You're probably wondering why I have not updated my blog until now. Apart from usual work and domestic chores, I have been
spending the last three months organizing my first-ever Mister USA pageant. Some of you have inquired about the details
of the pageant, and all I can say for now is that it will be held in Boston sometime in August.
I am actually very excited to organize my first real pageant. Even though it is going
to be a small-scale one, it does require a grand amount of time, focus and energy. And if there is anyone who is a stickler
for details, it's me! There's nothing worse than planning something without any idea of what and how to plan. I bought
a copy of Anna Stanley's classic book, "Producing Beauty Pageants. A Director's Guide" which was initially published
in 1989. Although it is almost twenty years old, the book provides tons of helpful information that is still very much
relevant in today's pageantry.
I have solicited the assistance of some friends in the production of the pageant. Thanks to
them, I don't think I would be able to do everything on my own. The most challenging part is finding corporate sponsors;
frankly, I haven't had much luck despite aggressive "begging" through phone calls and letter-writing. I was able to find
gift sponsors and I truly applaud them for having faith in me. Finding cash sponsors was a different story, since hardly
anyone wants to invest in pageants perhaps due to a faltering economy or because one thinks that male pageants are not as
lucrative as female pageants, which is true. I hope that someday more people (and more potential sponsors) will realize
that men deserve opportunities to flaunt their beauty and self-confidence as much as women do!
As far as finding contestants, I have extended the application deadline for a few more days because most of the
applicants I have received so far do not completely fulfill the requirements. Some are too short, some are too old,
some cannot express themselves in English well enough to be taken seriously, some need to improve their physique,
and some are just plain ugly. I would rather have a quality pageant with five good contestants instead of a
mediocre pageant with twenty so-so contestants. Wouldn't you agree?
At this moment, I am still negotiating with a potential venue in Boston, and once that's done (hopefully
this week), then the next step is to advise the applicants of the venue and to send them all the necessary information
about the pageant. My goal is to select a great Mister USA worthy of the Mister International 2008 title! LOL!
Come back soon for more updates!
Posted on 06.30.2008
JAKE'S MUSIC / MISS BOSTON 2008
What's new with Jake? Well, he's been touring the country with his new band
called "The Law" and promoting his music. Early last winter, he and his band did a West Coast tour where they were warmly
received! Now, Jake and his band are recording their second CD! Congratulations, guys!
Jake singing "Band-Aid" with his pal Jim Hanft
On June 14th, Jake judged the first round (swimsuit segment) of the Miss Boston 2008 model search
held at Felt Boston nightclub. Jake couldn't attend the second round (personality segment), so he missed the chance
to reunite with Jackie Bruno, Miss Massachusetts USA 2007, who served as a special guest judge and interviewer.
Jackie looked even more beautiful in person. I came up to her, gave her a hug, and congratulated her for her top 10 finish
in Miss USA 2008. She said that she's happy that Crystle Stewart of Texas won because Crystle truly deserved it. You can
see photos of Jackie at the Miss Boston Round 2 event in this Stomp Fashion Magazine gallery.
Last Saturday night, Jake judged the third and final round (cocktail dress segment), and he and the
other judges selected Alida D'Angona, (photo), a stunning 21-year-old blonde, as the deserving winner! Alida
won over
seven other girls. Jake was supposed to perform a single from his first CD as the opening act of the pageant, but for some
reason he ended up not doing it. Since Critical Beauty sponsored the crown and sash, I was happy to be able to put the sash on
the winner while the hostess crowned her. Because of too much commotion on the small stage, the crown fell off Alida's head. The impact of
the fall caused a slight bent to the crown and one pearl came off! I think the next time I'll bring a crown, I'll make sure to bring
some hairpins as well! LOL!
The Miss Boston model search was a lot of fun and it gave Jake more exposure as he was interviewed by
a TV station that will air the pageant on July 13th. I advised Alida to sign up for Miss Massachusetts USA 2008, because I believe
she has a very good chance in winning it. One thing I learned, though, was this: clubs might be a good venue to hold
fashion shows or model searches, but a bad one to hold beauty pageants. Why? Because you could barely hear the contestants talk what
with the loud, drunken public yelling and screaming and not to mention the place lacks ample lighting. Give me a small ballroom anytime! :)
On June 14th, Jake judged the first round (swimsuit segment) of the Miss Boston 2008 model search
held at Felt Boston nightclub. Jake couldn't attend the second round (personality segment), so he missed the chance
to reunite with Jackie Bruno, Miss Massachusetts USA 2007, who served as a special guest judge and interviewer.
Jackie looked even more beautiful in person. I came up to her, gave her a hug, and congratulated her for her top 10 finish
in Miss USA 2008. She said that she's happy that Crystle Stewart of Texas won because Crystle truly deserved it. You can
see photos of Jackie at the Miss Boston Round 2 event in this Stomp Fashion Magazine