I still have a hangover from last night’s pageant. For me, it’s a complete turn from what I used to do for such a long time. I’m invited to be one of the panel of judges in a Beauty Pageant held at SMX Convention Center. Beauty Pageant? Of course I’m not new to this kind of events. As a Professional Makeup Artist, I’m part of the people working behind the scene witnessing some sort of a riot happen – Ornate costumes, elaborate props, gigantic headpieces all over place, candidates running back and fort, stylists busy prepping wardrobes, rushing hairstylists and makeup artists with matching crowd noise and sounding blow dryer as a background. But last night was totally different. I get to have the best seat and view of the event as I was privileged to be at the VIP front row sitting next to well-known personalities in the industry. From my vantage point, candidates are making a slow catwalk flaunting their outfits each step, audience prudently observing their representatives, photographers and videographers pre-occupied with event documentation, and us judges carefully deciphering a sound score, which we will give to every candidate. So basically there is a massive form calmness surfacing the area just at the other side of a chaotic backstage.

Generally, it was overwhelming for me to be able to experience both sides now and I felt so privileged that this time, instead of making things matter on others opinion, I was given the chance to decide on things that matters in my own perception.