National Anthem for MuayThai fight @ Pechanga

This weekend, I was booked to sing the National Anthem for the MuayThai fight at Pechanga. I was really looking forward to this, because I've never seen a real live fight and this was the first time I would be singing "in a ring." The organizers, Dennis Warner and Victor Asai are such kind people - they're always going out of their way to promote me & making me the princess of their shows. We love those two :)


Since they comp'd me a suite at the Pechanga that night, I invited my crew.....my videographer/asst John, along with my best friend Mattaniah. Originally, I was going to get fully ready at home before we drove out, but at the last minute.....my back gave out!! I could not believe it.....it was the worst timing in the world - right before a performance. I'm kicking myself because I knew it was a result of surfing earlier in the week. I was literally in tears because it got to the point where I couldn't even lay on my back, nor sit back on a seat. Both hurt equally bad! But this is when I said to myself...."ok, Gina get it together, you're a professional, you just gotta deal with it!" and so I did.


I didn't realize how far Temecula was.....but after we finally got there, I got ready in the hotel room and met up my mom and her friends, who drove out seperately. They're so cute....they always have their "girls night out" outings, and they decided to make this night out of coming to the fight, watch me perform, dinner, gamble, etc. They always have a fun time.


I was surprised at the amount of people & the fact that martial arts fans are louder than ones at Laker Games. People just go nuts! When the fighters are bleeding and all, I can't stand to watch it - this sympathetic thing comes over me and I feel sad for them.


I performed after the 5th round, and I thought I did "OKAY", considering my aching back situation.Besides, I had no choice but to come correct & hold my posture since my dress was one of those "curvy numbers" - if you will. Victor (the organizer) is such a father figure.....he does not mess around!! As soon as he saw the intensity of the guys swarming, acting all stupid in front of me, he assigned security on me at all times....LOL! I kinda didn't feel it was necessary, because most of the time, (at least I KNOW) all these guys want to do is talk to you, take a picture with you, etc. For most of these teenage boys, it's almost like an infatuation thing......which I think is innocent & sweet :)


We had a great dinner afterwards, but unfortunately didn't have enough energy for gambling. We were sooooo tired. I would've gotten to sleep earlier and faster, if John & Mattaniah would've quit trying to tell ghost stories to eachother, staying up until 5am!!


Well anyways, thanks for reading and I will post the video as soon as I get it. Have a fantastic week everyone!



xoxo,
gina




my videographer John, me, and my best friend Mattaniah




the crowd on one side




sexy ring girls




my mom (very right) and her friends




handling my business





closer up




right before this guy's face got bleedy




doing autographs.