Finding Hope

Another achievement unlocked! Mr. PICEsiklaban 2021 1st Runner Up Best in Q&A Best in Talent Best in Production Number I was only aiming for the Best in Q&A award but I was blessed with three more. This is for everyone who believed in me since the day I decided to join. I could not have done this without the help and support of the people around me. To my family who has supported my decision in joining the pageant. Thank you so much! To my girlfriend, June , for the unwavering support that she has given to me and for helping me all throughout my preparation. From the concept photoshoot until the Q&A preparation, you have really helped me be more confident in this pageant. To my pageant partner, Khriselle , you did great and I'm so proud of all the awards that you have garnered in the pageant and the preparations that you have made to represent PICE-Silliman. Congratulations, partneeer!! I hope we could still make that advocacy possible! To Kliff Rajh and Margaret ,...

As someone who grew up being so insecure about his physical appearance, tonight marks a historic feat in my life. This pageant may be different from traditional ones, but the shift from face-to-face to online classes has ultimately affected the setting of all major events and projects. Virtual or not, I shall stand right in front of everyone, not to prove my worth but to inspire individuals who are having a hard time dealing with their insecurities and anxiousness. To tell you the truth, I didn't plan on joining the event weeks before this. But someone had to step up and take the challenge when no one else can. In my own point of view, I believe that there are no winners and no losers in a pageant. Everyone deserves the crown right after they decided to join, the confidence, wit, and determination of all the candidates make them worthy successors of the crown. To win the hearts of the people is more fulfilling than to win the crown that divides us all. I'm inviting everyone to ...

  I left Bongao, the capital of the province of Tawi-Tawi seven years ago with one goal in mind --- to finish college and to make my family proud. As I was searching for myself in Dumaguete, I got lost, to a point where it has affected my academics. Everything was all new, and it got the worst of me. I tried to adjust, but it wasn't enough. I was not doing well, and I went down the rabbit hole. I missed home, and I wanted to come back. I met a lot of people in Duma, and these people stopped me from leaving. Aside from the people, I have learned to love this laid-back city like I was born here. And I believe that I'm not the only one, anyone who has studied or moved to Duma will always tell everyone that they have been captivated by the charm of this small university town in the southern part of Negros Island. So, this is my postcard to Dumaguete, a place that has always been so dear to me. I will be leaving the halls of Silliman equipped with all the learnings from the experie...