And the VixStar goes to…

By Gemma Jacob

When I journeyed down to South London, I had anticipated it would be to celebrate one of my closest friend’s birthdays, and not for what turned out to be an awards ceremony. I should perhaps explain something about my friends. They are the best sort of crazy, and when they choose to do something, they do not know how to do so in half-measures. So when one of my very best, Victoria Shepherd, decided to have a Hollywood themed birthday, you had better believe that it included photographers, a red carpet, and an Oscar-type award show. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first ever VixStar Awards.

The unknowing nominees of all ages had gathered from across London, and there was even an international nominee in attendance. After some welcome drinks and canapés and a few shots along the red carpet the host and birthday celebrant drew our attention to the screen at the front of the room for the Awards presentation. None of us had expected this. We were there to celebrate our host, but in her own inimitable style, she decided that the best way to celebrate her was to shine the spotlight on the people in her lives, us.

The categories varied from Best Choreography to Best Newcomer to Best Gangster; and of course – Best Writer/Website. The nominees were read, Leyla Tatiana Rosario for The Jump Project, Gemma Jacob for Anyone But Me Fans, Jason Laroza for Jason Laroza dot com, and Lanilen Dacunos Capiña for LDNmeetsMNL. There was a momentary pause, “The VixStar for Best Writer/Website goes to Gemma Jacob for Anyone But Me Fans!”

I would like to say that the award came as a surprise, and I by no means expected it, but in reality I really should not have expected anything less from my friends. I went to the front of the room to collect my award and surprisingly for “The Writer,” I didn’t have anything to say except to of course tell people, “Go to www.AnyoneButMeSeries.com and watch and support the show!” Much to the pleasure of one of my fellow nominees who yelled back, “Just like a true writer!” And then our lovely host told me I wasn’t there to plug the show, but you have to take every opportunity you get.

If I had time to have prepared an acceptance speech, I’d like to think that this is how it would have went:

“Firstly, to my friends and family who have always shown me support. I could not do any of this without you. I am truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. The Crazies, you know who you are – many of you are here. You are my insanity and I love you for every craziness you have brought into my life. Special thanks to Bobby Billings, Robert, who suggested I started ABM Fans. Thank you for knowing me better than I knew myself. You were right, this one time!

I would like to take a moment to recognise my fellow nominees. Leyla, one of my favourite NYers. You are talent personified. Jai, ABM Fans wouldn’t be what it is without your creative input. I thank you for all the help you’ve given me on the site and for your patience when I have the silliest questions and for your continual support when I’ve deleted something and completely messed up the layout! Lani, my Editor-in-Chief over at LDNmeetsMNL. I thank you not only for your friendship over so many years, but also for giving me a reason to write again when you asked me to be a part of your website.

Of course, the cast and crew of Anyone But Me. Were it not for your brilliance I would not have fallen so much in love with the show you all work so hard to produce. And were it not for your continued kindness and indulgence of an over enthusiastic fan I would not have a site. To Tricia Richards, my ABM Fans partner-in-crime, thank you for taking this crazy train ride with me. Also to the fans, thank you for choosing to visit ABM Fans. I hope that the site is a place you can all continue to be proud of. Special shout out to Rachael Hip-Flores, you are an amazing talent and an even more amazing friend. You said once that you weren’t here to make my life easier; you were here to make it more interesting. You do both.

And lastly, to our host and birthday girl. You have always been in my corner Vix, even when I wasn’t smart enough to realise I needed you in it. Your friendship means the world to me, and I could not do without it. We have shared so many moments and I have no doubt that in the not too distant future you’ll be receiving your own award. You are my shining star.

Thank you once again. Don’t forget, Tuesday April 26^th the premiere of Season 3 of ABM!”

What? I had to get the ABM plug in there somehow. Maybe it was best that I didn’t have anything prepared after all.

Perhaps this is not the sort of award that anyone except me and my friends would put much credence in, but I don’t see why it is any less valid; someone taking the time to recognise the achievements of people in their different fields. I created this site. I spend so many moments organising and creating content. I am here every other week making sure the update is everything I want it to be. I do none of this for an award.

The people that matter to me know how much work I put into this site. They know that it is a labour of love and they support me every way they can. The other night, I got an award in recognition of the passion I have for ABM. I can honestly say that had I received any other award it would probably not mean as much as my VixStar. As first awards go, I am damn proud to have received it.