(thanks for the very interesting excerpt of me...)
Few weeks later, I got called up and they mentioned I was selected. I was being asked to head down for a short interview, which I went and met the friendly Ohno-san! But to my horror, when he showed me the other contestants pictures (with age included by their names), THEY WERE ALL SO YOUNG... and tender, i might add. Fair skin, dark hair, big doe eyes and that sweet smile, I started pondering, " what the hell is this 28yo auntie doing here ?! "
I think Ohno-san could tell I was worried.. he repeatedly asked if I am still okay to join.... lol.
I told him it was fine.. but by the time I got home, I sorta convinced myself that this is not the thing for me. I mean, it doesn't seem right to be contesting with so many of these sweet young ladies and WHAT IF I MADE A FOOL OF MYSELF!?
So I sorta leave it hanging... and not think about it.
Only until Ohno-san dropped me a text on FB to ensure that I was going on the eve of the event that I decided to leave all that self-doubt behind and GO HAVE FUN!
Seeing the stage itself sent my heart palpitating. ARE THEY GOING TO MAKE US DANCE WHILE THE DJ SPIN?!?... I wondered that while being ushered to get my hair done by the friendly Ryu, from Covo Salon.
(photo from Datsumo Labo's FB)
The rest of the contestants came shortly after and boyyyyyyyyyy, they are all what my guy friends would labelled as... SYT (sweet young things).
(how cute are they?!?)
A few of them are only 19!!! To my surprise, all of them were so chatty, except for the 2 japanese ladies whom I can only converse with, in my half past six japanese....lol.
We were all clad in "Rosebullet: Edit Tokyo" outfits for the first segment of the compeition and although they have given me a checkered full suit that I thought was weird on me, I guess it really stands out compared to the floral and sweet get-up the rest of the ladies had on.
We were all clad in "Rosebullet: Edit Tokyo" outfits for the first segment of the compeition and although they have given me a checkered full suit that I thought was weird on me, I guess it really stands out compared to the floral and sweet get-up the rest of the ladies had on.
(those are really queer alien fingers..)
(blabbering about how glad I am that the hat fits my ginormous head)
We were left on stage to answer questions being thrown to us by the emcee and the judges (Xiaxue, QiuQiu, Yutaki & Miyake). I was absolutely nervous but somehow still manage to tickle the judges with my wit when being asked if I can show them my legs despite wearing pants. I told QiuQiu to meet me backstage instead....lol
A few of the event's sponsors came on stage to introduce their brand/product, but the one that left the deepest impression on me was this facial massage that we had to do on stage.
(hahaha... i'm sorry mika-san!!! but you are so cute!!)
Mika-san from "Queens Market" showed us how little steps and exercises we can do to keep our skin bouncy and tight! She revealed her age to me yesterday and asked me to touch her skin.... and it was so unbelievably moisturized and bouncy... like a baby's buttocks. *need to do this everyday*
Shortly after, we were all being ushered in again to change into our second outfit, the summer 浴衣 (YUKATA!). This was probably what spurred me to go ahead with the contest too... I miss wearing a yukata! Although donning the yukata can be quite suffocating because it's sooooooooooo tight, but it really accentuates a woman's elegance and poise.
(requested for a dark flowery design cause my hair was ash green and it was difficult to match)
(back view of the obi, which is the sash wrapped around your yukata)
(recapping the first time I wore yukata to 夏祭り held at the japanese school in sg)
(the woman behind all of our yukata designs, Ms Miki Sakazaki from Miki Trinity. the epitome of elegance & true class to me!)
The unique yukata designs donned by all 8 us were being introduced, from the 下駄 (geta; sandals) to the きんちゃく (kinchaku; handbag or pouch), no details were being spared on how should they be paired and what other innovative designs they have come up with over the years!
We were also being interviewed further on how we felt after putting on the 浴衣 and if it was our first time. Second half of the sponsors also came on stage to introduce their products to the audience. We were engaged in a mini mojito contest, guessing what ingredients were being used for the drink we are offered :)
(i think i was too thirsty to care! that drink was deliciousssssss. credits to Lin Sniper for the shot!)
Down at the audience, meimei and kenneth were both giving me sheepish looks, asking me to guzzle down the whole drink -_-. That mojito was so limey and refreshing.... was so tempted..........
In the end, Ayano who flew all the way from Tokyo to participate in this contest got it right!
(she was my number one favorite! credits to Lin Sniper for the shot!)
We were then being ushered off stage for the judges to deliberate. It felt like a really longggggggg wait and I was getting quite giddy from the tightness of the yukata.
(always the best in his eyes.. <3)
While waiting in the holding room, I heard the mascot of Datsumo Labo, Bihakuma was actually on stage, grooving to the DJ while he was spinning! After further introducing the rest of the event's sponsors, finallyyy... we were all being ushered back on stage to receive the results!
The thoughtful sponsors gave the 8 of us individual prizes for participating in this contest and I was happy to receive a $600 voucher from "Oyster Bar & Grill Wharf"!
(thank you Mr.Seiki! can't wait to go try the oysters :))
(Rachel was given the title of ms. datsumo labo! with a 1 year IPL session to boot! credits to Lin Sniper)
When all the 8 prizes were given and after Rachel was being titled as Ms. Datsumo Labo, I thought that was it and the event was over.... until the emcee, Reiko mentioned about the champion title.... which shockingly....
(I won.)
Literally in shock when I heard my name.. still can't believe it even until today. I was even whispering to Sheena, that I thought Ayano was sure to clinch the title!!!!
(Thank you judges for choosing me! And the sponsors for the amazing prizes!!!
Probably your oldest beauty queen ever XD)
(The man that is constantly spurring me on and always believing in my potential!
Thanks to him, I was being exposed to many offers and also gotten my first sponsorship through this competition :))
(my ever supportive sister and girlfriend)
To end off.. one with all the beautiful contestants and talented bloggers. It was such a surreal experience and I truly enjoyed every single bit of it. The staff from Datsumo Labo were all encouraging me when I joked about how old I am compared to the girls and I'm thankful for the little chats we had! Indeed, a truly unforgettable experience for me.
'the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams..' - E.R
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