#stystema

On our third week the turn of events has been a roller coaster of surprises.  I'll begin with three. 

One, it begins with Judy leaving the competition because she had to choose her work as top priority. I felt quite disappointed about this because I liked Judy and I wanted to get to know her more. What she represents could have been a really strong story to tell in the competition. However, I am happy the Meg team was playing it fair because I too had to choose. Our third taping day was also in conflict with my work- I was supposed to shoot a commercial. In my head was a new TVC + sure money versus the chance to be the Meg Ambassador. I obviously chose the latter. I'm all in for I am MEG! 

Two, Camille sets out an explosive news that she too has to leave the competition because she has to fly out of the country due to family-related reasons. Kaya pala she brought her polaroid and took photos with each girl. I was heart broken when she had to say goodbye. I'll definitely miss her. :|

Three, as two girls leave, one girl gets a come back! The amazingly pretty Ruth is back! I feel the universe conspires her to still be in the running. Ruth began as a wild card and now she gets a second chance. Oh she's so lucky and I am so happy she's back! Pero mejo nakaka-threaten rin kasi she's really model material. She's a doll. :)

Anyway, moving on from the first three pasabog! Our MEG story assignment for the week was to do an OOTD shoot with clothes to be picked up from a box of ukay-ukay! I was teamed with Jaz (my co-stylist), Ruth&Aen (our models) and Kate&Trisha (our photographers). 

Our team picked a royal grunge theme for our shoot. We opted for velvety clothes and chain accessories. We chose the stock room of the MEG HQ as our location as we saw the wire walls and pile of magazine would be a great background. 

We didn't win the mini-challenge, thus the other team gets to be the project manager. Yup! This week, we work in pairs! 

This week's MEG Project is an ad campaign for Systema Tooth and Gum Care! Each team picks a character role for the photo shoot- Yani and I got  the Olympian Athlete concept.

Our campaign had to showcase to girls who are actually reflections of themselves. One is the aspiring and the other is the aspired. 

We thought of a comic relief for our shoot. Yani, the aspiring one, would have some chocolate on her teeth to represent bad teeth. We want the story to convey the message: no matter how bad your situation is, or no matter how far you think you are from your dreams, with the right attitude, hard work and the proper tools you will achieve your dreams. You just have to keep trying and never give up. :)

Do we look like champions na? (Please do not judge me. Okay, you just did.) At this point, alam ko nang may mali. I don't know what exactly, but something is wrong. 

Then off we go to the set! OMG! Surprise surprise! We didn't know there was a set! We didn't know we had to pose in a bathroom set up, 'til we were called to be next! Oh well, we just had to bring in the fun and the energy. Our goal was to enjoy the shoot and hopefully the camera captures the energy. :)

After the shoot we did a consultation with our guest photographer, the talented Bjorn! We had check out our photos and pick our best shot plus write our own tag-line. We came up with...

"A champion's winning smile is the Systema smile."

Or something that sounds like that. 

Judging and deliberations time! This weeks guest judges are Mr. Sean Armenta and Mr. Norman Mier. A US-based Filipino photographer and Systema Tooth and Gum Care brand manager, respectively. 

The I am Meg Ladies try to be goofy to shake off our nervousness!

One more time! Wacky!

Time to present and defend our work! 

 The jugdes' comments on our work: NOT GOOD. Our chocolate concept was a failure because it was deemed to be distracting. Also, and more importantly, our styling was a disaster. There was too much color going on!

Our failure with styling dragged Yani and I down to the bottom two teams! 

And finally, down to the bottom team for the week: Jaz and Yuki! Then, BOOOOOOM! Major explosive news comes out after Jaz and Yuki were telling us why they had to stay in the competition. Tammy offers to save the two by doing a voluntary exit! :( She's one of the youngest in the competition, and being in her senior HS year, she cannot afford to lose focus. Also, since our taping days are in conflict with some of her college entrance exam schedules, she had to weigh her options. She chose her education. 

Oh gosh! This was such an emotional episode. We will miss you Tammy. Best of luck on your exams! *hug*

Let's take a breather now, shall we? 

Can't wait to know more drama? Catch more of the I am MEG ladies on ETC every Saturday 7PM with replays on Sunday 10am :)

Shine,