Katipunan 40th Anniversary Ball

Sampagita (our national flower) Ball-- a perfect way to usher in another 40 years of linking our culture and a new found one in America. What started as 20 Filipinos huddled in a small room at the Fil-Am building on Broadway Street has flourished into the largest organization of its kind in the state.

I have my recent press to thank for the invitation to the celebration as it uncovered an accomplishment for which the Filipino community is very proud. I've said so many times in my interviews that my title has been a remarkable platform for not only sharing my personal experiences but showcasing my heritage as well. I thank you for recognizing my promise and leadership by naming me as the recipient of the 2009 Trailblazer of the Year Award. I was geniunely shocked at the honor but welcome it as further motivation to continue on this path. Watch out for my upcoming feature in the Pinoy Herald!

Thank you to Tita Kenny and her husband (go Greyhounds!), President Belle Owens and his Excellency, Ambassador Willy Gaa for a great evening! I just hope I get an invitation to next year despite some mis steps on the dancefloor-- I have never todo-todo'd in my life so if anyone can offer lesson on Filipino dance I'd appreciate the help! :)

Y of Central Maryland Turkey Trot!

I woke up with a pretty severe cold but it was well worth braving the weather for the 14th Annual Y Turky Trot in Bel Air! I was joined by over 1,500 runners and walkers from around the area. And it wouldn't be a proper turkey trot without indians, a running can of cranberry sauce, a group of gentlement wearing kilts and a herd of reindeer!

Not only was it a great way to kick off the holiday season, all proceeds went to the Y's Annual Giving Fund, which supports the organization's services for those who could otherwise not afford them.

Congrats to the top 3 finishers in age categories ranging from 9 and under to 60-69, and I'll have to say I need to seriously work on my 5k time before entering again next year!

Calvert Hall Homecoming

Just two weeks ago I was at Thursday night trivia at Max's in Fells Point-- the theme, Thanksgiving. The question (the only question I got right for my team at that), what schools in Maryland have the longest standing rivalry. Well apparently no one else in the bar went to private school in the area because I was the only one who correctly guessed Calvert Hall College v. Loyola Blakefield!

And this past week I had the pleasure of catching up with my friend Sebastian and all alums of CHC for that matter, including my former boss and Partner in Charge of KPMG in Baltimore KHall at their annual homecoming bash. As I was driving down LaSalle road I couldn't help but remember the mornings I spent dropping my little brother off at school and stopping by Track and Field meets to watch my friends compete, it was like the fall of 2001 all over again.

Congrats to the Cardinals for breaking their losing streak, not saying I had anything to do with the win but it's a pretty wild coincidence don't ya think?? Haha.

CHC/Mercy HS reunion below:

GSCM Stuff a Van for USO

There is no better appearance than when two of my favorite forces unite for one great cause! I, along with a group of highly enthusiastic Girl Scouts (and moms) sold cookies and raised money all for the USO at Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie. Veterans, families, friends and active members of the armed forces stopped by the GSCM display inside as well as the USO van outside to show their support. Little helpers did their part by coloring cookie bags for the holidays to send overseas.

By the time I left, donations were stacked over over my head, and I was wearing heels! Photos below are of the children who took the time to decorate holiday bags, the very talented Danita Terry of GSCM and of course the cookies!

GSCM Green Carpet Event

As they say, time flies when you're having fun! And no sooner than I had stepped on the "Green Carpet" entrance of the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland 3rd Annual Event was I congratulating the top 5 sellers in the region during the closing ceremony.

I, along with two other queens I greatly admire, Adrienne Watson Carver Mrs Maryland International and LaQuisha Hall Mrs Maryland Galaxy, was a Distinguished Guest for the evening. We were warmly welcomed by the Girl Scouts at Port Discovery Children's Museum in downtown Baltimore-- and if you have never been, I highly recommend it for a fun night our or daytime activity with any children in your life. Which reminds me, I've got one free ticket for anyone who wants it, courtesy of my goodie bag!

10 wonderful chefs from around the state shared their unqiue recipes with the crowd-- all of which incorporated one of the classic cookies we all love. I have a particular affinity for the newest addition to the bunch-- Thank You Berry Munch which was incorporated into a delicious tart by Chef Bryan Montz. For all of the night's recipes in our souvenier Playbill, including Spicy Trefoil Chicken Fingers (Chef Mason Ambrose at Salt), Striped Bass Mole and Rice (Bill McKinley of McCormick & Schmicks) and more, send me a message and I'd be happy to send it along!

And no GSCM event would be complete without me attempting an outrageous stunt. Remember my infamous climb up the rockwall at PAVE camp?? Well, if you make your way to the top of the museum you can hang gilde through the 3rd floor or the museum. And yours truly, with the help of about 40 young ladies cheering on the sidelines and the attention of guests down below, couldn't resist. Photo to be posted as soon as I get it!

But that's what I love about the GSCM-- I continue to be pushed to my limits by their infectious enthusiasm and can do anything attitude. Photos below are of me and the cookies, receiving my official Girl Scout pins and my latest adventure (pic courtesy of Rachel Matthews)! *PLUG: Dress courtesy of "Party Dress" in Fells Point right next to Yogato. Go see them! Dresses and fro yo, it doesn't get better than that on a single street block downtown*

Loyola Magazine article

It's here! Loyola Magazine's winter issue. Many thanks to Rita Buettner who has been supporting me since I won the title in May. Our conversation was the first of many I would have with the media throughout my reign about winning and more importantly, what I wanted to accomplish. Beyond the crown, I wanted to stay the course of graduating in December with my MBA, balance my work schedule with pageant appearances and share my story. Outside of my immediate family and close friends, my battle with eating disorders had remained a secret for years. We chatted about deciding on my platform-- and there has been no turning back.

Fast forward six months later-- I had a once in a life time experience competing at Nationals in Las Vegas, December is a month away and I cannot believe how much time has passed since I left my full time job last fall, I am still balancing my committments at the World Trade Center Institute with class and appearances and have spoken to hundreds of young women and children about health and wellness. "No Body's Perfect," was intended to change their lives, but it has provided me with a new perspective about what challenges these teens face today.

Check out the online version of the magazine: http://magazine.loyola.edu/issue/december09/886/there-she-is%e2%80%a6

Let me know what you think!

MD USA 2008/2009 Reunion

I have the best girlfriends in town! Niambi, Brittany, Courtney, Anita, Prita and Anna--post pageant/ pre Bertucci's photo in Bethesda.

Xoxo,