May 10th-May 12th - Dress For Success Walk & Commercial Filming

Saturday morning I met up with other state titleholders, Miss USA 2013 Erin and Miss Teen USA Cassidy to do the power walk for Dress For Success in Manhattan!

Dress For Success promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Before the walk a member of the Miss Universe Organization gave us activewear that was sponsored by Under Armour! To start off the walk Bethenny Frankel of The Real Housewives of New York City gave a speech and then another woman had everyone doing zumba-type moves which was fun! 

We did the walk and got to spend time talking to each other while enjoying the beautiful day! I was glad that I could make it to this great event for a great cause! 

Afterwards I went to brunch with the wardrobe stylist Nathan Helsel and some of his friends who were all really nice! At that point there were no more busses going to Rochester so I took a bus early the next mooring so that I would still have time to see my Mom on Mother's Day! I was happy that I got to be home and have dinner with her. Mom, what you do for me is immeasurable and I am the luckiest to have the best Mom in the Universe, I love you!! I hope all Mom's had a...

The next morning I spent time cuddling with my love Cookie Dough before I headed to Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack to film a commercial! 

I got hair and makeup done and then tried on wardrobe with stylist Illy Ali. We filmed a scene where I was with two other women, one of them being Julia Johnson who I knew previously from modeling, and we had a good time just sitting and talking. They also did a scene of Julia and I in the casino walking and laughing. The last two scenes were me having a drink at the Remedy Bar and walking around the casino and playing the slots! 

A clip of footage from filming 

Right after I went to a fabric store to look for what I would want my Miss USA interview dress to be made out of. I didn't find fabric that I really loved so I went home and studied information on bullying and finished writing a speech for the next day. Then I did an intense workout class at night and got ready for what turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of being Miss New York USA! 

May 2nd-May 9th - Miss USA Coaching Trip!

Friday morning I did another intense workout class in preparation for Miss USA.

The next couple of days I met up with my best friends Sarah and Liz and I went to dinner at Good Luck with Mike's family and friends! 

I also spent more time putting together outfits for Miss USA. Since the dress that I ordered to wear during my Miss USA interview was off of a website that was no longer running, I got another dress that I thought would be a good backup incase I didn't find one in time. 

On Monday I was supposed to fly to train with my sponsored pageant coach, Michelle Holmes, in Illinois but my flight was canceled so I had to go the next morning. In the meantime I started studying facts on bullying for an upcoming appearance I had. When I got to Illinois I had a nice time going to dinner with Michelle and her parents. The next morning we went shopping for wardrobe to wear to Miss USA since I would be there for two weeks and could be changing multiple times a day for different events. 

Then we went to a local gym where we had our own room for me to practice my walk and what to do during judges presentation before preliminary competition. I also talked to one of the workers and purchased protein powder for me to build more muscle from my workouts. Then we went back to Michelle's shop, The Pageant Room - Joyce's Boutique to look around and try on my Miss USA gown for tailoring. After dinner I read over some pageant interview questions before going to bed. Thursday morning we talked about my ideal dress for my Miss USA interview and Michelle helped sketch it. 

I called Arlene Sutherland, a designer from Rochester, New York, to talk about custom making the dress for me. She said that if I got the fabric I wanted and could fittings with her that she could do it! Then Michelle and I went over a lot of information including some interview questions to help prepare me for Miss USA. Later we went to Michelle's shop where I tried on my gown after the alterations were done! I walked in my gown and felt incredible! It was beautiful and perfect. Afterwards, the great makeup artist Hernan Rivera came to the store and did my makeup for a photo shoot! 

Then the talented and sweet team, A Marlow Photography, came and set up while Michelle got out some dresses and we had a great time shooting outdoors at a nearby winery/park and inside against backdrops.

The next morning we quickly looked at fabrics to start thinking about what I would get my Miss USA interview dress made out of. That concluded my trip and it was a great one! Thank you Michelle for this opportunity and to your family for their wonderful hospitality! Then I flew to New York City for an appearance! 

Apr 27th-May 1st - Miss Universe Organization Hometown Visit!

On Sunday I flew back to New York and on my flight I studied interview and speech techniques to prepare for appearances and my Miss USA interview. I also researched the negative financial impact of domestic violence and what companies are doing to help their employees who are affected.

When I got home I started taking pictures of my wardrobe to show Michelle Holmes, my pageant consultant, to get ready for Miss USA. The next day I got a spray tan and my nails done at Scott Miller in Pittsford, New York and then drove to New York City! When I arrived at my friend Dennise's apartment I studied current events in the news. The next morning I was supposed to have a dentist appointment with my dental sponsor but he canceled and also told me that he did not feel what I wanted was a big enough change for him to work on my teeth. My director Debbie was sweet in trying to find me another sponsor last minute but thankfully Contemporary Dentistry in Rochester, New York agreed to be my sponsor for Miss USA!

I was so thankful to know that not only I had a sponsor but one of the best in industry! Later in the day I had my second interview training session with Don Baker Communications. He went over more of what is in his book and we also practiced Top 5 questions. The Top 5 question is the category that the majority of contestants are the most nervous for. That applied to me as well but after answering  the questions in front of him it helped me to become a lot more confident!

Right after my meeting I drove back to Rochester, New York. The next day I went shopping for clothes for appearances and for Miss USA and I got my hair done at Scott Miller to get ready for the Miss Universe Organization to visit my hometown! My hair looked so incredible, thank you so much Alex at Scott Miller, love you!

That day I also spent time at the archery range and cuddled at home with our love Massimo :) The next morning I got my makeup done by Silvana at Scott Miller and it was beautiful! Then members of the Miss Universe Organization came over to do an on-camera interview and film me doing my hobbies! First I talked to Hilary about my background while the others set up the filming equipment.

After my interview they filmed my parents and I talking about our family background where my Dad explained the history behind items we have from the our ancestors in the Philippines. My Mom made a list of characteristics about me that describe why I deserve to be Miss USA and she had us all laughing because it was a huge long scroll of every positive word you could think of and more! The crew filmed her unraveling the list and reading words off of it while I laughed and hugged my Mom.

     

Then we went outside to film me doing archery. Soon after, something incredible happened! I shot a Robin Hood, which means I shot an arrow straight down another arrow! Everyone was so excited and said it was an omen that I was going to win Miss USA!

Then the crew, my parents and I went to eat lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. We had a good time getting to know each other and telling stories. Afterwards, we went to Fairport Karate Academy, which is a karate dojo that my Mom (who is a 6th degree blackbelt) owns. We demonstrated self-defense techniques that we especially like to teach to women and children. I also performed some katas that I have learned throughout my training. Karate was a big part of my life growing up and it meant a lot to have them film my Mom and I together at her dojo doing what we're passionate about.

The last stop for the Miss Universe Organization filming was at my boyfriend's family business, Scott Miller that consists of salons, spas and beauty stores where as a hostess and front desk coordinator I work to ensure that guests have a great experience.

I hope that the crew enjoyed their visit! After they left I went back to Fairport Karate Academy and taught a class with my Mom. 

Apr 21st-Apr26th - Photo Shoot & Celebrating Love In Los Angeles!

On Monday I flew to LA with Mike! We laid out by the pool and then explored around his neighborhood and found some cool shops. The next day we went hiking at Runyon Canyon and later I did a Miss New York USA photo shoot with photographer Tim Farmer. We shot in Mike's apartment building and on the streets nearby. 

Behind the scenes by Mike

Thank you Tim and Jordan for your time and great work! 

Mike and I joking around ;p

Photographer: Timothy Farmer (Timmy Farmer Photography) 

Makeup: Jordan Venetis

Wednesday night we went to No Vacancy in Hollywood, which was nice! The next day for lunch Mike and I met up with Miss New Jersey USA, Emily Shah, who was also in town. We ate at South Beverly Grill and Mike's friend David who works in Beverly Hills joined us. It was nice getting to spend time together before going to Miss USA!

At night Mike and I went to Wood & Vine for dinner and it was so beautiful! 

When we got back to the apartment Mike was anxious to give me a gift for our anniversary the next day. It was turning midnight anyway so we decided to exchange gifts. Mike loves elephants so I adopted him an elephant in Africa named Zongolini! I also gave him a designer toiletry case for traveling. He gave me an elephant necklace and I loved it! I also thought it was cute that we both thought of an elephant gift for each other. Then he told me that wasn't all and pulled out a box that had a promise ring in it! I was speechless! It was stunning and the meaning behind it meant so much to me! 

The next day we went to our favorite place, Spoon by H, for lunch and our friend Yoon made a cute dessert for us. 

During the day Mike and I skyped with his parents and some of the Scott Miller staff to start planning my Miss New York USA send-off party for Miss USA. Later for dinner Mike took me to The Little Door French Restaurant! I liked how it was a little bit hidden and inside was so beautiful! The food was really interesting but in a good way! We got to try something different than the usual and it was delicious. Of course we loved the dessert too <3

We had a great day celebrating our love! Then it was my last day in LA and Mike and I decided to get a tour of the W Residences because they are connected to his building and we were curious to see what they were like. The two bedroom suites were amazing! 

Afterwards we went to Stella Barra for lunch and then of course Spoon by H for my last dinner in LA. The food was ridiculously amazing like always and my best friend Yoon hung up my Miss New York USA card on the wall of the restaurant! 

Mike and I had a great night and although I was sad to leave LA I left with my heart full of love!

Apr 12th-Apr 20th - Miss New York USA Appearances!

On Saturday I drove to Manhattan to participate in the USO's Operation That's My Dress event with Sherri Hill. All of the titleholders participating in the show met at the USO Center where we tried on dresses to see which ones we would model. Then we all hung out and got to know one another until rehearsals started.

The next day we met at Chelsea Piers where the event was taking place. I got there a little early and they had me try on a different dress to wear in the show. After all of the titleholders arrived we took pictures on the backdrop. 

With Miss New Jersey USA

With Miss Mississippi USA

Then we had a rehearsal of the show and Sadie Robertson and her family from Duck Dynasty arrived. They were nice and it was cool that they came to support the USO because of Sherri Hill. 

After that the reigning Miss USA, Erin Brady, came which everyone was excited about. 

With Miss USA 2013

Then it was showtime! 

With Miss Maryland USA

With Miss New York Teen USA

The show was a lot of fun but then it was my favorite part! All of the military teens in the audience were able to pick out a gown and keep it, thanks to Sherri Hill! I had so much fun helping the girls pick out dresses to try on and it meant a lot to see them excited and thankful to have a gown given to them for prom or homecoming! It was really heartwarming to be able to work individually with the girls and help make them feel beautiful! 

At the end I signed autograph cards and then drove back home that night! The next day I enjoyed going to Passover dinner with Mike's family. The nest few days I worked at Scott Miller and I was excited to see the Scott Miller Style magazine that I was featured in come out!

(Photographer Alexandria Bailey)

On Thursday tickets for Miss USA went on sale and we were on our computer and the phone waiting for the box office to open! We were disappointed to find that we could only get two seats on the floor and the rest were held for certain people. It took a while for us to try to find seats all together for the 20 people I had coming but we finally worked something out the best that we could! The next day I was supposed to go to my dental sponsor in NYC but he needed to cancel the appointment. Since I got to stay in Rochester I went to a casting for a Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack commercial. 

That night I was pleasantly surprised to find online that I was chosen as the fan vote for Miss USA! It really meant a lot to have such great support from people all over the world! 

On Saturday I had an appearance with the Moms In Motion group. Some of the mothers brought their children and I talked about my background, preparing for Miss USA and self-defense and safety tips for everyone. Everyone was so nice and said that they enjoyed my talk and learned some important information. It was a pleasure being there and meeting everyone! 

After the appearance my Mom and I went shopping and then I worked out and studied some of my interview book for Miss USA. The next day was Easter and I had a beautiful day celebrating at my house and at Mike's.