Joining Exceptionelle was my first pageant ever and I can't help but be emotional because I never thought I could make it the way I did. I think I even exceeded my own expectations for myself. Joining pageants was never my thing. I always come up to stage to sing, to perform, but never to ramp nor to share an advocacy. I'm not even fond of wearing heels. I didn't know how to walk nicely or to pose nicely. To sum it up, I have zero knowledge and experience with regards to these things.
At some point back then, I know in the silence of my heart that I wanted to join these things too. But I never said it out loud. I was never that confident back then to step outside of my box so I never tried even if there were opportunities intended for me. I always pray and thought about it, but I always said no because I think I'm not yet ready. I don't commit myself to responsibilities when I know I can't give my all into it.
Days before the pageant, doubts never left my mind but I always fought against it. I always go back and think about who I am and what I can do, what do I believe in, why am I doing this, and for whom I am doing this.
And now, this happened. God's plan and timing was just right. I prayed to God and I even talked to my mom. Ang sabi ko, whatever happens I'll do my best and I pray na sana lahat ng prinepare ko for this event ay maexecute ko ng tama. Sana hindi ako madapa. Sana makasagot ako ng maayos. Sana maituwid ng maayos 'to. Ang pinakaunang pumasok sa isip ko nung nanalo ako ay si God. Alam kong siya yun eh. Alam kong matagal akong naghintay ng sagot sa dasal na tahimik na nandun lang sa puso ko. God really makes all things beautiful in His timing.
I never joined pageants until today because it was never my thing. But I tell you, my greatest win in this event is the experience and the journey. I see myself grow, I see myself explore and discover more about me. And self discovery won't happen if you stay inside your box forever. At some point in your life, try things you have never done before and you'll see how much you are capable of and how strong you are. You'll know more about you. Life begins when you let no fear limit you from achieving greatness and reaching your fullest potential.
You are limitless. You perfectly shine the way you are. You are stronger than everything that is holding you back from being you.
Before I end this, I want to thank the following people:
To the UST Junior Marketing Association for giving us this opportunity not only for me to get outside of my box, but also as a platform to voice out our advocacies.
To my ever supportive orgmates, I never thought you'd support me this much. From the "good luck" messages, to helping me with dancing because I can't, to sharing my photo for the liking contest, to cheering for me while on stage, and for always reminding me na kaya ko 'to. Thank you. You guys are the best. (Di na ako magnname drop kasi baka mamaya may magtampo but you guys know who you are and I am beyond grateful for you)
To Marra Angelique who did my hair and make up during the photoshoot, edited my advocacy video, taught me how to strike a pose, asked me questions in order for me to practice the Q&A, shared my photo to her friends so that I'll win the Marketista's Choice Award. Thank you bb. You were always there to attend to my needs and to listen to me when I feel lost and unmotivated about everything I do. I will always value and treasure you from the bottom of my heart.
To Paloma Marie, my bestfriend, na nagcut ng class to watch me huhu. Nagulat ako when my mom said you were there kasi sabi mo nung morning na you wouldn't come. Thank you for always being there to support me. Thank you for coming out of your way just to be there and witness my growth. Of all people, you know how this moment really mattered to me and I really wanna share this one with you. Thank you.
To Alexandra my makeup artist from ustshs, like me, it was also a first for her to do somebody else's make up. Thank you for accepting to do my make up even with just a short notice. Sana gawin mo na 'tong legit na business kasi girl your make up is amazing talaga! Thank you also for our small chats while doing my make up. I indeed enjoyed your company.
To Sir Jemil na hmua ni Tin, my co-candidate. Thank you so much for doing my hair kahit di mo na po yun obligasyon. I look lovely that day because of you.
To Tito Farley for my Filipiñana, thank you so much po for your wonderful creation.
To my mom na SUPER SUPPORTIVE. Thank you mom and I love you. Thank you for listening to me everytime, for helping me with literally EVERYTHING. For coming to UST to watch me that day. I always appreciate your efforts for me and I am beyond blessed to have you as my mom. I hope I made you proud and happy.
To my dad na humabol sa awarding dahil galing work, thank you daddy! I hope you are proud and happy for me. I love you always.
To my ever supportive sisters who helped me with the pa-like contest to taking videos and photos of me during that night, thank you. You keep me going.
To myself, thank you for saying yes to this one. Thank you for deviating your own norm and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Thank you for not letting fear win against you this time. I barely say this but I AM PROUD OF YOU AND YOU ARE AMAZING. Thank you for trying. There is, and will always be, no harm in trying.
To God, who answered my prayers for 2019. God, you are amazing. You have made me ready and prepared for things I have prayed for. You have given me oppportunities to develop and know more about myself. Thank you for always reminding me that I shouldn't fear nor worry, because You have great plans for me in Your perfect timing. Cheers to all the "yes, no, and not now" answers to my prayers. I know and I believe that You'll make things wonderful for me.
Special thanks also to my co-candidates (Kian, Pierre, Kobe, Tin, and Jas), kay kuyang angkas driver na tumulong sa pagpapalike ko, kay Kuyang tiga IT na nakilala ko lang sa kanto ng Antonio pero nagshow ng support, at sa lahat ng sumuporta sa akin from pa-like to the day itself. You guys know who you are. Thank you.
To the ones who never doubted I could make it, thank you. Your support always have kept me motivated.
✨ Marketista's Choice Award ✨
✨ Marketing Ambassadress 2019 ✨
