2.5 months of training... all for tonight. Wow.

Firstly, I wanted to sincerely thank all the family and friends who supported and encouraged me from the moment I decided to enter the pageant.. whether it was from my mum boiling me nice soup all the time, friends helping me with Chinese-speaking, and always the heartwarming messages I would receive from people in different countries.. I want you all to know that you all keep me going and confident. I want to do my best tonight, and I want to show everyone what I have learned! 

Secondly, a HUGE THANK YOU to every single member of the crew who work YEAR-ROUND for the show! Starting from recruitment to tying up the loose ends at the end of the pageant to the next... the directors, the assistants, our chaperone, marketing, CEO's, lighting, stage trainer, builders, teachers, sponsors, cameramen, audio, editing... we could not have done this without you. I truly, truly have enjoyed this experience, and am looking forward to performing my best tonight to make you all proud (hopefully no derpness tomorrow).

And girls... this experience would not have been complete with each and everyone of you... remember that we were all chosen for a reason, and we will show that tomorrow!! Do our best, and everyone is a winner!

Best of luck to everyone, best of luck to us all!!

 Are you ready for this, Vancouver (and the world?!)

 An unexpected surprise good-luck present!!! Thank you!! ^__^

Sleep well ladies... tomorrow we're going to light it up!!!

~#2 Linna

Hi everyone! I honestly would not have believed you if you told me that I had made it into the Top 10 for Miss Chinese Vancouver Pageant, let alone that it was 2.5 months ago. Where did the time go, really?? Perhaps I should attempt to break it down for you (and myself)...

In September I auditioned for MCVP2012 and after the first production meeting a mere 2 days later, I withdrew from my first term at UBC in order to accomodate the intense training schedule. And PHEW! What a schedule! From hours and hours of stage training to modelling catwalk classes, sessions of makeup/skincare, numerous fittings at different sponsored stores, full day shootings of videos and photos, interviews, hair appointments, fitness training, press conferences, etc. These past few months have been action-packed and I have loved this entire experience. It goes without saying that there are some sacrifices to be made... of course we are tired after training and maybe we don't eat properly somtimes. I don't know how many times I wake up late and dash out the door with barely a bite and my mom trying to chase after me out to the car with food in her hand... Hahahaha.. imagine that.. a housewife in a bathroom in the street in the mornings.. SOUNDS NORMAL IN VANCITYYYY YEEAAA!!!

In all seriousness though, I really, and sincerely appreciate all my friends and family who have put up with me during this time. Whether I was cranky, sad, elated, or prone to stealing their food, I just wanted you all to know that by supporting me I feel that much more confident in performing my best on Wednesday. 

 Snack time! tomatoes, celery, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, paired with some healthy hummus!

 Another feature of us in the magazine! So trippy seeing our pictures in the publications hehe

 My kitty stalking the birds from inside the house.... hehe..

I will post another blog entry before the show day although we have a late rehearsal at the convention centre before the finale. I'm getting very excited/nervous/anxious! Hehe.. talk to you soon!!

~#2 Linna

Ahhh.. finally home after a long day! Wow .. time has really passed by very, very fast! It seems like just yesterday I was nervously lining up at the Fairchild office on audition day to sign in! The finale is in 8 days and I'm feeling so many emotions...anxiety, nervous, excited, happy, sad... I'm so sad that this great experience is soon to be ending!! :( :( :(

But you know... life is a journey that never ends! I think that every experience I get the privilege of enjoying is something that I should take advantage of so that when I'm old and sitting in a rocking chair... I won't ever have regrets and think to myself... "I wish I had done that..." or "What if...??"

That being said.. I am very very glad that I summoned the courage to audition for Miss Chinese Vancouver 2012 this year, that I made it into Top 10, and even more appreciative that I have so many supportive family members and friends. Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOUUUU!!!! <3 <3 <3

Today at Judges meeting day!!

On my way to fitness training... sigh.. these bruises will need to be covered up with foundation for the show!! My shins love to find corners and things like that in the dark...

Having a nice round of Agricola, the board game!! ^^ 

Saw these roses at the florist... they are so... so... beautiful.....

Have a good night!! ^___^

~#2 Linna

For the ladies, the long-awaited day is here... meeting the judges!! Oo0o0o scary ! :D :D :D I'm up early this morning so I can start on doing my hair... wish me luck today!! >< Will update you all later on how it went! ^__^

https://www.facebook.com/linnahuynh2

https://twitter.com/linnahuynh

Toodles!

~ #2 Linna

Last night I specifically remember tripping over my evil cat in the hallway (he likes to situate his fat butt in places where people will stumble over him, and then he will ravage your leg), and then closing the door in his face to go to bed. THIS MORNING I woke up with his hairy tail beside my face on my pillow. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?!?!?!?!

 He's a funny sleeper...

This morning I got up really early to send my 大頭蝦 姐姐 to the airport... wish you the best in your new job DZ... make us proud! :D :D :D

Ahhh.. anyway, 

 Look! we were in the newspaper! Can you find me?? ^^

So it's been very busy since I last blogged (sorry! ><) so I will be trying a VLog very soon! ^__^ 

 Yay! Tomorrow I shall take a nice break from training and go to play badminton with my friends! 

Tonight is the Mandarin interview (tune in at 10:15pm on Channel 519) and watch us tomorrow at 6:10pm for the Cantonese interview on Channel 517!  ^__^

Talk to you all soon in my VLog! :D :D :D

...battle scars?? You ask?? Fear not, my wounds are no more serious than... hideous, pulsating, repulsive, red and raw BLISTERS on my feet and hands!! It takes a bit of sacrifice to look as presentable as possible. I don't mind sacrificing comfort in the name of representing the Miss Chinese Vancouver image. It really is truly an honour and privilege to make it into the Top 10. I find this phrase quite appropriate: 要靚唔要命 hahaha.. Since yesterday's CCS press conference I currently have 5 band-aids covering my ankles, toes, and one on my hand from an unfortunate "piercing" accident (haha Betty! ^___^)

 The guilty stilettos that caused such monstrous injuries! (But my fave pair! TT__TT)

 Hehe... my badminton shoes are much more comfortable!! ^__^

Speaking of badminton, written in the "interests" section of my online profile is "I like playing badminton". I have received some nice messages (and one challenge.. LOL!!) from people on facebook inviting me to go play badminton with them. HAHAHA first of all... let's just say.. I'm a recreational player, I love to play, but if you were to see me on court... hmm.. you'd probably turn your head away in embarassment on my behalf... Even though I suck, I love the sport! Here is photographic proof of how EXPERT and ELITE I am in badminton!! 

 (that's me falling on the ground after missing the shuttle) ( I WHIP MY HAIR BACK AND FORTH!!!)

Oh, and today was BOGO Free day at Starbucks! Mmm.. what a treat! Thanks to my 大頭蝦姐姐 for my guilty pleasure!

~#2 Linna

Hahaha.. what an interesting day yesterday at the Canadian Cancer Society press conference at Aberdeen Centre...

all the ladies did excellent!! except....me :D :D :D HERPADERP!!!

The MC introduced me as "Leanne" and couldn't pronounce my last name (it's ok! Not everyone can! haha)... and so I was #2, Leanne.

Continuing on... I walk up to the microphone and I started telling my "One Thing" cancer prevention tip (mine was anti-smoking)...

An unexpected blast of static and feedback came from the mic and I was distracted.. and so, I ended up saying, "Don't... Say No to Smoking!!!"

I just wanted to clear it up.. that the correct statement and my stance on anti-smoking is indeed, "SAY NO TO SMOKING!!!" hahaha... and since the rest of my statement was unclear.. smoking causes 30% of cancer deaths in Canada and about 85% in lung cancer cases. 

If possible, do try to make the effort to quit smoking; it is a health choice that you will not regret!

...and to my lovely friends and family who showed up to support me with those huge signs (ermagerd!).. I'm glad I entertained you with my flub ;)

left: #3 (Veronica), middle #2 (Linna), right #1 (Diana)

~#2 Linna

One of my passions is for modelling. I especially love it when there is extreme creative hair and/or makeup involved. I have done many shoots over the years since I've started; wedding, special effects, fashion, lifestyle, commercial, etc. I love wearing sky-high heels and extravagant outfits, because it is something I wouldn't mormally get a chance to do in my normal life. I couldn't just waltz onto UBC campus in stilettos and think everything would be fine and dandy...  One thing I've learned though, is that in the world of modelling, there is no "perfection". Models come in all shapes and sizes; take me, for example. I do not fit the typical mold of the stereotypical "model" that most people have in mind... (Victoria's Secret, anyone?). But I do not let it deter me from loving what I do. For all the aspiring models out there, keep in mind that first and foremost, FAMILY&FRIENDS, LOVE, HEALTH, HAPPINESS

 Iona Beach

 My pet tarantula, Bunny!

 Clown Couture

 epic hair!!!

https://www.facebook.com/linnahuynh2

~ #2 Linna

Hi all! Thanks for reading my blog, I have lots of pictures that I haven't had time to upload to share with you these past few days; we have been very busy! Yesterday, we went to visit the seniors at the Simon K.Y. Lee Senior Care Home, and it was so great to see all their smiling faces as we shared our talent performances and gave them our presents and some warm fuzzy socks to keep them warm as Vancouver starts getting colder! I am very excited, as this Saturday, November 17th, we have the Canadian Cancer Society press conference being held at Aberdeen Centre starting 2pm! We will be sharing some cancer prevention tips, and there will be plenty of photo opportunities, so if you have time, please do drop by and come say hello! I would love to take a picture with you! ^___^

 #1, Diana Wu~

 #3, Veronica Shiu

 #4, Clarissa Lao

 #5, Shirley Zhou

 #6, Tiffany Zhong

 #7, Gloria Tang

 #8 Kiko Zeng

 #9, Christina Wang

 Me on the left there, and #10 Silvia Low, with the finished hanging mobile/Christmas present to the seniors!!!

 the materials...

 here's me drawing out the pageant logo with glitter!!

 Does it look like the real thing?? Hahaha what do you think?!

 o0o0o so glittery! good job, Silvia!

 So every girl decorated an ornament, and then Silvia and I put it together to make a mobile decoration! What do you think??

Until next blog entry, hope to see you this Saturday!! Don't be shy! ^___^

~ #2 Linna

I used to be an Air Cadet when I was 12 until about 15 years old. I won't post any pictures here because I looked quite comical in the uniform and headdress, but every year, the Remembrance Day weekend was the most important parade of all our functions. We marched in the cold rain year after year in the streets to honour our country's heroes. We stood to play the national anthem, with our cold instruments sticking to our lips because it was so cold and it was only our breaths that kept it from adhesion. Today, I hoped that everyone took a few moments of silence to remember. Lest we forget~

~ #2 Linna

Today I went to see a good friend of mine. We got around to talking about my expectations and fears, etc about the pageant, and performance-wise, I think this quote sums it up pretty well:

TURN WEAKNESSES INTO STRENGTH

I resolve to be a good role model for young boys and girls everywhere, so I will stop 踩自己 on my own weaknesses. You shall hear no more!! :D :D :D

~ #2 Linna

Today was a wonderfully hectic day!! Finally I have time to sit down and update my blog for you! 

e=mc^2 potato

It is going to be #7 Gloria's birthday this weekend!! Happy 20th birthday Gloriaaa~!

Happy Birthday to leng lui #7 Gloria ;)

Betty, our image director, and meee!

Daisy, our hair art stylist, has such cool style~

Jackson, one of the MC's today and myself making silly faces ^_^

Didi, our stage trainer. Absolutely awesome at motivation and dance!

Hahaha... guess whose shoes I'm wearing?? Had to take a break from the heels~ ><

Our two gracious MC's today, Jackson & Josephine. 

You guys will see this plate again on show day 12/12/2012!!!

All in all, today was a very exciting and busy day for all of us. I remember having butterflies in my stomach right before they called my name, and as they played my audition tape from our interviews in September, I was thinking to myself.. "HERPTY DERP... I was so awkward and nervous!".. and my audition tape showed it. Haha, I had memorized my self-intro speech with things such as name, age, school, aspirations, etc, and halfway through I blanked and spoke in English instead. But since joining the pageant, I feel that I have improved (slightly! hehe!) in Cantonese, and I will continue to work hard at learning more and having a great experience!! 

**to ask me questions you can "like" me on Facebook and I will answer them here on my  blog! ^^

 https://www.facebook.com/linnahuynh2

Time for bed!!! Fitness day tomorrow... going to let our fitness instructor whip my butt into shape for show day!! Good night everyone!

~ #2 Linna

Here's the thing about video shooting... I'm horrible at it!!! I can always improve, whether it's my video presence, my Chinese-speaking skills, or the way I tend to overuse "la" when I'm talking... However, I always have FUN!!! :D :D :D

Here I am with Rita, our assistant, and Kevin, one of the photographers! 

 I was so bad that they took 100 takes on my scene!! Hahaha... just kidding!!

漂亮的女孩圖騰柱 ! ! !

Say hello to Amber, our IT expert and the brains behind the blog and website!! ^_^

Me and Kelly 媽 being SUPER COOL! 

My super talented make-up artist, Yvonne! Look at what a great job she did! ^^ Thank you!

 Our hair artist, Daisy! She looks like she has a secret!!! 

SUPER ASIAN HELLO KITTY FRAMES! YEAH!!!

~ #2 Linna

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!!! ^___^

​~ #2 Linna

All my life I've never had to diet, but I want to be healthy and have a better lifestyle in terms of my food habits and fitness! I have cut out my usual snacks such as cookies and coffees and replaced them with bite-size vegetables and fruits. Along with our fitness schedule (consisting of gym cardio exercises and intense aerobics), I have noticed a positive difference in my energy and attitude :D :D

My mum boiled me some healthy papaya soup with pork bone and yellow beans!

Snack time! By nomming on raw vegetables I get to keep all the vitamins and nutrients that might have been otherwise lost through cooking them. Here I'm about to chomp on some mushrooms, brocolli, carrots, and red peppers :D I like to dip my veggies in hummus (that dish in the middle) which is a blend of chickpeas and tahini (full of fiber!) and some black soybean milk!

Mummy made me a nice steak because I was low on protein! Mmmm!! ^__^

​~ #2 Linna

So I was joking around with my 大頭蝦姐姐 and she was helping me to be more 自然 , 鎮靜, and 優雅 when speaking in Chinese (as I am not very smooth when speaking... ha ha!)

Here's how I will be answering questions, whether it be on-the -spot questioning or on stage:

司儀: So, Linna, what are your talents?

Me:  我可以吃飯非常好 & 我也可以剝離胡蘿蔔 ! ^___^

司儀: Ahh... very good?? Emm.. I think I will go interview the next delegate now....

* * * * * 

Perhaps you have tips for me in improving my Cantonese? Feel free to tweet me on Twitter or message me on Facebook! ^_^

Have a good day!

​~ #2 Linna

Since I started training, I have had to make a few adjustments to my lifestyle... firstly I withdrew from all but one of my courses at school to accomodate our busy schedule which includes fitness, stage/dance training, modelling classes, fittings, production meetings, shootings, etc. It's very hectic but I love it! I love being busy and on-the-go all the time, and this is definitely the experience of a lifetime. Some things that I have had to sacrifice include:

-my beloved coffees

-not playing badminton (as I tend to fall a lot and get bruises and it is 不方便 for the hardworking make-up artists who have a tough time working on my face already, let alone my legs!)

-All You Can Eat with friends.... TT____TT

-sugary bubble-tea drinks

-雞蛋仔 and other snacks like 魷魚, 甜品

-no more late nights!

But I think it is worth foregoing my little addictions and bad habits like sleeping late, etc. The minor changes have all been good to me; I notice more energy and I have a more positive attitude! I'm sure, however, that some of the others are not getting as much sleep as me... because by now everyone should know...

DON'T FALL ASLEEP AROUND LINNA!!!! :D :D :D

Our cameraman, Kevin, must be very tired! 

Hehe, me and #10 Silvia keeping #1 迪迪 warm while she snoozes!

#4 Clarissa's eyelids get heavy and she falls victim to my sleep photobombing!! ^__^

Aiya, #9 Christina is exhausted after shooting!! >.<

#8 Kiko slowly nods off as I slowly inch up to take this picture! ^__^

And finally, the crème de la crème... a picture of Kelly 媽 passed out during shooting! Get some more sleep Kelly 媽 ! !

​~ #2 Linna

So the other day, I came home after training and announced to the household, "I'M HOOOOOME!!!"

... and my furry friends just stared at me. Not even a "WELCOME HOME MISTRESS!" or "YAAAY WE MISSED YOU!!!" TT____TT

This is Bunny, my tarantula. I've had her for about 2 years now

Sometimes I know that she is bored in her terrarium so I take her out with me to the park, or even on photoshoots! 

My other furry friend, MukMuk, was a birthday present to me from my sister!!

....he's very spoiled =.=

​~ #2 Linna

Hello everyone! If you wanted to know more about me, please feel free to "Like" me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linnahuynh2 "Follow" me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/linnahuynh  There is a "Message Linna" button on the Facebook page, and I will answer any questions on my blog/vlog! 不要害羞 ! ^__^

​~ #2 Linna

您好！這是連連！It has been so busy lately, I haven't had time to blog. We wrapped up shooting our promos a few days ago and I have finally caught up on some sleep! I would like to thank my "大頭蝦" (her nickname) 姐姐 for driving me at 6:30am many times~ Hehe!

 Go girls go!! (our new manicures, yay!)

 Once on location for a shoot, I have a big smile (because I had so much energy in the morning!) hehe!

One by one, as we go off to shoot in groups and individually, our chairs are abandoned.. 

...but, Ah Ta saves the day!! Thank you so much for being the best assistant ever Ta Ta ^__^!!

Daisy did such a great job on everyone's hairstyles in record time! Thank you, Superwoman!!

​~ #2 Linna

I recently went to get my hair revamped for a new look. I was sporting brown hair during this summer, and so I was excited to change my hair for the fall season! Daisy did a great job, thank you so much! What do you think?

Hello everyone! Welcome to my MCVP2012 Blog! I am #2, Linna Huynh 黄碧蓮 ! It's very nice to meet you! Here I will document my Miss Chinese Vancouver Pageant 2012 journey and experiences, as well as my daily life, complete with photos, videos, and written entries. Stay tuned for more exciting fun stuff about me! Let's start off with my audition day. Wow, so many beautiful girls in one room, I was so nervous, especially during my interview, but I gave my best effort in performing well, and I am very happy and honoured to have made Top 10! Here is a picture of me right before my audition! 

​~ #2 Linna