I can almost hear Belle's voice saying "be yourself... show elegance at its finest.... you are beautiful, no necessary efforts be done, just be yourself..."
I held my father's arm like a princess to his king. I stood beside him knowing that I have him by my side for support so I have nothing to worry. I stepped in the venue and tried to project an oozing confidence the best that I can do but deep inside, my heart could hardly contain the nervousness I felt. This is my first international event and I don't know what usually happens especially in this venue where every corner is flooded with international business tycoons. Initially, after the customary registration, they just roam around to meet and greet. I never thought my father is this big in the international arena. He introduced me to people, names that were familiar in the Forbes magazine. Then I saw coming to our direction is the most beautiful woman I ever saw in my entire life. I didn't notice I was gripping my father's arm tightly and I realized he understood my thoughts. My world go swirling for a split of a second when she stopped and said "hi" to my father. Papa introduced me as his daughter and she held my hand as she said "Jessica Alba". I think my heartbeat stopped for a few seconds when her cheek touched mine. What can I say?!!! The first words that came out was "oh hi... you are terrific in your movies... ahm... you look more beautiful in person." I thought it was idiot of me to say so but it was really what I felt at that very moment. Jessica smiled sweetly and she said she was glad to know it from me and that she was happy seeing a beautiful young lady in this kind of gathering. She said she liked me and I am flattered. She bid her goodbye as people come and go to greet each other. In this gathering, Jessica is not an actress but a businesswoman. Seeing her in this event made my admiration for her grew bigger.
After a few minutes, we bumped to each other again and this time, I was no longer nervous and had the chance to have a little chitchat with Ms. Alba. From then,we never parted. We had a good exchange of personal and professional ideas and she asked me to sit beside her for the rest of the day activity. The conference was not that heavy as we listen to different speakers as they deliver their topics. We also agreed to meet later for the gala night.
With Jennifer Alba on my side, I became instant celebrity.