Goddess in Disguise
On the afternoon of August 2, 2012, I
walked through the path walk of my school, University of the Philippines
Mindanao, dealing with the nervousness I felt, thinking about what lay ahead.
That time, I just couldn’t keep myself from worrying what might happen, being
the Iska representative of my course, BA Communication Arts (BACA). As I
arrived in the Atrium, I saw students moving from one place to the other, busy
with the Freshmen Torch Night. After a while, some of my block mates passed by
and greeted me, and I acknowledged the gesture with a smile. It was all the
energy I could summon.
I was walking continuously until I
arrived in the classroom where the contestants for the Search for Ultimate Isko and Iska were located. Ate Joya, a third
year BACA student, called my name and asked me to sit on the chair for the
make-up artist was already waiting for me.
Two hours later, the
organizers called the “Isko’s” and “Iska’s” for the production number.
Reaching the backstage, we were requested to hold hands. There, a spontaneous
prayer was led by the former Isko called “Kuya George”. After, we were asked to
settle ourselves. And as I stepped on the grand stage, my heart was beating so
fast. I heard people shouting and cheering, which made me feel traumatized until
now. But, I couldn’t see them. The lights were very bright. I could only see
the shadows of the audience.
After two group numbers
from the freshmen, we were again back on stage. The next exposure was the
Festival Attire. I tried so hard to project a “Dalagang Filipina” way of bringing herself, knowing that the background
music did not match the way my Isko
and I walked through the stage. The music was a fast-beat one but we still
managed to walk slowly to be able to execute the proper attitude while in a Santacruzan.
The third exposure was
the “Wear-Your-Course” Attire. The attire worn here depicted everything about
the course one is representing. The attires of both the Festival and the
“Wear-Your-Course” were innovatively made by the third year BACA. It felt
overwhelming because every time we speak, I could hear the cheers of the crowd.
“Nagkahiusa sukad pa sa una.
Sa nagkadugay kini mas nihingpit pa. Madayaw nga gabii kaninyong tanan! Ako po
si Kris Shelley Marie Tiu at ako naman po si Oliver Olivas. Tapang, talino at
talento, dito niyo lang mahahanap sa kursong pinagtibay ng saya at tagumpay. We
don’t just talk, we communicate. Mabuhay, BA Communication Arts!” was the
statement OB and I uttered to introduce ourselves and our course.
The Sports Attire came
next. Here, different sports were showcased by the nine courses. We chose to
have golf as our sport. I was quite nervous that time because of all the sports
attire, ours was the simplest. We did not have so many things to wear.
The fifth was the most
feet- trembling moment, the talent portion. “Being A Geek” was the chosen music
and interpretative dancing was our chosen talent to showcase. With God’s grace
and help, OB and I successfully did our part, embracing the fact that we only
had our practice for two days. We were assisted by a third year BACA, Kuya
James, during the practices, to come up with a presentable number.
The Question and Answer
portion was the last. There was a picture analysis via projector and at the same
time, there was a question given us depending on the picture being flashed. The
first time I saw the picture, I felt relieved from nervous because I was able
to collect my thoughts immediately. However, when I was asked about my stand
about health issues, I was a bit preoccupied. I couldn’t find the right words
to say and the lights were very distracting. Also, spontaneous speaking in
front of a crowd is not my forte. I think, those were the reasons why I was not
able to give the most appropriate answer.
The last and my most
awaited part of the program was the awarding. For me, it seemed to be the
ending of my stress and pressure. Luckily, I had two special awards—the Anak UPMin Choice of Iska and the GabYouthful Choice of Iska. I also had
three minor awards, the Best in Sports Attire, Best in Festival Attire, and
Best in Wear-Your-Course Attire. Though I was not able to have my place in the
top three, I still can’t replace the feeling of being special, given to me by
those who care for me. I cannot thank God enough for the unconditional love and
unending support of my course mates, making me forget my loss. At the end of
the night, I really believed that it is not winning the title that counts, but
how the people around me made me feel very special, despite not reaching their
expectations. Most importantly, my Isko
OB and I did our best.
