Diversity Day @ the Utah State Capitol

Josie Valdez, a member of the Utah Democratic Party, planned a Diversity Day event at the Utah State Capitol. This is the second year that they have done this on the hill. She contacted Agnes in an effort to invite various cultural pageant titleholders to attend to showcase the diversity in Utah.

Agnes had told me that Josie requested if one of us could deliver the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of the ceremony. I was honored to do so...and the good thing was, I still remembered how to recite it from elementary!

This adorable little girl and her mom requested to take a photo with us.

We had a wonderful program of Venezuelan performers for the entertainment portion. They raised awareness about the political dangers that are taking place in their country.

Us with the lovely Josie Valdez. Thank you for inviting us to take part in this wonderful event!

I haven't been to the Utah State Capitol in forever! I distinctly remember these steps from field trips in elementary and high school dances.

Everyone who wanted to take a picture with us was so sweet. I wish more titleholders could make it, but I know that most of them had school or work. I see this event becoming more and more successful in the future!

The weather was just perfect for Brenda and I to take pictures outside of the Utah State Capitol. It was a little windy though. We managed to get a couple good shots :)

My godmother informed the morning after that we made the front cover of the Salt Lake Tribune's Saturday edition. How awesome! I would've never known.

Valentine's Fundraising Dinner and Dance for AMH Breakfast Feeding Program

My pageant director, Agnes Higley is the founder of the AMH Breakfast Feeding Program in the Philippines. Her organization raises money that makes it possible for underprivileged elementary students to get fed once a week. Her thought process behind this is, "How can children focus in school if they're concentrated on how hungry they are?"

She decided to host a Valentine's fundraising dinner and dance at the Red Lion Hotel. After I told her I would be attending, she invited me to be the co-emcee along with Duy Beck.

We also had a wonderful group of performers who donated their talent for the entertainment portion. My 1st runner-up, Nyomy Obcemea and her siblings performed a couple songs and blew everyone away with their talent. Agnes also got up on stage herself and performed a lovely dance with her "Timber Girls." Joseph Buenaflor stopped by and graced us with his voice. My little sister also came by after work to showcase her Vietnamese fan dance.

The turnout was great! We had people who drove all the way from Vernal and Roosevelt!

We also had a great selection of raffle prizes and silent auction items. I couldn't believe all of the items were donated. The support and donations are very heartwarming :)

I had fun working with Duy! We make a pretty awesome team :)

Angelica was in attendance! She put up some baskets up for auction and brought strawberries to sell to help her raised money for the journey to Miss Philippines Earth.

My boyfriend is such a trooper. He sacrificed our anticipated private Valentine's evening so I could help out a good cause.

 

My lovely pageant sisters helped out with the raffle.

Mad love for my Filipino family :)

We also crowned a Mr. and Mrs. Valentines along with the Most Romantic Couple. These pairs earned it! Congrats!

Thank you for having us, Agnes! And congratulations on such a successful event :)

Fun Photo Booth Pictures from "Live and Love with Faith" Gala