*WARNING: This is a long entry so apologies in advance.
First, to address the question everyone’s been asking: my cookbook is slated to hit bookshelves in the spring; I’ve only recently met with the editor and publishing house, and conceptualization of my cookbook has only just begun last week. However, the MasterChef Ultimate Cookbook, which contains recipes from this season’s top 18 and recipes from previous seasons’ contestants, goes on sale TODAY.
On to other matters…
Wow. It’s been a week since I’ve been revealed as the winner of “MasterChef” season 3, and the outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming to say the least. I have been paralyzed in writing this initial entry post-finale because, frankly, I have been overcome with such a spectrum of emotions that I’ve been finding it difficult to articulate. There are joy, anxiety, fear, pride, humility, bashfulness, and relief all coursing through my veins at the same time, every day, all day, since even before the finale aired.
I try my best to be a genuine person and can only hope my candidness is embraced and appreciated. With that being said, I want to share with you first my anxieties followed by my gratitude.
No matter who wins MasterChef, he/she will get a slew of haters saying, This person didn’t deserve to win, that person’s dishes were better executed, this person’s menu was dumb, etc. Etc. Haters are gonna hate, and even the person with the thickest skin can and will eventually be affected by spiteful words regardless of their merit or lack thereof. I know there will be many people who do not think I deserve the title, that I am a gimmick for TV ratings, that it’s unfair I had a helper, that I’ve become America’s reality TV sweetheart and so must win or people will throw their TVs out their windows (which, by the way, could very well happen judging by some of the tweets I’ve read throughout the season—I’ve got some diehard fans out there). This is what I have to say to that:
- It is inevitable I came on originally perceived as a gimmick for ratings. If I were a viewer watching at home, I’d probably think the same thing. I know there are people that were in the top 100 who questioned my being there, whispering to each other that I was there just for show like the witch or the ventriloquist or the man with the monkey. Some contestants in the top 100 even approached me to ask, “Okay, who are you going to get to cut your vegetables and plate your food?” Even some crew members told me a month into filming that they’d thought I was there as a joke…until they had a chance to taste my food or watch me cook.. The truth is, I love food, and I love to create food. Proof lies right here on this very blog as you can look back at my very first post, and it dates prior to my ever attending the initial audition in Austin back in November for “MasterChef” season 3. My keenness for food is undeniable, and as I’ve said before, you can only love something so much before you get ambitious and want to create the stuff yourself. Yes, I lost my vision just as I was beginning to really appreciate cooking, and yes, it was a huge setback and devastation at the time. But I have been dealt with so many challenges in life with my mother dying when I was fourteen among other things that I’ve built such perseverance in my bones and eventually picked up the shattered pieces and just got right back into the kitchen. It was like starting over, but if it’s something you love to do, you don’t give up no matter what.
- Yes, I had an aid on the show. Her name is Cindy. I did not know her prior to coming to L.A. To film the show. The producers hired her in order to level the playing field. And how can anyone deny that I went into that kitchen at a glaringly obvious disadvantage? Cindy was not there to give me a leg up; she was simply there to make the challenges fair on my behalf. She was never allowed to taste my food or give me advice. She could not tell me if my food was burnt or raw. I had to ask her prior to her being permitted to answer: “Cindy, is my steak black or red?” or “Cindy, is the crust on the pie pale yellow or dark brown?” or “Cindy, where on this plate is there extra liquid that I can wipe off before presenting the dish?” I had to ask specific questions, I.e. For the color of a food item and not even if it’s burnt or raw. When I needed a food processor or a mixer from the equipment room, I had to step back from my kitchen station and not touch a single thing while Cindy was away grabbing my requested appliance. She was an extension of myself and therefore I’m obviously not allowed to stir or cook or clean while she was away from my station. There were a few attorneys from the legal department of FOX on site every day watching from the control room to make sure Cindy and I followed the rules. To those haters who say a helper is unfair, let me tell you that it is a hundred times harder to communicate with somebody than to just do things yourself. Think about it: a sighted person can open a drawer, spot the spatula, and grab it. In my situation, I would blindly find the drawer that I’d memorized as containing the spatula, fumble for the drawer handle, open it, and scramble furiously around inside the drawer while screaming frantically, “Cindy! Which one is the spatula?!” And then she’d have to run over, pull out the spatula, and wrap my fingers around it. A sighted person could take one look at their final plating and see if there are any messy edges that need to be wiped. I had to say, “Cindy, which edges have extra food bits?” And she’d have to take my hand and place it on top of where I needed to wipe. And then the pantry is a whole other ordeal. While the sighted contestants can enter the pantry and immediately see what beautiful produce arrangements are before them, Cindy has to walk me in and list verbally to me every item she sees while I rack my brain for ideas. If you seriously think I’m at an advantage having to communicate with another person in this way, then I really must say you need to get off those crazy pills. I can wholeheartedly say I was not at an advantage by having a helper by my side.
- I may have been the fan favorite from the beginning, but that doesn’t mean I was a shoo-in for the winner’s circle. There are things that happen on TV that cannot be hidden no matter how great the screen editors. If my apple pie was pale as a sheet or burnt to a blackened crisp, there would be no doubt I’d be going home after that first pressure test. There was no denying I did not help get the California roll on to our Japanese platter in the elimination round with Stacey on my team. THe camera flashes to the platter, and it’s obvious our tempura looked naked, and our roll and sauces were missing. While it’s true, the rest of America could not taste our dishes, so be it with the world of television—you just have to trust and go with what the judges say. There will be obvious mistakes we can’t hide on TV, and if I was that terrible or careless of a cook, I have no doubt I would’ve been sent home. Yes, fans and viewers might get upset, but that is the nature of the beast. Controversy helps feed ratings, and sending a fan favorite home doesn’t mean ratings will necessarily drop. So yes, I am well loved by many (and I’m so grateful for that—more to come later in this post), but that isn’t the only thing that kept me in the game.
So what I mean to say is haters are gonna hate. It doesn’t matter that I won or if Josh were to win or Becky or Frank or Monti or David Martinez or whomever—the more publicity a person gets, the more haters will surface. Life is too short to worry about all the haters. And I am well aware they’re out there. But I try not to let them bog me down and so I read next to none of it. I prefer not to poison my mind and heart with all the negativity. I’ve always tried to have a positive attitude, and being a human being and therefore sensitive to some degree, I choose to ignore the haters; this, I believe, disempowers them.
Another anxiety I’ve been experiencing is living up to the expectations of others. Because “MasterChef” has portrayed me in such an angelic light (until I said, “Shut the f*ck up!” in part one of the finale), I fear that the world has this one-dimensional image of me. I am aware that so many have placed me on such a high pedestal, but I also know that the higher one goes, the harder the fall. (Hello, Icarus!) When Ryan assigned me the live crab in the elimination round, so many viewers cursed at him, hated on him, called him all sorts of ugly names. In all honesty, I’m flattered Ryan gave me the live crab because that meant he took me seriously as a competitor and wasn’t patronizing me by giving me canned crab. THe video footage spliced Ryan chuckling just as I pierced myself with the crab shell, and even after we tried to dispel the myth of TV editing, Ryan still had haters. After Ryan was eliminated, I posted on my Facebook fan page and Twitter that Ryan has nothing but respect for me in spite of how it came across on TV. And guess what? I had people commenting things like, “Don’t tell us how to feel, Christine. Ryan is a douche bag!.”
The world of TV is almost make-believe, and while I do feel like the producers stayed pretty true to my character, showing that I never liked to talk badly about others (very true), there is still so much more to our personalities that could not be shown due to the fact that it’s just a sixty-minute show. For example, like I’ve said, I curse 500 times more than they’ve allowed on TV. I make sarcastic comments in my confessionals, and those have mostly been omitted, too. There is a dry-humored side of me that breaks everyone’s balls just as much as the next person, but after all is said and done, there is still this halo lit around my head. Like I mentioned earlier, I try to be authentic and genuine, and so I would like to be as transparent as possible to my friends, family, readers, viewers, and fans. That is why I’m writing this entry. I curse, I enjoy a drink or three from time to time, I laughed heartily at all of the un-PC jokes in The Dictator, I burp, I move my bowels. I am human, and I make mistakes. I have a lot of fear when out in public that I’d trip up, and someone catches me and thinks less of me under the circumstance. I fear the impending scrutiny. So to dispel that possibility, I am putting it all out right here, the truth, that I am human just like everybody else.
In addressing these first two concerns of mine, a good friend sent me a quote from President Obama: “Virtually everything that’s said about you is not about you. It’s about the person who’s doing the speaking. And this isn’t just negative stuff. It’s positive stuff, too. The Barack Obama that they’re talking about is an expression of people’s fears of out-of-control liberalism or black hope and pride, but it’s not you.” So inserting myself into this quote is helping me continue to be true to myself and to this world. It is helping me deal with these first two anxieties, to remember always that everything bad and everything good said about me by people who don’t know me personally are not always accurate reflections of myself. That’s not to say I won’t try my best to be a role model, but I think by admitting my flaws and my very humanness make me a better person in the end. After all, I’ve always connected more with the sinner than the saint.
My third anxiety lies in the stress from all the demands and challenges that come with this heightened notoriety, namely the every which way I’m going to be pulled. There are family and friends I haven’t spoken to in decades who are now finding out about me and wanting to get back in touch. I’m not at all being cynical—I know they are excited about my win and want to congratulate me. There are also all the press requests for interviews, appearances, event attendances, and so on that are suddenly showing up in my inbox. There are requests for me to cook at this gala and that morning show and this intimate celebration and that fundraiser. Being the person that I am, I have always found it hard to say no to people. Saying no, to me, equates with disappointment, and who likes to be a disappointer? But with my time and energy being consumed by every request imaginable, it’s getting impossible for me to not say no. With NMO still being a very real part of my life; stress, anxiety, and exhaustion still affect me very negatively. I go through routine rounds of chemo just to keep my NMO in check—in fact, I had chemo the day before I left for NYC just a couple of weeks ago—and as much as I like to think I’m Superwoman, it’s important for me to constantly remind myself that my health needs to come first. After all, if I’m all laid up in the hospital hooked up to IVs, what good can I do in this world? I am still trying to learn how to juggle my health and well-being with all the demands this newfound status has placed on me, and I know there will be a long, arduous road ahead of me. I know I will disappoint some by not granting interviews or by not answering fan mail, but I implore you to please be patient and supportive. I really try my very best to acquiesce and say yes, but please remember that there is only one of me, and I still have NMO.
The last concern I have is in direct regards to this blog post. I know this is a wonderful position to be in—to have won MasterChef, to be in the limelight, to have all the great opportunities open themselves up to me, to be recognized for my hard work and diligence—so I hope my expression of all my anxieties is taken for what it really is–a moment of honesty from me to you–and not as whiny complaints. I am not saying, “Woe is me for having all this fame and fortune.” What I am saying is I don’t crave fame and have never craved it. But I do see the positive impact my story has had on thousands all over the world. And this beacon of hope I’ve given to the masses makes it all worthwhile. All change is stressful, even if it’s good change. And because I did not set out at the beginning of the show to become such a recognizable person in the public eye, it will take me some time to get used to it. I still have knots in my stomach before every cooking demo on TV, I still get anxious in front of every camera, I still have slight trepidation whenever I hear my name called while I’m at the grocery store or mall. And I’m sorry if I have a look on my face like a deer in headlights when you ask to take a photo with me. But remember that I’m vision impaired, so being out and about in an unfamiliar environment is already a little scary for me. And now that so many people whom I virtually know nothing about but who know so much about me are approaching me, I might come off as a little nervous. But please don’t be taken aback by any of my reactions. I really am happy that my story has impacted so many people in such a positive way. I know the larger picture is greater than anything I could ever fathom, and I am trying my best to roll with the punches and embrace it.
And this leads me to the joys of this whole experience. MasterChef has been the craziest, most stressful, most intense, yet most amazing experience of my life thus far. Even though we had long sixteen-hour days of being on set, even though we had dozens of sleepless fitful nights, even though we all developed some sort of addiction or anxiety due to the stress of not knowing what would happen each day, even though we all had trouble adjusting back to our “normal” lives once the show was over; this has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And I can attribute this clearly to three things:
- Learning to believe in myself. I came to MasterChef with a lot of self-doubt. I still have a lot of self-doubt. But I’ve made progress. Throughout the weeks of nearly impossible challenges, I’ve learned, through the mentorship and guidance of the judges and from the other contestants, that I have it inside me to be better tomorrow than I was yesterday. I learned that I didn’t give myself enough credit, that I should trust my instincts and go with my intuition more. Low self-esteem and self-doubt are things many of us suffer from. Regarding this, I tell you to believe in yourself, too. It will not always lead to the right answer or the perfect scenario, but even so, learn from the mistakes and move on.
- To the family I made at MasterChef. I know I speak for many of us contestants not only from this season but from previous seasons as well when I say the kinship I’ve formed from being on the show means more to me than any prize. I’ve said it countless times before, and I’ll say it again: having met all these folks from such different walks of life than mine; with different ideals than mine; from different backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures than mine; and to have us all bond over such a simple yet universal thing such as food are the most wonderful gifts I can take away from this experience. It continually proves my strong belief that food brings all people together. It doesn’t matter if you’re from Libya or the U.S., gay or heterosexual, Catholic or Muslim, Republican or Democrat, eighty or eight years of age, man or woman—you can sit together and share in a meal and be consumed with love and respect for one another. Everyone in this world needs food for sustenance, and when it tastes divine and reflects a person’s heritage or region, it’s even more beautiful. That is why, above all else, I love food so much—food has the supernatural ability to bring two unlikely human beings together. And MasterChef is utter proof of that phenomenon. These people I’ve met on the show have become my foodie family for life. It is impossible not to love and bond with those who went through the same physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding experiences as me; those whom I ate, drank, cooked, used the bathroom, conversed, napped, played games, changed clothes, did laundry, cried and laughed with day in and day out; those whom I spent twenty hours a day with less the four hours spent isolated in my own hotel room at night; those who were there by my side through the thick and thin of it while my ties from the routines, comforts, and friends and family from home were severed for the whole of sixty-plus days. It was culinary boot camp, and I am grateful for the relationships I’ve formed with the other contestants. Believe me when I say that these mean more to me than the monetary prize, the cookbook deal, the title. I share this title of MasterChef with all those who cooked alongside me in that kitchen.
- To the people I’ve reached all over the world. Over the past few months as “MasterChef” unfolded on small screens across America, I’ve received a plethora of mail from people wanting to share their stories with me. There is the teenager who found the courage to try out for her high school soccer team. There are the parents of a child with vision or hearing impairment or paraplegia who now believe their child can achieve something great in life in spite of hard circumstances. There is the newly widowed, the recovering alcoholic or addict, the cancer patient, the unemployed, and the prison inmate who feel inspired to pick up the broken pieces of their lives and demand higher standards for themselves and their future. There is the starving artist who decided not to compromise his passion for theater, film, literature, art. There is the young man who was shunned by his community because of his recent admission of his sexual orientation who found hope and saw light at the end of the dark, dark tunnel. There is the twelve-year-old who wants to pursue culinary school despite others telling her there is no way she can do it because she is autistic or blind. ALl these people have reached out to tell me that my story has given them some sort of hope. Yes, I hear “you’re such an inspiration” all the time, and sometimes I worry about being patronized or becoming jaded. But when I sit back and think about the impact I’ve had on each individual who took the time out to write or tweet me, and then I think about all the hundreds or thousands more whom I’ve touched but who have not communicated with me to tell me so, and then I’m overwhelmed with such inexplicable joy and humility. There is greater purpose to all this, and I have faith that my story and ability to affect others stretch beyond MasterChef. MasterChef is just a stepping stone to what I can and hope to do for this world in my lifetime. I used to pray that if I could just influence one or two people with the story of my struggles, then I would feel fulfilled and acknowledge that my pain and suffering happened for a reason. But the fact that I now know I’ve touched so many more than just one or two…well, I can only say the blessings are seven hundred-fold. I am beginning to understand why my life unfolded in the way it did, and for that, I would not change a thing.
Relationships and community mean more to me than anything in this world. As byproducts; hope, faith, and love are essential to my survival perhaps even more than food. It is because of friends and family and community that I made it through the darkest periods of my life. Despite what you’ve seen of me lately, I did not always possess a positive attitude. Losing a parent and my vision and getting diagnosed with a life-changing condition are no easy feats, and I’ve had my share of depression and times when I wanted to give up. But because I drew from the strength of those who surrounded me with their love and their light, I overcame, I conquered, and I moved forward. For this, I am eternally grateful. Remember that all of the people you’ve met and all the people you will meet can have an impact on you, whether positively or negatively. Remember that the vice versa is also true—that you have the ability to impact those you cross paths with either on a daily basis or just once in passing. It is better to be a positive reinforcement for others than a negative one. I try to live by this, and I hope I’ve inspired you to do so, too. This world has the potential to become heaven on earth, and it starts with ordinary people just like me and you.
Thank you for reading, and thank you, everyone, for your love and support. I cannot express enough how much it means to me. Don’t be afraid to dream big, and keep on fighting the good fight. xoxo
227 Responses to thoughts on winning masterchef usa 2012
Khadijah September 25, 2012
Christine, you may not be able to read this but might as well try, right? Guess what? During the first every episode of this season, I chose two bets: Josh and then you. How pleasantly surprised I was when you two turned out to be the Top 2? So when I started watching the finale, I didn't have any ill feelings because I know that whoever of you wins, deserves it.
You are an inspiration to us, Christine. And I'm so touched by this: "I used to pray that if I could just influence one or two people with the story of my struggles, then I would feel fulfilled and acknowledge that my pain and suffering happened for a reason. But the fact that I now know I’ve touched so many more than just one or two…well, I can only say the blessings are seven hundred-fold. I am beginning to understand why my life unfolded in the way it did, and for that, I would not change a thing." You are indeed so blessed for being such a great instrument of hope for other people. Touching the life of even just one person through our own stories is a chance that only the very lucky ones are given. Continue to be an inspiration for all of us.
P.S. I wish they showed more of that dry humor. I wouldn't mind.
Christine Ha September 25, 2012
Thanks for watching the show and supporting us. Glad you would've enjoyed my humor more, too.
Hopefully it wil show in my upcoming cookbook and memoir.
John Schnabel September 25, 2012
You're too defensive… The reality is you are visually impaired and a guide is your necessary coping mechanism. It would be a misnomer to believe that all of those contestants are the same and you are the only one with a difference. Each person is unique with strengths and weaknesses. To bridge those weaknesses we each develop our own coping mechanisms. Not only is it fair for you to use your coping mechanism, it was fair for the other contestants to use theirs. Congratulations! Step into greatness… I'm looking forward to the book.
-John Schnabel, Teacher for Special Ed Me
Sara September 25, 2012
"Above all else, to thine own self be true." I can't imagine the hurricane that your life has become after competing in Master Chef. Please take some time each day to be still and remember who you are. Your beautiful, ultra-megawatt smile touched the hearts of so many of us who watched the show. I really appreciate what you have shared through your blog posts and hope you continue to use them to keep yourself centered. I wish you the best and can't wait for your cookbook! Peace to you!
Texas Treatment September 27, 2012
Genuine and authentic nuff said! and long winded..ha!
Minh September 28, 2012
Hi Christine:
I saw that you called out for pig ear experiments. This is how my mother prepared it as I recall it now.
Boil the cleaned pig ears in water, perhaps with ginger to get rid of the smell, until fully cooked. Then slice into relatively thin strips (not too thick so it won’t be too hard, not too thin so it won’t be too mushy later on). Then in a frying pan combine the sliced pig ears with some oil, garlic, salt, sugar, black pepper, soy sauce, and five-spice powder which is a key ingredient, and cook just enough for the combination to become sticky. Of course you can taste it as you go along and adjust the ingredients until it is perfect. Let it cool down a bit then use Saran plastic to wrap into one or more 1.5 or 2-inch diameter sausages. Just roll the mixture up as you would do with a gigantic spring roll, and then tie up both ends with rubber bands to make the sausages compact and nice looking. You need to roll it up while the mixture is still sticky. Leave the plastic wrapped pig ear sausage in the fridge for a few hours to solidify. You need to experiment with the time it takes to boil the pig ears and the thickness of the strips to get the perfect texture, the amount of soy sauce, and various spice combinations, but the five-spice powder is a key ingredient as I remember it. You can serve it cold or at room temperature. Just cut the solidified sausage into half-inch slices (after removing the plastic of course), and into quarters. I have never tried this recipe myself so I can’t be too specific, but my recollection is that it was absolutely amazing if you get the texture and the flavor right. These pig ear sausages also keep well in the freezer. Let me know if you try it and succeed. By the way, congratulations on your win. It was incredible!
Christine Ha September 28, 2012
Wow, thanks for such a detailed recipe. It sounds promising.
Christine Ha September 29, 2012
This sounds very promising. Thanks!
Miss Bonnified September 28, 2012
Christine!! You are such an inspiration and so awesome! I've cheered for you since the first episode and kept telling my husband that you're going to win this season. And I was right!
Russell Cannon September 30, 2012
Christine,
Thank you so much for this post! I set out on Google after the finale to find out more about you and I must say, wow. When one can personally reveal the true essence of their character to the world and do it objectively without a lot of sugar and fluff; well that says a lot about you. Your humility and down-to-earth quality is inspiring and I have no doubt you will be an excellent role model to your fans and the world.
Please stay safe, keep cooking and keep your head high always. You deserve all the good fortunes you have coming.
~Rusty
Russell Cannon September 30, 2012
Christine,
Thank you so much for this post! I set out on Google after the finale to find out more about you and I must say, wow. When one can personally reveal the true essence of their character to the world and do it objectively without a lot of sugar and fluff; well that says a lot about you. Your humility and down-to-earth quality is inspiring and I have no doubt you will be an excellent role model to your fans and the world.
Please stay safe, keep cooking and keep your head high always. You deserve all the good fortunes you have coming.
Christine Ha September 30, 2012
Thank you so much for your support and understanding.
Hanz Artango October 3, 2012
Hi Christine.
You remind me of Toph from the animation Avatar the Last Air bender. And heck yah she's blind but freaking awsome character. I love the way how you rose from the underdog to being the alpha dog. There will always be haters in this world that is already a given, but you're such an inspiration to us to keep on doing what you love. Eventually, we'll all will succeed if we do things with love. And i know basing on the show you LOVE and really LOVE food. More power to you and your family. …
from philippines with love.
WoodyH October 4, 2012
Christine, thank you so much for your candor in this post. You inspired me in every episode of MC3. I jumped and hooted and hollered when you won. But this post is even better–for now I got to know much more about you from you. Thanks.
Christine Ha October 4, 2012
Glad you appreciated it.
Cecillle October 5, 2012
Hi christine! You know, with all honesty, this is actually the first time i have read a blog word for word. You're so amazing! You're such an inspiration! I've always wondered what you are in real life, hence it is true that watching the show only shows a part of you. So if given a chance, i would really love to get to know you. I hope you get through with your medications. Please keep yourself as healthy as you can be. I, as one of your avid fans, will always be rooting for you! I love you!
Christine Ha October 5, 2012
Thanks for your honesty, and I'm glad you found my words interesting enough to read all the way through. Also, thanks for your support.
Jessica October 5, 2012
The world needs to see that people who are blind are capable of many things! My son (age 3) is blind and I'm so glad I can use your experience as an example of what is possible for him.
I know my son and other blind kid can do great things but the world needs to know. Your win helps more people have a wider view of the abilites of people with disabilites.
Congrats!
Joyce October 6, 2012
Christine,
I'm watching masterchef season 3 in Malaysia and I didn't know about you until today. After watching you cook the apple pie, I am compelled to google you up and boy, I am blown away. I just have a simple line to say to you. Christine, you are simply amazing!
keep the optimism and keep believing in yourself. Salute!
Christine Ha October 6, 2012
Thank you for your support! xoxo
das santos October 7, 2012
You're freakin' awesome! you gave us something like an inspirational boner (in a good and wholesome way), lol jk, but seriously reading your blog is such an inspiration and you really are freakin' awesome
Christine Ha October 7, 2012
Sweet! I've always wanted to give someone an inspirational boner!
Becky Pelfrey October 9, 2012
Christine, this post is EXACTLY why I have loved you from the beginning. You are true, honest, and a down-to-earth girl who just happens to be blind. You are so freakin' articulate, but you seem like you'd be fun to just hang around and BS with. Best of luck in your endeavors. You are a star!!
Christine Ha October 10, 2012
Thanks for the huge compliments! I do like to think I'd be fun to hang out with.
VinceTics October 14, 2012
Hi Christine!
Thank you so much for your help! I really admire your fighting spirit, There are times I give up on things I thought undo-able not even giving my 100%. But after I saw you hurdle all of those obstacles and went on to be the champion, you've become my hero. I've realized that obstacles are difficult to conquer only if I think it's difficult… and now, no matter how many times I fall, I will rise up again to be a champion and to be a winner… maybe not in a competition… but a winner who is in total control of himself and future.
Thank you, Christine… your heroism has reached many of us here in the Philippines.
Christine Ha October 16, 2012
Thanks for the sharing your thoughts. Happy to be of help.
Ivan Foo October 15, 2012
Dear Christine,
First and foremost, Congratulations! You are indeed an encouragement to many out there. It is so wonderful to see your sincerity, your honesty and your life as it is. Truly blessed by your true grit to succeeded despite what you have to go through! Forget about the doubters and the haters! You are truly an inspiration to many out there! Yunno, you may just inspire one life but it's that one life that matters most! Be blessed and may success follows your path of journey!
Christine Ha October 16, 2012
Thank you.
@undefined October 26, 2012
Congratulation Christine…saw you finale last night here in Sweden…very inspired and amazed by your skill!!! can't wait for you cook book and hopefully i get your signature on it!!!! xoxo
Cheryl Pek October 26, 2012
So, I've been watching Masterchef and after seeing this post, I respect you so much more
You inspire me so much, in a way that I've never thought was possible before, I think in a much more positive way now and try my best to not let people down. So thank you 
and I'm only 13.
Christine Ha October 26, 2012
THanks for commenting and letting me know.
Laarni October 27, 2012
I am really proud of you, Christine! You deserve it! Congratulations! -greetings all the way from Singapore
— the airing of the show here is LATE! so, yeah, we just knew you won! 
Christine Ha October 27, 2012
THanks for the congrats.
Brian Kerzner October 28, 2012
Hi Christine! I am a home cook from the Philippines and from the first episode of Masterchef, you were already my favorite. I'm just glad that you won. You are my inspiration!
Christine Ha October 28, 2012
Thanks!
Adam October 30, 2012
We watched MasterChef here in Denmark, on Hulu Plus. I KNEW you would win and deservedly so! Some of the best food I have ever eaten in my life was in Vietnam and your dishes brought me back to my travels there. Bold move with that Fried Chicken, but damn girl, it looked good!
Can't wait to get your cookbook.
Christine Ha October 31, 2012
Thanks for having faith in me.
And what can I say? I love fried chicken! Every time I cooked something I'd love to eat myself, I'd do well. And the same was true for the opposite. Fried chicken is one of my favorite foods so…naturally…
Janet Sisino Graham October 30, 2012
Hello,
You obviously do not know me, I watched you cook on the show and thought to myself often how hard it must have been to ask someone else for something every ten seconds, in lieu of keeping a flow. I am actually headed to LA Friday to audition. I have never been so afraid of anything in my life and I have had some pretty awful stuff thrown at me. I guess I am afraid of failure. However, after watching last season and seeing how well you did, I use your strength and keep telling myself, if she can do this, so can I. Congrats btw… you were a perfect lady even when you had the ugliest of ugly in your face. I have a million questions for you and I am desperate for any insight you can offer as to what to expect at round one. What to do? What to make? Bring? wear! lol ( that should have been my first question). If can offer any advice….I'd be greatly appreciative. Thanks for being so sweet and showing the world that no matter what, we can do big things.
Christine Ha October 31, 2012
I appreciate that you understand how hard it really was to communicate with another person throughout my cooking process.Failure and rejection are, in my opinion, the most difficult things in life to accept. But they make you stronger in the end.Advice for auditions? Cook/bring something that represents you and means something to you. It doesn't have to be fancy; it's not a time to show off. You're a home cook, not a Michelin chef. Wear something that represents you as well. Let your story be known when they come talk to you. Why do you love food and cooking? What do these things mean to you? Why do you want to become the next MasterChef? What makes you deserve to be the next MasterChef? Most importantly, BE YOURSELF and HAVE FUN. Good luck!
Chrissie October 30, 2012
Though weeks have passed after you winning MC, I would still like to congratulate you! Me and my officemates are still talking about your sweetbread and crab recipe every now and then. =) All the best Christine!
Oh and by the way, you're so lucky having to cook beside Frank. I find him soooo hot! Haha! Cheers!
Erin October 31, 2012
Thank you for sharing Christine!! I must say I haven't been able to follow MasterChef until this season, but I started this season and once I saw you I didn't miss an episode!! It was set to record every week, just in case I wasn't there to see it!!!
This connection for me doesn't only come from your perseverance and transparency but because I have a son who was born blind. Despite his many delays for various reasons, other than the blindness, I have always had the attitude that he can do anything he sets his mind to. He is almost 7 now and just starting to really want to explore his world. I hope to get him involved in the kitchen at some point on a regular basis (right now it's very limited because of his extreme sensory aversions and he won't even put any food in his mouth so I'm not going to force him!). His big thing is playing the drums so we embrace that
Watching you this season brought me to tears so many times because I knew how difficult it must have been for you at times and you still did what you were there to do and shined through!! You are a wonderful role model to so many. Thank you for letting people know that just because you are blind doesn't mean you are not capable of doing anything you set your mind to!!
I will never forget telling someone that my son was blind (people generally comment about him being sleepy and, depending on my mood, I may mention that he's blind or just smile and nod). This was a sales person at a car lot trying to sell us a car…..She turned and looked at me and said "but how will he survive!?!" I will never forget the feeling I had that day about the ignorance that is out there!!! I wanted to reach over and slap her!!! Needless to say we didn't buy a car and I have never returned to that dealer!!!
So thank you for having the courage to audition for MC and the awesomeness to win!!!!
@arvinkristopher November 2, 2012
Hi Christine, I just finished watching the entire season of MC Season 3 in a record time of 2 days! I knew you won from the beginning, and the only reason I put myself through the entire 20 episodes was to see how you did it. Until now, I'm at a loss for words. You're a true inspiration, and I've been telling my friends about you and how awesome you are! I will never forget how you pulled off that crab ceviche and apple pie back-to-back. I'm Filipino and I salivated every time you served an Asian dish to the judges!
Christine Ha November 2, 2012
Thanks for the comment and for the nice words.
I appreciate your believing in me.
Christine Ha November 2, 2012
Oh yeah, and I can't believe you watched the entire season in 2 days! It tickles me to know that.
Zapeera November 5, 2012
Omg Christine Your Cooking is So Amazing that sometimes i think can u see? OMG!
Bags November 10, 2012
Hi Christine.
Its a little bit too late but, congratulation congratulation CONGRATULATION!! ^_^ Hehe..
By the way, i'm Indonesian and this couple weeks i watched MasterChef US marathon from season 1 down to season 3, which is i've never watch the show before. Sadly (T_T), while i'm at Season 3 Episode 16 i went to Google and googling your name. And voila, there a lot spoiler (haha) which said that you are the winner of the season 3!! (what you can expect from Google right, there's a lot of spoiler of everything :-p).
Anyway, I'm a fan of you and actually never expect you could win this competition (what a fan, haha..). =D
Now i'm gonna continue watching. Even though I already knew that you are the winner of MasterChef Season 3, I always happy when seeing you taste everything. You are truly a MasterChef (saying it with Chef Gordon Ramsey's voice, :-p).
Have a great weekend Christine!!
ps: Indonesia have some great food too, you should come and taste some. Or even cook one. :-p
Kath November 13, 2012
HI Christine,
I really love you. Its been only weeks since MasterChefUS 3 is aired here in the Philippines and I really admire your passion for cooking a midst your condition. You are right, you are a ball of hope for people who find it difficult to confront their fears and for people who thinks they are not good or equipped enough to pursue their passion. I like it more that you are a real person and you used real skills in winning. You really deserve that win… and I'm really excited to buy your book!
Christine Ha November 13, 2012
Thanks for watching, and I'm glad you enjoyed the show. I appreciate your kind words.
warbirdali November 15, 2012
Sorry I only just now got to read this but thanks so much for sharing your feelings..I wouldn't have thought about the trepidation element of it so you make some great points. Sorry they edited out the "real Christine… maybe there will be a "directors' cut" featuring 3 hours of unedited cussing from you! I hope you will keep us updated on your big adventure. And please, no more dancing….. Alasdair
Christine Ha November 15, 2012
Three straight hours of me cursing would make for an awesome extra feature on the DVD.What's wrong with my dancing? Just you wait…
warbirdali November 16, 2012
Nothing wrong that a couple more of those beers wouldn't fix! Of course growing up in England it is against the law for men to dance. At least that's what I tell anyone who has asked me to dance… or seen me dance. I refer you to Elaines' dance on Sienfeld if you ever got to watch it when you were younger. If not then imagine the worst dancing you can, probably by a zombie hooked up to the mains power, and that is Elaine and also me!
Christine Ha November 16, 2012
“If I got to watch 'Seinfeld' when I was younger?” Are you kidding me? “Seinfeld” is my absolute favorite sitcom of all time. I have them all on DVD and still watch it to this day. It's one of the few shows I can watch over and over without getting tired of the jokes. I do remember what Elaine's dance looked like. I still imitate her on occasion.
J. Dent November 17, 2012
Sweet fancy Moses! Always nice to find fellow Seinfeld fans.
I don't imitate Elaine, but I use quotes for almost every situation, at least when one applies.
Christine Ha November 17, 2012
“These pretzels are making me thirsty!”
ichie sebastian November 16, 2012
CONGRATULATIONS!! I AM A FAN!! I AM SO HAPPY TO KNOW YOU WON!! actually, .the series is not done yet here in the PHILIPPINES… I am currently watching the Obama dish right now. wow…. you are really amazing….hope you come here to my country…and have a taste of the Philippines!!! God bless you Christine!!!
eliezer November 21, 2012
CHRISTINE!!!!i love your cooking and simple attitude!!!! even though your blind you can still see the reality of cooking and its flavors!!!your a remarkable woman and a inspiration of blind and ASIAN people everywhere!!!! I hope I can taste your food in a restaurant someday!!!! I will always be your biggest fan in the world and I will always be supporting you all the way !!!!wish you good health and luck in your life!!!oh you don't need it because your a healthy and tough woman to won master chef!!! bye love you always by ELIEZER ENDEREZ if you want to visit me this my facebook account https://www.facebook.com/eliezer.jamora?ref=ts&am…. bye!!!
Heather December 12, 2012
Christine, my family and I are huge fans, and this post just reinforces it that much more! Take care of yourself –
Christine Ha December 12, 2012
Thanks for saying so.
Gwenesis December 15, 2012
Christine, hi! Masterchef 3 is still airing here in Asia, and then when i found out from the online news that you've won it, i was like, "Y-E-S"! You are truly an inspiration, and what i like your cooking is its always simple to prepare. Good for corporate rats like me, haa. Take care and don't work too hard! Hang in there, enjoy this new journey, and do hope you'll come to Asia / Singapore soon! ((:
Christine Ha December 16, 2012
Thanks so much for your support. I am glad that you like the simplicity of my recipes. I have a firm belief that good food should be enjoyed by all, not just the technically advanced cook or the food shopper who can afford top-notch ingredients.
Erin Pereyra December 16, 2012
I really should have
If you can keep a beat that's half the battle!! My son was blessed with perfect rhythm so he had that part won from the beginning and I look forward to see how he grows as the years go on 
Lee M December 21, 2012
I loved that you won the show. Everything you made throughout the competition had me salivating. I was honestly afraid they'd take it away from you because you're blind–worried about politics and that nonsense. I think anyone who had any sense could tell you won deservedly. Your mom must have been a rare gem like you are too. Will be waiting on that cookbook!
Hope you are making some copies in braille for those haters who couldn't 'see' why you won. *G*
Christine Ha December 22, 2012
Thanks for all the support.
@MarcieMom December 28, 2012
Hi! Am a mom on day off and watched top 5 MChef3 compete, didnt know u r blind till Cindy showed up, inspiring 4 a mom who is cooking healthy 4 my #eczema tot, xoxo
Carlo January 13, 2013
Christine.. oh my god!
i live in london and went back home in Italy for a small teeth extraction and spent the last 2 days watching the whole season of MasterChef and.. i'm stunned!
Believe me when i say i cried twice for you and i'm so happy you won the title!!
U deserve it! U r so amazing i'm really proud of what u did, u showed everybody u can do whatever u want overcoming all your problems if u want to follow ur dream and passion!
I'm so exited for u.. i m such a big fan of ur and if i'll manage to i'll get ur cookbook i promise!
For now what i've got left to do i read ur blog which i just discovered reading of u on wiki!
All the best!! great love to a great person!
Carlo from Italy
Christine Ha January 13, 2013
Thank you, Carlo, for your support.
Sara January 14, 2013
Kudos! My boyfriend and I moved to Indonesia 4 years ago from the USA and we watched the master chef competition every Sunday night while having our dinner…after discovering a love for all foods Asian we soooo wished we could taste your unique dishes. You appear to be one of the people who've been made riper by their challenges vs bitter. You clearly cook from an innate level and we were lucky enough to have you share that gift with us while we watched. Best wishes and we very much look forward to the cook book.
Christine Ha January 14, 2013
Thank you!
Forrest C. January 17, 2013
Christine, just be true to yourself and everything else will take care of itself. You are a very talented woman and you have a great future ahead of you. Enjoy the ride!
Christine Ha January 18, 2013
Thanks for the advice.
Desi Trisnawati January 21, 2013
Hi from Masterchef indonesia,
Hello Christine, I am Desi , the winner of Masterchef indonesia season 2! I know very well what you'd felt and experienced , cause i was there too! Watching you winning is a great joy! you so deserve it! hope someday we can meet someday ! All the best for you
Christine Ha January 21, 2013
Thank you!
Arnold January 22, 2013
Hi Christine,
You have inspired me since day 1. In fact, I think you are the best Masterchef winner ever. I look forward to seeing your own cooking show soon.
cinfy stettin January 22, 2013
awesome
Ben Mouthaan February 28, 2013
Dear Christine,
Also in The Netherlands we can follow the Masterchef series from the USA, England and Australia. I do not understand as a simple person who loves to cook( I am 65 years old and also learned cooking from my mother) that your competitors could judge so hard about you! Why is it necessary to burn someone off? You are the one and only person that deserved to win.
On behalf of my wife and children we want to wish you an everlasting life in happiness and health together with your husband!
By the way, it's also time to get some children:-).
We love you.
Ben
Katarina March 8, 2013
Christine, you are an extremly wise human being! Not to mension: I strongly trust your ability to cook. I'm sitting here (in Sweden) waiting patiently for your cookbook. All the love!
Nichole April 19, 2013
i am doing a series called living as i am and I would like to interview u for this show, my name is Nichole carter please email me @ nikie20@hotmail.com
neha May 13, 2013
When i found out your the winner, i couldnt stop crying.You are the biggest inspiration and idol to all those masterchefs out there. Congratulations.
Mustafa Dhoondia May 18, 2013
CHRISTINE, you are AWESOME and AMAZING !! Beyond all contemplation u are the BEST! Let the World of Hatters say what they have to …. but u are the best …. Calm Composed Balanced coupled with the Best Culinary Skills and to imagine this with your disadvantage …. wow …. U are an epitome in Courage Zeal Enthusiasm and Perseverance !!
…. All the Very Best to You for Everything u wish to Achieve …. just Believe in Yourself and Go Out and Achieve it !!
Christine Ha May 18, 2013
Thanks for the support! xoxo