This Keeper failed to wake up at two am to watch it live in Velvet. When I woke up, it was already four am and Miss Venezuela was crowned Miss Universe 2013 [Congratulations :)] 

Miss Philippines placed fourth or third runner up. And I am so happy because it is what I hoped. I wasn't vying for the crown but at least, we make it to the top five. Oh, she was also the fans' favorite. [haha, way to go Pinoys. We are the best when it comes to online voting.]

But what surprised me was the crowd. Like, whoah. Did you hear the uproar from the audience every time Miss Philippines is called? When Miss Philippines said her intro, I had goosebumps. Wide-eyed, I asked my mom if all the Filipinos in Moscow attended the pageant. But I wouldn't be surprised if they did. That is just how we Filipinos show our support. We stick together. 

I was genuinely touched when the hosts dedicated the pageant to my country and Vietnam. Thank you for remembering us and for the prayers. 

This past month has been a trying one for my brethren in the Visayas. Last month, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake tore up Bohol and Cebu and two days ago, super typhoon Yolanda happened. The death toll, sadly, didn't stop at three OTL Dead bodies in Tacloban [capital city of Leyte] reached 100 yesterday, then increased to 300-400 today. And they predict that it might reach 10,000. I hope they stop saying that for it might come true OTL Most of the province is still under water and it will take two months for the water to recede.

I am half-Bisaya, half-Tagalog. My dad is born in Negros Oriental and he is now in Mindanao, which was also affected by the typhoon. Two months ago, Zamboanga [city in Mindanao] was the setting of the armed conflict between the military and the Moro Liberation Front. The rogues used civilians as human shields. Properties and lives were lost. Then a month after, there was a landslide. 

The regions in Philippines are classified into three major divisions: Luzon [north], Visayas [middle] and Mindanao [south].

Keeper was spared from all that. I have a roof over my head, my family is safe and I eat three meals a day. For that I am thankful. And I pray the same would be for those who are starting all over again...soon.  

I hope this wasn't too depressing because that is just not how we roll xD

Thank you for the prayers.