Gone are the periods when pageantry blogging and coverage is strictly seasonal. Time was when the two quarters of an incoming year are dedicated to just Bb. Pilipinas and Miss Philippines Earth, with the month of June considered to be a rest period of sorts. Now, the 3rd quarter is already earmarked for Mutya ng Pilipinas and Miss World Philippines, with short intermittent breaks in between. And by the time the last quarter chimes in, focus is directed on the international missions of our crowned national titleholders, be it here or abroad.

Now, practically every other week of the twelve months of the year is already penciled for either new pageants, rising competitions and the numerous festivals around the country which have already leveled up in terms of production and finals staging.

In 2017, normannorman.com started with the 65th Miss Universe in Manila back in January and ended with the Christmas Tour of the Miss Universe 2017 winner and national winners earlier this month. February, March and April were Bb. Pilipinas 2017 and Mister Philippines coverages, with Miss Philippines Earth 2017 activities overlapping in the tail-end leading to the mid-year Finals together with Mr & Miss Hannah’s EcoTourism Philippines. The ever-consistent Mutya ng Pilipinas 2017 immediately followed suit, with the launch of new management over at Miss World Philippines Organization starting a fresh new reboot for the once-single-titled competition into one that now offers multiple crowns at stake.

The active entry of Miss Scuba Philippines, Mr & Miss BPO & Mrs. Tourism and continuation of Miss Global Philippines and Jewel of the Philippines cornered part of our attention, while male contests tripled in number with Misters of Filipinas, Gentlemen of the Philippines and Man of the Globe earning their stripes for either the nth, 2nd or inaugural editions. Of course, we cannot forget the hosting of Miss Asia Pacific International 2017 and Miss Earth 2017 which created controversy with yet another hometown decision during the Coronation Night.

All in all, this has been a busy year. And thanks to the additional trust given to your blogger by regional pageants from Laoag and Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte to Vigan in Ilocos Sur, from Tarlac to Laguna to Quezon Province and Puerto Galera, from Tacloban City to Burauen, Leyte, from Cebu to Toledo and from Cotabato City to Cagayan de Oro.

Lastly, being awarded as one of the Philippine Empowered Men and Women of 2017 is a big icing on the cake, along with the trust given by ABS-CBN, CNN Philippines, GMA-7 and Rappler for appearances, contributions and interviews that extended my reach within and beyond our shores.

As I have always said in jest to people who ask how I fit in everything in my already hectic schedule of commitments, there should be a cloning device that would allow yours truly to be present in two simultaneous events happening in two separate venues. But I am enjoying the ride regardless.

Thank you for staying with me, dear readers. I may not be the perfect pageant blogger, but I always try and will always keep you on the loop in anything and everything significant in this industry we so love to follow despite the flaws and shortcomings that never cease to induce both critical and bashing sides of everyone’s online alter egos.

Happy New Year to all!