "kembot" or swaying hips. The steps were so "gay" it was really amazing. I for one felt at home because I feel officially affiliated to these "girls" coz I just love their style. We were very lucky though that all of the candidates were fun and patient and friendly. Of course one would always find those who put themselves on a pedestal but not this group and I was really glad. Let me introduce them to you a bit just so you get a glimpse of their personality.

Bobby or Katy Suzane was a whiz in dancing. Can you imagine someone learning all of the steps and formation in an hour? And his performance during the evening? Wow! Like a real professional. He just had the bad luck of falling costumes and popping buttons but his uptake was really awesome. I salute you girl! Hahaha!

Mara who comes from Bologna, Italy was a real lady. He moves like a lady and have eyes to die for. He can do a flicker of an eye or a toss of his hair or just being a demure lady and be so seductive, I just feel like a man. Honestly, he looked more feminine than me on several occasions. I definitely liked his poses during the production number.

Victor or Sarah Jane was all conscious and "worried" I guess because of nervousness and "first-time" syndrome. But my, did he glow when he did his talent number. Marionnette stint like in Miss Congeniality without the fire though. It is really amazing to find somebody doing something you'd never expect and what a transformation too! Hats off!

Tonette or Gloria Cristina was the comedian turned beauty-queen. She was the winner of them all and she did it through her humorous and confident presentation on the stage. As most of the judges had their own favorites, he was able to maintain a constant high grade which made him the winner. Just a good thing he didn't give birth during his talent *wink* coz he might have been disqualified. Great humor Tony!

Via was the sweetest of them all and somehow the most delicate probably because he was the youngest and the most inexperienced. But underneath that façade is a girl who knows who he is and is confident enough to show his true self to people and be happy with it. I specially liked his talent where he was wearing white and with blacklights effect was able to combine ribbon gymnastics and a nice exotic music to a great presentation. He was the second-runner-up.

Chito or La Vita Ross coming from Breda, Netherlands can be described in one word: Cool. He was such an easy-going guy but really can showcase himself into a taller Diana Ross. What a transformation!!! He was all elegance during his evening gown presentation maintaining this aloof aura. And man! You should have seen how he rolled that piece of tool and made it look so elegant. Aye! He has class!

Joy, the first-runner up, was who we fondly call Jane Fonda. I can see he was into classical jazz because no one can stretch their leg that far, I tell you! He was also one of the fastest who was able to master the steps and reeking with professionality. But then he's a choreographer so nothing to be surprised about. He was so happy that night it really shone on his face and really girl! You deserve it after all your hardwork!

The last candidate was Nes or Vanessa Fox who was not able to join the production because he didn't have time. He didn't even have time to bring a costume and thank goodness for the kind-hearted Bobby who lent him one. Of all the candidates, he was the one with real "Boobies" and he played that advantage to the max.

I had one of the difficult tasks that night because I was in charge of the scoring. There were times when I was sweating and getting paranoid coz I know that if I make a mistake, the whole show will collapse but thank goodness nothing happened. Each category: Personality, Filipiniana, Ethnic, Talent and Evening Gown weighs 20% and summed up into 100%. Tonette, the winner, had an average of 91.65 and Joy and Via had the same score, 89.25. Chito came next with 89.15, Mara with 88.90, Bobby with 88.35, Victor with 87.25 and finally Nes with 86.45. The scoring went really smoothly although the results surprised a lot of people. It must be said that the jury had their respective favorites but Tonette consistently had "good grades" due probably to his antics and the fact that he was very relaxed on the stage.

On the final round of the top 3 candidates, the total score was 80% and the Question and Answer was 20%. There was only one question for all of them and while the first one hears it, the other two have headphones in their ears with music playing so they won't hear it. The question was "What does the title Miss Gay Philippines-Germany 2005 mean to you?" Joy scored high at this point but he was not able to catch up with Tony on his score.

All throughout the evening, the programme was a mixture of the presentations of the "girls" and the great live band Music @cha making it a fun-filled night. The people were able to dance till they drop and enjoyed the whole show with our "Showgirls". For me, it was a great feeling to see something I plan come to life and that people appreciate it. It was also a great experience to meet all these talented candidates and be touched by their colorful personalities much like their wonderful costumes. Some people have come up to me and told me that they are already looking-forward to the next one. Who knows! But meanwhile, we have Little Miss Philippines to organise in August! See you there!

And miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep

Sleep is a wonderful word and I’m not getting enough for the past few weeks. I love working for the UN especially during conferences or inter-session meetings but it requires a lot of work and overtime. Like big time overtime especially at the beginning of each week. I didn’t even have a weekend this time and now that it’s Friday, I’m really beginning to feel its toll.

I would be waking up in the morning at 6 but would try to stay in the bed the latest that I can, i.e. 6:30, then to prepare and be at the conference center at 7:30 because we open our registration at 8:00. I thought that by closing my registration desk at 5:00, I’d be able to go home and take some rest, but I was given instructions to stay till 6:30 because of some other meetings in the evening. I’m sure it’s even more tiring for those who attend these meetings but for me, having to wake up early and stay late is killing me. Honestly, its the intensive work for the past three weeks, squeezed schedules and just shorter sleep. Add to that some activities outside work that of course is part of my social life and then of course some family time! Talk about juggling everything!

To give you an example how tired I am, the Tropa met last week to discuss our activities and the coming Jugendtreffen this weekend. We even fixed it and all but on Wednesday came an e-mail saying… "Meeting for tonight, here is the agenda"… my mind was completely blank. I had to send a message and say, “Meeting?!? Why? Where? And when? The Tropa had to laugh. But trying with all my might to be there and try to contribute was really tough… around the latter part of the evening, I was kinda slumped on my seat and was just listening na lang… There was even a point that I was irritable and luckily I noticed right away and just shut up. When I went home and was finally in bed at 1 am, I just thought of waking up at 6 and said to myself, gotta go to bed the soonest just to be able to sleep longer… even 5 minutes longer…

And so I’m slowly counting the days and try to keep myself from drinking too much coffee just to wake myself otherwise I’d be a nervous-wreck with the caffeine overdose. Right now, in this state of lack of sleep, I would even thought of hiding under my office table and get a 5 minutes nap if not for the fact that I don’t have a proper office and the place is full of see-through glass…

Oh well, as they say, this too shall pass and I would just like to wait for the time when I won’t have to say to myself, "miles to go before I sleep" but instead, "have a good night."