My MBA classmate remarked, "Gail, you join pageants, I love your confidence. I'd rather get a gunshot than join one." Of course, she was just kidding, but to that I replied...
"I'm shy and reserved too, as hard as that is to believe right now." My elementary teacher said on my report card "She needs to talk more." Through my pageants, I have learned how to bypass these tendencies.
It was through beauty pageants that I learned, little by little, how to gain confidence. That even if the odds were stacked against you, with the right strategy, you might just end up winning.
People have different opinions about beauty pageants. Most event organizers would include a pageant in the program as a form of entertainment. Some say that it's ironic how pageants pit one woman against another and some say that they're just for show. Some would regard it as their life's work - dedicating most of their time in perfecting and crafting the pageant image. Where do I lie in that spectrum, you ask?
I see pageants as doors that will lead me to opportunities.
My pageant career started in 2013 when I was chosen to represent my department in the campus-wide search for the Mr. and Ms. TC. What got me there, I swear, I still don't know. But it was hugely because of the decision of our Council President then. It was my first experience and truth be told, I don't even feel that I was worthy of the title. My competitors were models, have the most perfect skin, hair and teeth while I, I had a sharp mind. That was my greatest asset then which turned out to be beneficial for me. Everything that I lacked in face, height and body, I will make up for it in the quality of my thoughts. And just like that, I won Ms. TC 2013.
Winning tip #1: Know the criteria by heart
My brother in the organization told me that I won because of the dress. I almost didn't get this one since this was reserved to another candidate. Luckily, it didn't fit her, so it was given to me. One of the roadblocks that I had to get over with was the fact that the pageant organizers had their favorites. I don't blame them though, their favorite was the best candidate among the bunch. She got the most number of minor awards and they even thought that she would be crowned the winner. What I did was asked for guidance from the previous candidates and they told me that I had to make sure that I aced my interview and the Q&A portion. I studied the criteria, and they were right! The most weight was given to the Q&A portion.
I also had to battle through my insecurities and social awkwardness. I always compared myself to the other candidates and they had the most darling personalities ever. I shifted my focus from myself to my goal - I would get so many opportunities out of this. True enough, I gained new acquaintances, I got over my stage fright and my strategy worked!
After college at around the year 2019, the pageantry contests spring out of nowhere and it was only me who rose up to the challenge to join. This was during my second year in the company, a sportsfest was to be held processing-zone wide. I was to represent my company, along with my partner. This time, the brains will be out of the equation since the criteria focuses on the athleticism of the candidate. Thankfully, at that time I was into pole dancing and rightfully so, I featured that as my sport. I won first runner-up in that competition.
Winning tip #2: Find a way to stand out
The rest of the candidates had boxing, car racing, beach volleyball and swimming as their sports. I wanted to be different. With the help of my pole sisters and mommies, we were able to pull it off. Logistics was a challenge! My company was very supportive as they assigned some of my colleagues to put the lollipole in place.
One of the most memorable parts of every pageant would be the pride and support that your team shows. Joining a pageant is exhausting and afterwards you just want to sleep. Knowing that you gave it your all and having your supportive team to cheer you on backstage, it makes all the effort worth it.
My third pageant was still representing my company, but this time it was against all the American Companies in Cebu. It was hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce. The question and answer portion was also where I could draw my strength from. For this pageant I also had a partner and we were to prepare our talent number. We practiced aerial arts and presented lollipole doubles. Our efforts paid off as we won the titles Mr. and Ms. AMCHAM 2019.
Winning tip #3: Preparation is key
We did a lollipole number and my partner and I had great cooperation. We made sure to attend practice every after shift and we sacrificed going home at 11:00 pm. We wouldn't want to let our company down especially when they've invested in us :) This was also the first time that we got featured in a local newspaper because of this feat.
My fourth pageant was representing the Visayas Chemical Engineering community. It was my first pageant outside of Cebu. There was one challenging aspect of that pageant that I haven't encountered before. My strength was also the strength of the other candidates as they came from the same educational background as I did. So, I had to think of another way to stand out - the talent portion. With the help of my team, I was able to go home with the title Ms. ChE Ambassadress and Best in Talent for that pageant.
Winning tip #4: Do not underestimate your competition
I knew that my competitors were equally well-spoken. I remembered how nervous I was at the thought of being questioned with a highly-technical query so I had to ask for help. I consulted a PhD student and a sales veteran from my team about the possible questions that I'd get asked. They happily sent me articles that would aid my thought process in answering the questions. Believe it or not, I was able to use one of the learnings that I got from an article that they gave me.
Winning tip #5: Don't forget to have fun and make friends
I'm an introvert. So through my pageants, I'm able to form new connections. I'm grateful to have met people that I know I wouldn't have the chance to meet if I didn't have the nerves to join pageants in the first place.
It's heartwarming to celebrate afterwards with the people that were cheering on for you since Day 1. Thank you so much for supporting my ambisyosa stints! Wouldn't do half as good a job if it weren't for all of you.
She is on a mission to become better than who she was yesterday. A chemical engineer and a financial advisor, she hopes to give value to this space as a motivated individual. She found the perfect marriage of what she wants to do in life and her mission in financial advising. She balances her work and life at the comforts of her home. She loves to meet like-minded people and liver her life to the fullest. Watch this space for tales of self-improvement and self-acceptance, per Mark Manson, "the philosophical tightrope."
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