MERCY'S FABULOUS 40!

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Life begins at 40 as an old adage goes quoted by the late Walter Boughton Pitkin. There is so much truth in the saying as this is when we don't care much what other people think about us; we appreciate the meaning of life profoundly and even value the most simple things we once discarded in life. 

On the 04th of December this year, a pre-organised birthday social gathering was arranged for her 40th year of existence on Earth. It was zingy shared amongst her incessant sisters, recent friends and additional faces in the group. Apart from the glamorous company of her ladies, the presence of Mercy's amicable husband gave her confidence to jovially blow out the candle on the cake. 

(David and Mercy)

Mercy's life elatedly came into being when she met the inamorato of her heart who cheered her up and supported her endeavours in life. Ever since then, David's love for Mercy gave the way to turn most of her and their dreams into reality. Their life love story is like the euphoric version of Cinderella and her Prince Charming in a fairytale book!

All of her friends were invited but only 12 glamorous ladies confirmed the pre-organised dinner that was arranged by Krystal Ordillano. She used the online social media, Facebook, to create an ad hoc page intended for Mercy's Fabulous 40! Such power of combined new technology and the ubiquitous internet which brings more convenience into our daily activities. Additionally, it was an efficient and cost effective method of communicating to the invited friends and guests. 

(The organiser, Krystal Ordillano)

Bustled Piccadilly Circus teemed with frisky people and calmed Savini at Criterion lined-up with dining table sets... 

 

As I walked into the venue I saw the tapering structure of the enormous hanging chandeliers; they were overpowering the brass effect high ceiling. Besides, they were also enlightening the ambiance of Savini at Criterion. I walked further into the venue and went up a short plight of steps then I saw long paned Victorian windows that created a humble abode effect and a handsome nouveau stone fireplace shone out its polished beauty. Amusingly, it reminded me of Lady Catherine de Bourgh's fireplace at Rosings. It was of prodigious dimensions! On the other hand, I suddenly found myself thinking of the warm feeling I have being at home. 

Our formally laid table was set and arrayed with cutlery & plates; drinking & wine glasses; types of bottled water & sauces and clear vases with coffee seeds & candles. The prearranged chairs were half full but with the presence of the birthday celebrant herself and her husband. I was new in the group which is why Mercy introduced me to her friends who arrived early. We exchanged names with a bit of chit chat while waiting for the rest to arrive. Gradually, they appeared one by one until all of the empty chairs were occupied by the glamorous ladies who came from different parts of England. Most of them have known each other for years and their cordial personalities were warm when I was socialising with them. Particularly with Kristine, Daisy and David (Mercy's husband). 

Upon waiting for the rest to arrive, we were also munching the complimentary white/brown ciabatta rolls that we glazed in butter, dipped in olive oil and soaked in balsamic vinegar. It filled us all up while waiting for our starter to punch the clock of the birthday meal. They served us with one of Milan's most iconic and authentic dishes called Risotto alla Milanese. I have to say that the creamy compound ingredients penetrated well the cooked Italian rice grains and sustained their flavours, too. Apart from that, the Carnaroli/ Vialone nano grains were cooked in such a way that the crunchiness was retained. Especially the truffle's unique aroma and taste made the plates' presentation more appetising in our all our eyes. It was superb! 

(Courtesy of Google Images)

We had a short break and enjoyed our desired drinks but complimentary bottles of wine were just on the table. Chit chats continued and catching up progressed amongst us. I have to say, we were all buoyant and high-spirited because of selfies and group pictures. Why we would not be? Bright people always capture memorable moments for them to keep and share to their family and friends. Am I right glamorous ladies? 

The waiter showed up and we were asked who was having this and that for the main course. It was primarily a meat viand called Sirloin of Veal sliced which was medium grilled or done. It was dressed, seasoned and served on our plates sprucely. It pleased my taste buds with the way it was done. In particular, the sides of the meat were rich brown colour; top and bottom charred darkly and the middle was still firm to touch. 

Our plates were collected and we were now left with our drinks to clear out the passage of our throats. The organiser handed over to each and everyone of us a token of appreciation and for attending Mercy's birthday party. It was a goody bag containing personalised red wine bottle for Mercy's 40th birthday, luscious chocolates and a Yuletide card. Very thoughtful and sweet of Kristine to even surprise us despite being under pressured because of the untraceable ordered cake. I took my hat off to her for holding her composure during the unexpected circumstances. I was once an organiser of events in the past and unexpected issues will test your equanimity. It was a grace under pressure for Kristine which went very smoothly after the birthday cake was traced and found out. 

Most of us sat back and relaxed while some headed into the powder room. They were freshening up for more selfies and group pictures. Just a joke! Hmmmp, we were a bit loosen up and also very much ready to be filled up with the dessert and be fascinated by its appearance. It was an apple-pie order which invited most of us to take different image angles of Tiramisu. What a satisfyingly addictive and I wish the fork was made out of chocolate, too! 

The untraceable cake was handed over to the Savini employee and it came back on our table with a delightful lit candle. A melting moment colourful cake generously stuffed with small, pulpy and edible berries and moated with edible white/dark brown chocolate sticks. Apart from that, the desirable birthday greeting was made out of chocolate and edible, too. It was a chocolate syrup and sweet delight! 

We were all very full up and the gathering continued with the handing over of memento from the celebrant herself to all of us. She wrapped with love a Mediterranean spa scented candle made from nature's own wax; an overpowering dried flower calming scent bag and a miniature thoughtful remembrance card. 

The taking of selfies, group pictures and the used of Kristine's polaroid camera brighten once again the beauty of the glamorous ladies. We were all dressed up and bound to have more pictures to depict how cheerful we have been. Succinctly, we calmed down and all went back in our chairs where we enjoyed sipping our chosen hot drinks with complimentary biscuits from Savini at Criterion. 

Birthdays are one of the most special or if not, the memorable events in one's life!

MISS MANGO TREE CIRCUS

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

(Miss Amy Franke and photo courtesy of Mango Tree Facebook)

I ignored the beauty pageant last year but didn't expect this year's heaving of people...

I arrived 10 minutes before it started and the number of admirers, supporters and family members was undeniably unceasing. Like others, I also didn't have an advanced ticket as all tickets advertised on the web were completely sold out. In the past, I would just buy my ticket upfront with no problem whatsoever. However, last Sunday it was shockingly a different story line. 

I was very confident that they would still sell admission tickets at the doorstep as per my conversation over the phone with one of their employees. Yes, I gave them a call a few days before when I found out that there was no single available tickets online anymore and was even given a firm confirmation that I could just buy one upfront. To be more specific, I repeated my question slowly to the woman on the other line about paying my ticket forthright as well as highlighted the sold out tickets. 

I queued and waited for my turn outside like the rest of us who were looking forward to mingle in the vigorous crowd until I was stopped by an unfriendly employee who gave me some objectionable choices. The choices were either to go back home, which was a very arrogant respond, or just wait on the side of the building for 15 minutes or so. I was there to watch and not to argue, that is why I held my composure, stood in front of her and explained myself clearly as to why I still pursued coming to this pageant without an advanced ticket. Luckily, I was understood and my plight was handed over to Max, one of the organisers, who acquired a ticket for me so I could go into the venue with no more distasteful choices. I didn't make a fuss with the woman I first spoke to, for who knows what it is like being on the front line and under pressure? It may well make you arrogant or say things you don't mean.

Upon entering, I held my breath as I was flabbergasted at how crowded it was compared to the past; generally much squeezer and humid. However, the sexylicious candidates and the beautiful transwomen had their own scintillating heat, too.

I encountered and chatted to a few familiar faces whom I've known in the past and respected because of their personalities. Apart from them, I also met some 'hello friends' who looked voluptuous, erotic, elegant and royale in their bandage dresses. As a matter of fact, a few of them changed dresses twice to look more conspicuously radiant and to stand out more than the rest of us. I couldn't blame nor envy them especially as they possessed a body to die for. As an old adage goes, "if you have it, flaunt it"!

The stage was now set and ready for the candidates to commence the battle and overcome their fears. But before their performance, an intermission number was staged first by the energetic Roll & Dice. After that, the high spirited hostess introduced the 13 incognito and dogged candidates who appeared on stage one by one wearing their come-hither Alternative Circus Costumes. Yes, they showed more skin which made it sexually provocative in the eyes of their suave admirers. Apart from being libidinous in their outfits, it was also a way of showing to all of us that they possessed great discipline and perseverance in order to maintain their flat tummies as well as the curvaceousness of their body figures. Here are the photos for you to be gobsmacked.

 

The display of costumes finished with loud hitting applause and positive expressions from the spirited audience and then continued with an intermission number.

The festive candidates headed back to the dressing room for some retouching and the adding of illuminiser particles to lift and brighten their skin tones. The majority of candidates wore the natural complexion of their skin tones but some had highlight cosmetics on before they roared onto the stage in their ravishing swimsuits. The audience was full of expectation. I'm sure you would love to see them in their one-shaded bewitching swimsuits and that is why, here are their individual photos coutesy of Miss Geyzhyl Sparks' Facebook account for you to scrutinise and rank according to your tastebuds.

They wiggled their bodies in their individual swimsuits and then, were called all together to gather on stage. Once again, they gave their best postures while the paparazzi took pictures of them and also, waiting for the tally result to be handed over for this category. The anticipation was over when candidate number 13, Miss Geri Love from Republic of the Philippines, was awarded as MISS BODY BEAUTIFUL and candidate number 6, Miss Thailand (my apology for no name mentioned), as for BEST IN SWIMSUIT.

(MISS BODY BEAUTIFUL and photo courtesy of Miss Geyzhel Sparks' Facebook account)

(BEST IN SWIMSUIT and photo courtesy of Miss Geyzhel Sparks' Facebook account)

The announcement of special awardees was over and the Roll & Dice once again flipped and danced with an insurmountable energy on stage. While the candidates on the other hand were busy fitting-in their long, flowy and silhouette evening gowns in front of their mirrors. They were also occupied remembering the catwalk techniques given by their nonpartisan team/assistants. Their individual appearances were called and each candidate walked felicitously on stage but a few had trouble with their less cooperative gowns. I warmly admired all of them who wore finely detailed and beautifully sewn long evening gowns on stage.

 

 

The classiness of their exquisite gowns was evaluated by the members of the jury and was also most appreciated by their ardent supporters. They were called all together to show-up on stage once again by the jolly hostess Sandy Channer. A Brixton born star who become famous and known because of the channel 4's opinionated series programme, Googlebox. Sandy, enlivened the stage with her sense of humour and calmed down the jittery chosen 5 candidates during the Question & Answer portion. The members of the jury unanimously decided the deserving runners-up and this year's title holder and the result was handed over to Sandy. On the other hand, the preferential candidates held each other's hands hoping to bring home the coveted crown. Without further ado, here are this year's runners-up as well as the title holder.

4th Runner-up, #5 Miss Thailand (my apology for no name mentioned) 

3rd Runner-up, #13 Miss Geri Love from Republic of the Philippines 

2nd Runner-up, #6 Miss Thailand (my apology for no name mentioned) 

1st Runner-up, #2 Miss Alessandra Mae from Republic of the Philippines 

Miss Mango Tree Circus, #10 Miss Amy Franke from Thailand

Inevitably, a few supporters were shocked at the entire result but heartfelt acceptance was embraced as the night of fun progressed.

It is worth remembering that in any competition there is only one winner and the rest are clappers. These clappers will either join different competitions to hone their performance or rise like a phoenix for the next year's competition with the great desideratum of bringing home the crown.