The compet.i.tion was transferred to a better hall but still within the hotel's premises. It was located in an exclusive villa with a mezzanine floor so the audience could see the finalists cooking down below.

There were three kitchen workstations sponsored by a famous food company. Everything was so s.h.i.+ny announcing that it's totally brand new.

There were media men and some video specialists with their equipment being set up in almost every part of the villa. This Regional Culinary Compet.i.tion finals would be broadcast live online and by the television stations later.

The whole place was fully packed. Most of all, the audience was on the mezzanine floor. Parents of the finalists were invited and some were present, some were not. Beauty's parents were absolutely there. Her brother couldn't make it due to his job.

"We welcome you all, most of all, the parents of our finalists for being here to see and celebrate your children's achievements in this glorious event of our Regional Culinary Compet.i.tion."

"Today we're going to have a special guest judge. She is still young at the age of 20, oh sorry, just turned 21 last month. She had been a strong contender for the Junior Master Chef for four years. She studied in France as a scholar of a famous culinary school. She is also one of the representatives of the Philippine Culinary Team for the upcoming international culinary compet.i.tion. Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome Sheila Hernandez. Let's give her a round of applause."

"Without further ado, the third finalist is…Nota Baile. Come here with us Nota. Rene lost just two votes shy, so no need to feel down. It was really an intense fight."

Nota joyously stood beside the other two finalists. She couldn't believe to be among them.

For Rene, he didn't feel losing was the end. Last night, he decided that his mind would focus for the nationals whether he'll be in the regional finals or not.

"Okay, we don't want to delay more, all three finalists, please go to your workstations. You have 2 hours to prepare us your best of the best dishes. Describe to us your family through your three-course meal. Ready, set, timer starts now."

Every workstation was very busy. Nota prepared spring rolls and a steak. Luisa was into her sweets again but showed some spirit on working on a chicken. Beauty was cooking a red sauce and trying to fit a ruler length of pork ribs in the pressure cooker.

"Waah, Luisa poured syrup to her chicken. I'm curious about the taste."

"I think Nota forgot her grilled steak. It's been there for quite some time now without being flipped."

"Do you think Beauty will win today? She's been a strong compet.i.tor from the start."

"Probably, she's really good with food presentation of which I lack."

"GO, BEAUTY, GO! GO, LUISA, GO" Jimmy, Rene, and Justin cheered from the second floor.

"Boys, don't disrupt the contestants." Liza reminded them. They just laughed and softly cheered.

The judges leisurely sat and chatted at a lounge provided for them.

"I never expected Beauty is Clarence's girlfriend. I thought the two of you were a couple. That was the noise within the circle. He was so sticky to you during the junior master chef events as well," said John the judge.

"Well, we're just not meant to be," said Sheila. Yet, deep inside she was choked with her words.

"How was France?"

"Fine, nice there and learned a lot. The teaching staff was very strict."

"Who do you think will win today?"

"John, don't gamble," said Liza. She knew he would ask them to bet after. That's his usual style when there's a compet.i.tion.

"Haha, never mind. By the way, where's Clarence?"

"He's here but in disguise. He asked to be revealed when the winner is to be announced," replied Liza.

Time was ticking and the whole villa was smothered by the delicious aroma of the dishes. People's stomachs were grumbling but thanks to the snacks served they were somewhat relieved.

"The countdown starts now. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and a half, 1/4. Times up."

"Let's start with Nota."

"Let's start with the appetizer." A platter of spring rolls with sweet and sour sauce.

"My father loves spring rolls more than anything. Whenever we go out to eat, spring rolls won't be missing. This spring roll is for my Papa."

A partly burnt dry steak was served with a bowl of gravy. The judges' faces were indescribable this time.

"Sorry, I partly forgot it while busy with the spring rolls. This one is dedicated to my big brother. He newly died two months ago. This is his favorite and he was also my best friend." A teardrop fell from her eyes. She silently wiped it with his arms. "Sorry, didn't mean to cry."

"It's okay. We don't mind," said John. They decided not to mention the charred steak.

"This is my family's favorite dessert, mango float. Our family loves to gather every Sunday and this one is always our dessert."

"Thanks, Nota. Next will be Luisa."

"This platter of Deviled Eggs reminds me of my childhood with my parents. Easter was always special to us and instead of having boiled eggs for egg hunt, we made this instead and enjoyed the fun and games."

"This is Pineapple Glazed Chicken. This chicken reminded me when my Dad started a small poultry business in the backyard when I was young. We harvested a lot but only sold a few. So my Mom decided to save the chickens for our daily food."

"I really love sweets. I think I have a sweet tooth. Anyway, this place reminded me of our trip to Baguio City with my family. There, we fell in love with strawberries. This is what I made for my family that Sunday morning. I call it Cool Strawberry." Her smiles were also sweet as she talked.

"The last but not the least, Beauty."