Katherine Hartvigsen - Miss Teen Philippines Australia Charity 2010

Hello everyone, my name is Katherine Hartvigsen; I am {cms_selflink page='mr-miss-teen-philippines-australia' text='Miss Teen Philippines Australia'} Charity 2010. I recently went on a trip with the FAFQ delegation to the Philippines in January this year. This trip to the Philippines was the best experience I’ve ever done in my life so far. I learnt so many new things, and met many lovely and kind Filipinos while I was there.

The first day we got to the Philippines our families, all stayed at the hotel, Mabuhay Manor. We stayed there for the entire time we were in Manila. It was a really nice place because it was near the Mall of Asia and very close to Baclaran.

The second day we were in the Philippines, the 18th of January, my family Krystal, her family and I all went for a tour at ABS-CBN, we got to see the studio rooms where they cast most of their shows. We also went to watch Showtime. It was a very exciting experience knowing that I watch the same show in Australia on ABS-CBN. Everyone was looking at us as we were wearing sash’s. They asked us to introduce the last act of the show. We also had many people asking us to get a picture with them. Going to Showtime would have to be one of the best days of my time in the Philippines

On the 19th of January, the delegation group and I went to a dinner in Manila that Mr and Mrs Monteclaro hosted that night, the house was so beautiful and big. The food was also amazing. It was a good chance to meet new people. The Monteclaro family were so welcoming it almost felt like we could call ourselves at home.

The next day we had to wake up extremely early to depart from Manila and arrive in Iloilo to start our official tour. When we got there we went to our accommodation rooms at Central Philippines University. It was very different to stay at a campus in a Philippine university although it was a wonderful experience. That day Krystal and I went to visit the head of Department of Tourism; he told us many things about touring around in Western Visayas. He gave us souvenirs and a map that shows the area of Western Visayas. After visiting the head of tourism we then made our trip to the governor of Iloilo. Meeting the governor of Iloilo was also a very interesting visit, at the end of meeting the governor, we went to go take a photo with him, there were many photographers taking photos of us. It felt amazing knowing that we were getting noticed already during our tour. After visiting these important people we finally had our free time. Most of us went to SM City in Iloilo and went shopping.

The next day was one of my most favourite days! The Kasadyahan Festival. We were put on a float that went around the city if Iloilo. We wore our Evening Gowns as we were one of the highlights of the Festival. There were so many happy faces and many cameras there taking photos of us on the float. It was a long hot day of being on a float. It was also very fun as we had wonderful dancers dancing in front of our float. There were many people out there to watch the festival. It felt good seeing happy faces watching the Kasadyahan Festival as it is a big event in Iloilo.

Day seven was the day we went to watch the Dinagyang Festival. The Dinagyang Festival is when a big group of local people all around Visayas get together and perform creative acts. Having the title of Miss Teen Philippines Australia Charity, we got to sit at VIP seats under the grand stand where the mayor and all the other important people were seated. The acts that were performed in front of were so amazing, creative and colourful. It was good to see that the performers had put so much effort into their dance as it ‘wowed’ the crowd. It was also a tiring day for the delegation and I. We were getting a lot of attention, we were also treated as a very popular person in the Philippines.

As it was the last day of the tour, we left Iloilo and went on a road trip to Panay, before hitting Panay we visited an elementary school. We had the warmest welcome from the students of the school. It was one of the best ways anyone has ever welcomed us throughout our tour. It was wonderful to see the happy faces of the students because we came to visit their lovely school. Before leaving the students all ran up to each of us and got our autographs and photos. I now then realized how hard it would be to be a real celebrity. After visiting the elementary school we went to the high school in Panay where Krystal chose to donate her books. It was also an amazing afternoon as we had a welcoming ceremony with the Mayor of Panay and the school. It was exactly like being a famous person. Students were following us around everywhere asking for our autographs and photos. After leaving the high school we then went to the big biggest bell in Asia which was located in Panay. We climbed the tower to see how big the bell was. While we were up there we could see the whole town of Panay. By the time we got down we already had students waiting for us to give our autograph. It was a very fun, hectic experience that I will never forget.

After the tour we all went different directions, Krystal’s family and my family all stayed a night in Panay. The next day we all went to Boracay for three days. Boracay was a beautiful place to take a vacation. After the holiday in Boracay we separated, my family went to Pampanga, my mother's hometown. While I was in Pampanga I had so much fun, I was so happy to see my family. I also donated useful items to help students learn at the elementary school where my mother attended when she was younger. I was honoured to be helping a school that needed the support to educate the students.

The tour that I attended in January 2011 will always be one of the most memorable experiences in my life. Knowing that I have helped people in need makes me feel like a better person. Meeting new people and making new friendships was also a highlight. As the winner of Miss Teen Philippines Australia Charity 2010 I am proud to say I definitely enjoyed my tour with the FAFQ delegation. The highlight of the tour was going to see Showtime and the Kasadyahan Festival. After the tour I realised how hard it actually is to be a celebrity but also in a fun way. I wish to do it again one day.

Hello everyone, my name is Katherine Hartvigsen; I am Miss Teen Philippines Australia Charity 2010. I recently went on a trip with the FAFQ delegation to the Philippines in January this year. This trip to the Philippines was the best experience I’ve ever done in my life so far. I learnt so many new things, and met many lovely and kind Filipinos while I was there.

The first day we got to the Philippines our families, all stayed at the hotel, Mabuhay Manor. We stayed there for the entire time we were in Manila. It was a really nice place because it was near the Mall of Asia and very close to Baclaran.

The second day we were in the Philippines, the 18^th of January, my family Krystal, her family and I all went for a tour at ABS-CBN, we got to see the studio rooms where they cast most of their shows. We also went to watch Showtime. It was a very exciting experience knowing that I watch the same show in Australia on ABS-CBN. Everyone was looking at us as we were wearing sash’s. They asked us to introduce the last act of the show. We also had many people asking us to get a picture with them. Going to Showtime would have to be one of the best days of my time in the Philippines

On the 19^th of January, the delegation group and I went to a dinner in Manila that Mr and Mrs Monteclaro hosted that night, the house was so beautiful and big. The food was also amazing. It was a good chance to meet new people. The Monteclaro family were so welcoming it almost felt like we could call ourselves at home.

The next day we had to wake up extremely early to depart from Manila and arrive in Iloilo to start our official tour. When we got there we went to our accommodation rooms at Central Philippines University. It was very different to stay at a campus in a Philippine university although it was a wonderful experience. That day Krystal and I went to visit the head of department of tourism; he told us many things about touring around in Western Visayas. He gave us souvenirs and a map that shows the area of Western Visayas. After visiting the head of tourism we then made our trip to the governor of Iloilo. Meeting the governor of Iloilo was also a very interesting visit, at the end of meeting the governor, we went to go take a photo with him, there were many photographers taking photos of us. It felt amazing knowing that we were getting noticed already during our tour. After visiting these important people we finally had our free time. Most of us went to SM City in Iloilo and went shopping.

The next morning we all had to wake up early again, as we had to attend the opening parade of International Day. After marching a lap around the Central Philippine University we went inside the university theatre and watched a number of international dances from the cultures of many different students attending that university. After watching great performance of dances, we then went on our way to make our last trip to see the mayor of Iloilo; he was definitely a friendly man. He also gave us a souvenir to take back to Australia. After a busy morning of visiting and attending important shows. We finally had some free time, during our free time we all went shopping some more and also had lunch. After that we had to go back to our rooms to get ready for The International Awarding Ceremony Night. This was where our money was given to privileged students by awarding them with scholarships. It felt amazing knowing that I have helped students who are in need to maintain a good career in their future. Krystal and I went onto stage and awarded the very lucky students with their scholarships. After the awarding ceremony we then went on our way to the International Dinner. The function room was very fancy. Krystal and I sat at the dinner table that was specialised for the special guest only. It was one of the fanciest dinners I’ve ever attended.

The next day was one of my most favourite days! The Kasadyahan Festival. We were put on a float that went around the city if Iloilo. We wore our Evening Gowns as we were one of the highlights of the Festival. There were so many happy faces and many cameras there taking photos of us on the float. It was a long hot day of being on a float. It was also very fun as we had wonderful dancers dancing in front of our float. There were many people out there to watch the festival. It felt good seeing happy faces watching the Kasadyahan Festival as it is a big event in Iloilo.

Day seven was the day we went to watch the Dinagyang Festival. The Dinagyang Festival is when a big group of local people all around Visayas get together and perform creative acts. Having the title of Miss Teen Philippines Australia Charity, we got to sit at VIP seats under the grand stand where the mayor and all the other important people were seated. The acts that were performed in front of were so amazing, creative and colourful. It was good to see that the performers had put so much effort into their dance as it ‘wowed’ the crowd. It was also a tiring day for the delegation and I. We were getting a lot of attention, we were also treated as a very popular person in the Philippines.