Diary of a champion

August 3, Manila

Today is a day of many firsts. This is my first trip out of the country! USA baby! I’m joining the World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood.

I really feel scared and excited. I know that this contest will change my life forever. I skipped class today (which is another first for me actually) to pack but I still have to take a special long test in Trigonometry.

After my classmates and friends said their goodbyes, I went straight to the airport where the GMA 7 crew was waiting for me. On my first trip abroad, I will be away from Dad for the first time. Mom is traveling with me. But before leaving, he pulled me aside and said, "Baby, when you are in doubt during the contest, seek help from God. Close your eyes and you’ll know He’s with you."

August 3, California

These datelines confuse me! So I now have two "August 3" entries in my diary! It’s now 8 p.m. and we’re here in California. The airport computers bogged down. There was a flood outside the airport. The shuttle van arrived late. Traffic was horrible and our driver couldn’t find his way to our hotel.

August 4

Me, my mom and Ate Weng of Backroom wanted to buy snacks and cereals so we went to Target which is just behind our hotel (Marriot). We walked to Wendy’s to get lunch.

At 5 p.m., we were instructed that we had to transfer to the Beverly Garland Hotel because that’s where the first and second rounds of competition were to be held.

We arrived in Beverly Garland where we had a presscon at nearby Rose of LA Restaurant. We were interviewed and asked to perform. A lot of press people wanted to talk to me. They even knew my manager Tito Boy Abunda!

August 5

Registration day. It was exhausting and quite boring because of all the waiting. Good thing Ate Weng offered us a turkey sandwich which was very delish. I was introduced to the Philippine team. I learned that they too were excited about the contest.

After the registration, we went back to our hotel to meet my uncle who’s based in Texas. Uncle Jimmy is one of my most fave uncles and he arrived at 10 p.m. We dragged him to a Japanese restaurant a few blocks away. We had to burn calories by walking back to the hotel.

August 6

At 6 p.m., it was time for the opening ceremony at the Hollywood Palladium. I wore my Filipiniana dress which I paraded around on stage (Even mom, Uncle Jimmy and Ate Weng were in Filipiniana). Bob Eubanks, the evening’s host, said the Hollywood Palladium was a special place because some of the biggest stars have staged concerts there.

Jed Madela performed during the opening. He was last year’s big winner in the senior division and I wanted to scream, "Pinoy `yan!" His performance really inspired me.

August 7

Today is the first round of competition. I gave my best and a lot of people complimented my performance.

August 8

Rest day! Last night, after the first round, we had dinner in a Hawaiian restaurant. So today, we decided to go back there since it’s my absolute fave! I ordered a grilled chicken burger which was huge. It was like 10 times bigger than the sandwiches back home.

After that lunch, we decided to go malling (hey, we’re still tourists! He, he, he) so we went to Glendale. I shopped pasalubong and stuff for myself.

August 9

It’s the second round of competition held at Beverly Garland. As early as 6 a.m., I learned that I made it to the second round. This level determines the positioning to the third round for each age division in the world championships. Judges will choose contestants from this round to qualify for the semi-finals or the third round. Pressure, pressure!

August 10

I made it to the semi-finals! I had to sing again in front of the judges for the third round. After a short time, I got the verdict! I was included in the finals! I can’t believe it! I’m now in the World Stars competition! Mr. Patrick, the director of the show, approached me to say how good I was. But I felt better when I called my Dad, Tito Bong Quintana and Tito Boy!

August 11

Rehearsals were extremely tiring as it was the whole day. But what pumped me up for the remainder of the day was the "go-see" in Hilton Hotel. I received invites from Head Star Recording Co., Gemstone Talent Management, Pearl Recording and Push Play, Inc.

The awarding ceremony which was also scheduled today made me nervous. When it came to our category, I held my breath. Before announcing any winner, I prayed to God. As I opened my eyes, I heard my name... once, then twice... eight times in all! The Philippine team cheered for me! Ate Weng and mom were screaming! Tito Jimmy was ecstatic! I got eight awards they are:

Gold medal award for solo vocal for Pop ages 13 to 15

Gold medal award for solo vocal for Gospel ages 13 to 15

Gold medal award for solo vocal for Broadway ages 13 to 15

Gold medal award for solo vocal Original ages 13 to 15

Gold medal award for Industry Award for Music, Overall Junior Division Solo Vocal

Plaque for Champion of the World, Overall Junior Division for vocal pop

Plaque for Champion of the World, Overall Junior Division for Vocal Broadway

Plaque for Champion of the World, Overall Junior Division for Vocal Gospel

August 12

It’s the Grand finals! Great, great, great! That’s all that I can say. I sang With One Look and modesty aside, I owned the stage! Even just for a little while.

August 13

Universal Studios! I’m finally here! I enjoyed every moment of it. The rides were amazing! I really had fun with my mom, Ate Weng and Tito Jimmy. I just wished my dad were here with us.

August 14

With joy and sadness, I left L.A. Sadness because I’m leaving my newfound friends behind but joy because I know I’ll be with my dad and my other friends and relatives soon. It was a long flight. But I’m very excited to be back because I know as the journey of the World Championship of Performing Arts has ended, I am about to start a new one.