We are featured in today's New Paper on page 22! The "we" refer to the 5 Amazing Ladies and myself. Very happy for all the girls who stood through the test of time and emerged victorious.

As they always say, we are all winners in our own rights. Victory is sweet...but sweeter is the journey ahead as you never know what plans the great universe has in store for you :)

For Agnes, she never knew she would one day put aside her normal staple of T-shirt and jeans and dazzle along this Amazing journey in a gown, complete with makeup and full-fledged confidence.

I've only these words to say to her: I'm super proud she made it!

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Coronation Day was more than a celebration of success for the girls as the past winners from the inaugural 2010 pageant were also present to crown the new winners and offer their congratulations. 

There were 6 titles to be given away - all of which were sponsored by LionelLim.com. This is the second time I'm sponsoring sashes (the first time being the NTU Hall 6 D&D Cum Pageant 2011).

The pageant may have ended but for all the girls, the journey ahead will be a different one – bolstered with more amazing feats and moments of glory.

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The annual dinner and dance is always seen as the highlight of any organization as everyone gets to let their hair down and enjoy themselves. In the same vein, the dinner and dance is also the event to look forward to for undergraduates as it marks an important milestone in their varsity life. 

An annual tradition for Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Hall 6, the dinner and dance offers all Sixians a time to bond, catch up and have a fun-filled night to remember.

But what is a dinner and dance without some glamour and excitement? Taking the form of 6 pageant contestants, that naturally became the highlight of the evening held at Mandarin Orchard Hotel. Themed “Revisiting Retour Aux Classiques”, I was invited on board as one of the main sponsors of the pageant. 

There were 5 titles up for grabs and these included Hall King, Hall Queen, Mr Hotbod, Mr Charismatic and Miss Personality. 

Being able to strut your stuff on stage in front of an audience already makes one a winner in life as not many would have the courage to do so. What more when taking part in the pageant is not just a day or night affair but one filled with photoshoots, rehearsals and more rehearsals.



Besides sponsoring the sashes that the winners received, I also sponsored all of them a ticket to attend my grooming and NLP workshop.

Watching the winners walk into the room today, I was very happy to watch their transformation from ordinary undergraduates into extraordinary pageant kings and queens. 



Sharing with them what would help them make the leap from good to great post-pageant, it was another life-changing experience that many would hold dearly in their hearts. After all, confidence is something we all possess. We just have to let it surface and we can definitely do that visually and verbally – through upping our image quotient and choosing the right forms of communication with others.

Already winners in their own right and now equipped with these skills, I'm very sure the pageant kings and queens will only soar to greater heights in their lives :) 

NTU Hall 6 Dinner & Dance 2011 Pageant Winners' Testimonial

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I’m back in the Philippines after the first visit two months ago. Back then, it was to meet health and wellness guru Cory Quirino for a networking lunch. Today, I’m invited as a guest to watch the Miss World Philippines 2011 live at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

There has been tremendous buzz in the Manila media regarding the Miss World Philippines 2011. Year in, year out, there will be beauty pageants one after another. But considering that this is the first Miss World Philippines to be crowned under the Miss World franchise in town, it’s definitely something everyone is looking forward to with much awaited breath.

My Row A VIP seat ticket

To be shown on the GMA network immediately after the live recording at PICC, I was immediately awed by the sheer glamour of the stage which literally took my breath away. It was regal and opulent…befitting of a new queen who would be crowned Miss World Philippines later tonight.


Awed by the opulence of the staging...

From the standees displayed outside the venue, one got a quick glimpse of the 24 candidates. Coming from the different provinces of Philippines, this must surely also rank as one of the most cash-rich pageant I’ve witnessed thus far. With the generosity of the sponsors, the winner tonight would walk away an instant millionaire as she would win one million pesos in cash prize, not forgetting a brand new condo unit and other fabulous prizes as well.

And when the hosts Dingdong Dantes, Carla Abellana and Isabelle Daza opened the coronation night, the crowd went wild. To be honest, I simply loved the energy of the crowd. They cheered each time the name of their favourite contestant was mentioned. They shouted, whistled and waved banners, whistles and horns enthusiastically. When the girls finally appeared, the energy level was sent rising several notches higher. In short, the noise level was deafening. But for the girls on stage who saw their supporters’ love and encouragement, it was a translation of the support and much more into a strong, invincible aura of confidence as each strutted her stuff on stage…and hopefully into the hearts and minds of the distinguished panel of judges.


Opening dance segment

The distinguished panel of judges ran the gamut from the beauty experts to the GMA folks to leading actresses to the reigning Miss World 2010 Alexandria Mills. How much grander can the panel get? But there was only one who really caught my eye and he was ten-time world boxing champion Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao. It’s one thing to read about Manny’s victories in the papers but it’s a completely different ballgame altogether seeing him in the flesh. I simply had to take a photo with him...which I did :)

A once in a lifetime photo with Manny Pacquiao

I particularly enjoyed the theme song! And mind you, it’s no mean feat having a Miss World Philippines theme song but the Filipinas did just that. Kudos! And I swear the same melody is still ringing in my ears as it’s infectious and easy to hum along.

As with all beauty pageants, there will always be three main highlights on coronation night. First up, the evening gown competition, followed by the swimwear and finally, the question and answer segment.

With this same format replayed so many times, it was little wonder each girl seemed to be well prepared as they sashayed across the huge stage and flashed their pearly whites.

I liked it that the organisers had different designers to design and tailor-make different gowns for the girls. Just think about it – if all had to wear the same gown from one designer, how more boring can that get?

With different designers coming together to contribute different creative juices, the evening gown competition round was indeed a feast for the eyes as creativity knew no bounds. As long as the girl had the assets to carry it off well with confidence, she was already a winner that night.

As the temperature in the massive hall heated up as the girls made their turns in their swimming costumes, my eyes remained fixed on one girl. Number 13. Gwendolyn Ruais.

Seated just two rows of chairs away from the stage in the VIP box at Row A, I had an excellent view of the pageant proceedings. Judging from her body proportion and natural poise, Gwendolyn won my vote to win Best in Swimsuit. And she certainly didn’t disappoint as she claimed this subsidiary award.

If you ask me, life is always cruel and in any competition, much less a grand pageant like this one, the decision whether you stay on to compete in the next round or exit the stage is solely based on the judges. If the majority of the judges feel you deserve a chance to progress, then congratulations.

And from the original 24 girls, the semi-final round witnessed only 12 names being called. And from that same 12 names, a further wittering to the top 5 lucky girls.

The Top 5 - one of them will be crowned Ms World Philippines...

And Gwendolyn made the cut, together with hot favourite of the night (judging from the number of wolf-whistles she received) Nicolette who looked like a split-image of the Pussycat Dolls.

Yes, they had flaunted their beauty and poise in the earlier rounds. But now to be considered winner material, one had to impress with sheer intellect. And this is usually the moment of truth as only one can be crowned Miss World Philippines 2011. And that moment of truth is which girl gives the best answer that strikes a chord with all seated on the judging table and in the audience.

The Filipina-French Gwendolyn nailed down the crown when she confidently answered her final question "What would you do with your P1 million cash prize if you win the title?" Her reply: "Part of it I will put into the bank for the future. Then I will throw a thanksgiving party for everyone who supported me in this experience. The rest I will use to put up my own charity foundation for Tuloy Streetchildren, the official foundation of Miss World Philippines."

Now who said Number 13 was an unlucky number? It certainly was super lucky for Gwendolyn as not only did she win the coveted crown, she also won 2 subsidiary titles – Best in Swimsuit and Miss Puerto Princesa-World in a preliminary event in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan last week.

Congratulations Gwendolyn…A whole new world awaits you as you fly to London to represent the Philippines in the 61st edition of Miss World 2011 pageant to be held on 6 Nov 2011. 

Winners all - newly crowned Miss World Philippines 2011 Gwendolyn Ruais with the 4 princesses


Miss World Philippines 2011 with Miss World 2010 Alexandria Mills

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Many a times in life, it’s not about doing the familiar that is comforting. Instead it more often than not comes across as a chore as there’s no more challenge. Instead, it’s about moving into unchartered waters and doing new things that gives us that energetic boost, leaving our lives more fulfilled.

I’m not the only one who believes in this. Just ask the other 7 girls who came along for today’s photoshoot. Today, if you have been following the rest of my blog on the journey of the Amazing Lifestyles 2011, is part two of the photoshoot. Continuing from where we left off last week, today again witnessed the transformation of seven ladies into sultry beauties in their very own rights.

In all respects, the girls today were more well-prepared and well-informed. Well, they had every reason to as they read my earlier blog and also saw some of the pictures which were leaked onto Facebook by the others. So, naturally, we would expect more from them. And they did not disappoint. I need to applaud each and every one of them today for helping done their homework. Their homework (which was not assigned by me…) involved searching the internet to come up with a style or a few styles which they particularly liked. And if that was not good enough, some even more hardworking ones printed out the pictures and gallantly showed them to the makeup stylist. So in between the waiting time for the styling to be done, one could hear adorations of “so lovely…I want to be like Marilyn Monroe…or Audrey Hepburn…” And you bet when the look was done, everybody else took a double take on everyone else. For some, it was as if they put on makeup for the very first time as they completely morphed into another person – glamorous, pretty or just timeless.

It’s amazing really how much the wonders of having the right hairstyles, makeup, accessories and clothes can do to boost one’s confidence. After all, how many times in life do you have the opportunity to have a team of makeup artist, hair stylist, photographer and crew fuss over you from head to toe just to make you look drop-dead gorgeous for that very day? I certainly wouldn’t mind too :)

Although the shoot today ended later than last week, everyone was in high spirits, me included. And it was perfectly normal for some to not to remove their makeup as they were still in the mood to take more behind the scenes photos...It was evident that the ladies were all coming together to have fun while bonding...

And just in case you have not been updated, the photographs will not just be for their personal viewing. Each girl will also choose her favourite photo from the lot. This photo will go into the making of a calendar for 2012 with each one gracing one particular month. And for all you supporters out there, we will also kickoff a series of campaigns on Facebook for you to "LIKE" the girls. Plus you can also support them by buying their calendars when it goes on sale :)

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To some, it’s like asking them to do the impossible. To others, it’s like being thrown into the deep blue sea with no chance of survival at all. Yet for those of you who know I love bucking trends and not follow them, all those who are along with me on this journey will survive. And they will more than survive. They will become princesses or queens in their very own rights.

If I have to sum up the sentiments of everyone here today at the first of two-parter photography shoots of the Amazing Lifestyles 2011, it will be this immortal line.

“Nobody can teach you confidence. You have to find it from within and let it surface.” – Lionel Lim

And for this photoshoot session arranged at J&C Bridal Collections (the official photographer), it was just amazing to see all the ladies dig deep within and have fun.

I know the precise feeling. Having been there, done that many times, I can emphatise with the girls. For many, it will be the first time they are doing a studio shoot. And there are thousands of “what ifs” in their minds and butterflies in the stomach as well. Nervousness is regarded as the common thread that runs all across.

Despite the reservations about dress sizes, colours, styles and all for some, it wasn’t as bad as I had envisaged. All ladies had their clothes pre-arranged for them on a moveable rack. While doing their hair and makeup, we helped them to choose their accessories to match their clothing. Accessories are so important to help them glam up their looks as every detail counts. Think about crimson red lips, red fingernails, adding a mole on the face. And much attention must be paid on the hair. Whether it’s a beehive, or curly, big waves. Consider adding a red rose and there you have it. 

And when the transformation was done and the ladies stepped out in style, I was awed beyond words. Awesome! It was like turning the page and walking back in time, seeing each lady emerge as if she was in the 1950s.

When the lights and camera came on, the initial fears of apprehension, frozen movements and forced smiles very soon melted away. In their place were sultry, sexy and sizzling hot looks. 

If you know me well enough, you will know I love injecting extra fun. So I certainly wasn’t going to let the ladies off so easily with just the close up, half body and full body shots. I whispered to the camera crew that I wanted lying down poses as well. And my wish was granted. 

So in came the plush carpets – first the luxurious red one and then the furry white one. Lying down on the carpets, we added more props in the form of bling blings, butterflies, roses, flowers and other accessories. 

Standing behind the cameras, I saw confidence in each and every girl here. It was very inspiring to see each girl (as the batch today are all singles) literally blossom from girl to woman behind the dress, camera and smiles.

Each one basked in her own glory and soaked up the atmosphere completely, with the hairstylist, makeup artist, dressers, camera crew and me fussing over their every detail. 

And when it was over, I teased them to say I understood how they felt at that very instant from the longing in their eyes. Their eyes told me that they wished that the shoot could go on and on as they had already morphed into their own element. It’s always the case. After the first few warmup shots, you naturally know where to turn, how to pose and smile as if you are the next top supermodel.

You go girls…! I am proud of each and every one of you for a job well done! Now for the second-parter of the photoshoot next Saturday. Same time, same place. 

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In a testosterone driven world where the virility of a man is often determined by the size of his chest, number of packs he has on the abs, the boulder like defined shoulders and tree-trunk like thighs, I was invited to attend the Mr Singapore Male Pageant incorporating Mr Singapore Muscle 2011. Prior to arriving, my cousin who happened to be in the mall sms-ed me excitedly to say she saw my photo on the banner. Indeed, this is the huge banner everyone is talking about with my face on it :)


Absolutely honoured to be featured on the huge banner on stage

Held in the hustle and bustle of the city at Bukit Timah Plaza, 8 young men were competing for several titles up for grabs, one of which was Mr Singapore Muscle 2011. 

With all 8 hunks before the pageant starts...

As opposed to other pageants held behind closed doors, this was one of the rare few ones held in the full view of the public in the mall’s atrium. Shy to sit and watch from the chairs, spectators took to standing along the railings on the different floors of the malls to get a glimpse of the participants.

If the weather was blistering hot outside, inside it promised to be raining men from the moment the MC kicked off the pageant finals proper.

When one thinks of the word ‘muscle’, what connotations does one associate it with? Huge, chunky muscles ala Arnold Schwarzenegger? Or a lean, toned beach body? As a lifestyle coach, I would advocate the latter. Ask any of my clients and they will tell you they want to look good, ripped and have definition. They do not want to look like Incredible Hulk, stocky nor a bodybuilder. 



So when the guys hit the stage, one had to bear in mind that this wasn’t a bodybuilding contest and put things in the right context. After all, they were just a bunch of ordinary guys looking for an extraordinary experience of a lifetime. I can surely attest to that, having been a contestant myself too back then…LOL

In all honesty, things were pretty sedate initially because the guys were parading in their jeans and tank-tops in Round 1. They looked no different from what most guys would wear after some months of hard work pumping iron at the gym.

Things only got hotter and the temperature sizzled steadily when we approached Round 2. Now what is a male pageant without getting the guys to take off their shirts and go topless? Like it or not, this has become one of the hallmarks of a male pageant. The other of course was to see the participants in skimpy Speedos, or in this case, swimwear from one of the sponsors. Trust me, it takes a whole load of courage to parade on stage in a skimpy trunk like this. But after you have done this, there are no other challenges in this world you cannot overcome.


2 of the hot favourites strutting off on stage in skimpy trunks

 

In any competition, including this one, there will be winners and there will be learners. It just boils down to the mindset each participant brings along with him. From the bodies, it was pretty clear who would be the frontrunners for the title of Mr Singapore Muscle. Yes, the beach body types would rule the day. In the same vein, this is also the most popular look now for girls looking for their other halves and what most guys aspire to train towards.

Chatting with some of the judges before the pageant who asked me for my take on the guys and my personal favourites, I guess we all agreed that the guy with the entire package would stand out ultimately. Not only must he have the body, he must also have the face to match it. Someone joked that if you don’t have the body, you can train for it. But if you don’t have the face, you can’t possibly for extreme cosmetic surgery just to look matinee idol-like. In this materialistic yet cruel world, this cannot be overemphasized. 

As a winner is crowned and the rest fade into obscurity, it dawns upon me that with the flourishing of more such pageants, all title-holders only have one year to make his or her mark and leave an indelible impression before the next successor comes knocking, all eager to take over the reign. Winning is just the first step to the journey waiting to unfold.


The victorious trio


With my fellow title-holders...All in the family now


With all the main title winners, subsidiary award winners, sponsors & judges

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Even till today, I enjoy watching the live telecast of Miss World on television. Who can resist looking at the pretty ladies in their national costumes, evening gowns and swimwear?

With the creation of a new theme “Beauty With A Purpose”, the Miss World crown has now come with an added social dimension of aiding disadvantaged children worldwide. This is admirable as the winner will become the icon for charity projects around the world. Indeed, when one gives to charity, one does so willingly and feely, expecting nothing in return.

Little did I know that I would very soon have an intimate connection with the Singapore chapter of Miss World.

Many times in life, opportunities do not knock twice. So when I was invited to be the official fitness trainer for the Miss Singapore World 2011 finalists, I readily agreed. 

The deal was simple – the organizers needed me to commit every Sunday for an hour. This was alright as long as it didn’t clash with my other commitments. They were very sweet to accommodate my busy schedule by arranging today’s fitness training and the subsequent ones in July as I’m packed for August. 

Besides the social etiquette, local culture and poise lessons the girls would be attending, fitness was also deemed as equally important. Hence, the birth of this series of fitness trainings.

Call time – 9.30am. Venue – East Coast Park McDonalds. 

As expected, not everyone turned up on time. But credit must be given to those who did. One girl even came at 9am! Kudos…

Perhaps unknown to the girls, their every move is not only scrutinized by the media, but also by the organizers. The winner is judged from the moment she signs up for the pageant. Being late for the first fitness training speaks volumes of a lack of discipline. This was also why the organizers hinted to me that I should be strict with the girls and instill good discipline in them.

Like what I shared with them during the initial briefing, fitness is for everyone at all times. It’s not something they needed to fit in specially just for the pageant. Be it pre-pageant or post-pageant, they should still maintain a good fitness regime as it benefits the body in the long run.

Today’s itinerary was planned to ease the girls in slowly. After all, I needed to gauge the fitness standards of each and every one before deciding whether or not to turn up the heat. And from my observations today, it was obvious that some exercised regularly while others needed more effort to catch up. 

First up was some simple stretching to get the body acclimatized for the activities ahead. The more we stretch, the more flexible we become. Fitness is not just about developing lean, toned muscles. It’s also about improving one’s flexibility. 

 

 

After stretching, the girls and I went for a short run along the footpath amidst the idyllic Sunday scenery of blue skies, calm waves and light breezes.

As we ran, many in the park stopped in their tracks to take a second look at us. This was the natural reaction as the girls were all dressed in their Miss Singapore World T-shirts and carried a specially designed Miss Singapore World mineral water bottle. More importantly, how often can you see a group of pretty, lovely, young ladies running together? Had we shouted some chants or sang songs along the way, I’m sure the attention created would be increased multi-fold. Perhaps I’ll consider this for the subsequent weeks. 

After the run, it was time to hydrate. Perhaps the best branding vehicle was the label on the mineral water bottle advertising the pageant.

Post hydration, it was now my personal favourite segment as I introduced three bodyweight exercises to the girls. Chosen for their effectiveness in toning up the thighs and hamstrings, I got the girls to buddy up so as to provide support for each other. This proved to be crucial as the girls in each group motivated each other to complete the exercises.

With the completion of the bodyweight exercises, we were now approaching our final stretch. I allocated 10 minutes for Q&A for the girls to ask any fitness related questions. The questions came fast and furious - mostly asking how they could lose weight, tone their abs and thighs. 

Time passes quickly when you are fully occupied. How true indeed. It was soon time to say goodbye and see you girls again next Sunday. The only question is the next location which we would announce shortly. 

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