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Being awarded the title of Miss Teen Philippines-Australia 2008 was one of the most sensational experiences of my whole life - one that I will remember forever.

The moment my name was called, I simply couldn't believe it! I can remember standing on that stage in a dream-like state, before snapping back to reality.

Subsequently, came the trip to the Philippines, where we were toured around, presented to mayors, and took our place on a float in the Dinagyan Festival. However, away from all the glitz and glamour of the week spent with the delegation in Manilla and Iloilo, I was confronted with the truth about the real purpose of this pageant - to help out others.

I spent the next three weeks in my mother’s hometown in Davao. I stayed with my auntie in Digos, and every day I was faced with the sight of impoverished children and families around the streets. Upon seeing them, all I wanted to do was cry. What was worse was seeing my own family in this dire state. Then I realised, those beggars on the streets- someone must be their family, too, hurting in the knowledge that their family was starving back home. What I'm trying to say is that not everyone in poverty has a family overseas to provide for them, and improve their quality of life. And that's where we come in.

While I was in the Philippines, I did what I could to help out those in need, even if all I could do was pay for some bread at the bakery for kids to have something to eat.

So this is how I spent the remainder of my time in the Philippines:

I was invited to the Digos City Council, as a formality and everyone was incredibly hospitable and kind. In fact this was one of the first things I noticed about all Filipinos. I had a radio interview, welcoming me to the city, which was really not needed, but it was a really nice gesture to receive.

I was invited to Digos City National High School, as their guest of honour. National High, was actually where three of my cousins graduated, and my Auntie and Uncle were teachers at. Another one of my cousins introduced me to the crowd, and I have to say, I was overwhelmingly nervous when I stood up to give a speech, as National High has 10,000 students. They gave me such a warm welcome, and I was so impressed by the amount of pride with which they sang the national anthem.

I soon forgot to be nervous at all. I ended up doing an impromptu song performance, at request of the students, which was all incredibly fun! I donated some money to their school, then visited some of the classrooms for question and answer sessions. The students were exceedingly intelligent and asked great questions.

I donated money towards the building of a floor for the local chapel, so they would be able to prey on something more pleasant than dirt. When I paid a visit to Santa Cruz, I left the house to find the mayor waiting for me in the front yard. I felt honoured that he had come to pick me up himself; he had even brought bodyguards to keep us all safe!

There I met with the officials and some returning army troops. I then met with the principal of Santa Cruz National High School, which was my mother's high school. My mum had told me so many stories about her time there - it was wonderful to finally meet the people she had spoken about, and visit the place she grew up in.

There was so many things that I ended up doing, but in the end, the busy schedule took it's toll on me, and I ended up having to make a brief detour to the hospital!

Everything that happened has made an impact on my life, a heart-shaped imprint in my soul. But most importantly, it has helped me realise how severe and real the situations of people in poverty are. This enlightening experience is one I wish could be shared by all people.

I wish we could all walk a day in their shoes, because I'm sure these people would be receive considerably more help than they are currently.

To the next winners, I hope your mind wanders away from the big shiny crown, and the pretty dresses, and I hope it finds it's home in the hearts of those in need. Because that is what this is all about.

Thank you FAFQ and everyone involved, because if it wasn't for you, right now I would be more worried about what I was going to wear tomorrow, than what my Filipino brothers and sisters are eating for dinner tonight.