Timaru's Miss Universe New Zealand prepares for the grand finale
SUPPLIED/ALAN RAGA
Miss Universe New Zealand candidates Erinmarie Phillips, left, Simrat Gill, Milena Taryan, Jasjot Kaur and Elizabeth Lorimer try banana boating at Plantation Bay Resort Cebu in the Philippines.
Timaru's Miss Universe New Zealand candidate arrived home to a frosty reception late on Monday night.
After travelling in the Philippines with 19 other candidates since July 23, it was a temperature shock for Erinmarie Phillips, 20, when she arrived home.
Over nine days, Phillips and the other candidates met sponsors, attended dinners while staying in Cebu and then Manila.
They flew out of Auckland on July 22 and arrived in Cebu, where they stayed at the Plantation Resort for five days.
In a break from their schedule, she parasailed with another friend about 350 feet above the Philippines, marvelling at its beauty.
"It's something I've always wanted to do," Phillips said.
The food was amazing and the pool was just outside the doorstep, she said.
When they flew to Manila on July 28, Phillips and the other candidates had a swimwear suit photo shoot.
Everyone was "so supportive ... the Filipinos love Miss Universe", she said.
Phillips was one of the 250 women who applied to be Miss Universe New Zealand earlier in the year, who were narrowed down to the top 50.
The remaining contestants entered the Auckland-based Stiletto Camp in late May, which included attending workshops and photo shoots, before the final 20 candidates were announced.
"I 110 per cent thought it was a joke," she said.
Phillips had been working when the announcement was made and did not realise until the end of her shift she was in the top 20.
When she is not preparing for Miss Universe, she works as a teacher aide, a volunteer lifeguard and first responder for St John Ambulance.
It was her nana who inspired her to take the chance and enter the competition.
"I never thought I'd make the top 50," Phillips said.
"It's such a blessing."
She did not feel scared about the televised final to be held on September 3 at Sky City, Auckland.
"Honestly I'm just going to be myself ... I'm very excited," Phillips said.
She encouraged women to give it a go: "It's something I'll never forget," she said.
Public voting was an important part of the competition and she hoped people would support her by paying to vote either online or at jars stationed at businesses around Timaru.
She will host a quiz night fundraiser at The Anchor and Sail next Tuesday at 6pm.
Half the money raised would go towards Phillip's chosen charity, Variety New Zealand.
- Stuff
http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/82739706/Timarus-Miss-Universe-New-Zealand-prepares-for-the-grand-finale
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário