MY MTP JOURNEY

I was on my way to school when I heard Miss Teen Philippines' advertisement on the radio. And as an exuberant teen, I decided to give it a try. I checked their website and submitted an application. I did not expect anything because I knew that there are tons of pretty girls out there. But then, I received this:

I SCREAMED AND JUMPED FOR JOY. I was really happy that time.

I bought new clothes (yay!) and prepared well for the interview. Thanks to Tita Jhanet, I looked beautiful.

It was intimidating at first because as soon as I entered the building, hundreds of beautiful faces were already waiting in line. It was a good thing that I met Lia. She was so nice and she really eased my anxiety. After hours of chit-chatting, we were asked to move to another room to be interviewed by a panel of judges. I can still remember how hard my heart pounded that time. They told me to say something about myself then asked me some questions afterwards. It was really nerve-wracking but I was so happy that I got through it successfully.

I burned the lines to heaven just so God could hear my wish to be one of the Manila regional finalists. And He answered my prayers with this:

Tears welled up in my eyes as my mom showed me this photo. I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. I never thought I would reach that far.

Days after the announcement of the finalists, we were asked to go to Makati again for a photo shoot and an orientation.

I was accompanied by my ever-supportive mommy.

I got to meet some of my co-candidates and they were all nice. The organizers handed out the pageant manual and we were oriented about the whole competition.

Another meeting was set so we could be mentored by Ms. O (I don't really know her name but she is a famous model).

It was fun because she taught us different tips on how to stand, sit, sneeze, project, and even carry ourselves. I really learned a lot. I promise to keep in mind everything that she told us.

A week was allotted for the voting of the People's Choice. I felt so loved because my family, friends, classmates, bloc mates, neighbors, and even new acquaintances supported me. I want to thank all of them for helping me reach my dreams.

A three-day rehearsal at the Body Rock Dance Studio was scheduled for us. I enjoyed every moment with my co-candidates and I even got close to some of them.

The best part about joining competitions is the friendship you build during the process. These girls are not just beautiful. They are nice and wonderful too. I am really happy that I got to meet them all.

These photos were taken the day before the pageant. We went to SM Southmall for a general rehearsal and we visited the Sun Shop after. We gave out flyers and endorsed Sun Cellular. 

Sadly, I didn't have the chance to take a selfie while distributing flyers wearing my Sun shirt. But at least I have this hihi:

  

This was the first time that I did my make-up. It was truly an achievement for me. HA-HA-HA.

Before I went to sleep that night, I prayed so hard because winning Miss Teen Philippines is what I really wanted from the very beginning.

So this is what happened during the pageant:

Before the event started, we were photographed backstage. For our fun wear, we wore white shirt, pink skater skirt and white sneakers. I would like to thank Tita Jhanet (my ever-supportive hair and make-up artist) for making me look and feel like a princess that time.

We danced to the tune of Domino for our production number. 

After dancing, we introduced ourselves and tried to make an impact to the judges.

The "cocktail gown" portion came next. I would like to thank Tita Gina for my very beautiful gown.

Then, the most-awaited question-and-answer portion happened right after the ramp. Look at how nervous I was. I could not even smile widely.

Then my turn came.

Everything was going smoothly until I stuttered. Yes, I did. When I was about to finish my answer, I got lost for words and that became my downfall. I got disappointed with myself but my family and friends cheered for me so I still had a reason to continue the fight.

While waiting for the results, they gave us Sun Cellular sim cards and freebies from Yakult.

Six candidates were chosen to vie for the crown on the 31st. Unfortunately, I was not one of them. Tears went rolling down my cheeks not because I wasn't a good sport, but because I prepared so much for this competition and I knew that I gave my one hundred percent. But I guess it was not my time yet. 

Fortuitously, I had the best support system that time and they sure know how to cheer someone up. I was really lucky even though I lost. So to my family and friends who came that night to support me, I just want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH. You don't know how happy I was to see you all cheering for me. 

*Oh, and by the way, thanks for proudly holding the tarpaulins that my mom insisted to have.

The day after the pageant, I still could not get over the fact that I lost. But when I saw this Buddhist saying, a smile immediately formed on my face.

"In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you."

Maybe this is not what God has planned for me. Perhaps I was destined for some other greatness. Losing should not make me sad. What I really need to do is focus on the purpose and not the pain, because I believe that God has a reason for every trial and downfall.

So when things don't go your way, never give up. Your dreams may not come in the same package that you have always wanted, but rest assured that it would be what God thinks is best for you.

*Credits to Erika De San Juan, Melliza Banaag and Tita Jackie Fariñas for some of the photos.