Subli Film Festival is one of the requirements of our Media, Information, and Literacy subject. It encourages us to apply the lessons taught to us about communication and film making.

I volunteered to be a team leader (which automatically made me a director) so as I can choose the people I can work with. The people I chose weren’t necessarily from my main group of friends. Potential and personality were the main things I looked for while choosing my members. I wanted our team to step out and showcase what we can do. And guess what? We did it well!

Our film entitled “Camouflage” revolved around a guy who is quiet and a failing high school student. Our team chose the university chapel as the first setting of the film to somehow foretell that there is much more than the failures the main actor is dealing with. Subsequent to the failures of the lead, he starts noticing the untold struggles of the students around him. It was something that is often overlooked, but if given the right attention, is actually observable. He noticed these students were fighting alongside God and were thriving despite their struggles. This in return gave him hope and made him realize that through God, failures will pass but the lessons it brought won’t.

Our team wanted to emphasize that every action matters because it affects numerous people even in the smallest ways. It encourages the youth to be thoughtful, considerate, and responsible for their actions as all of us have our own battles to fight.

I am proud to say that we were able to give justice to the theme we wanted to portray. The film turned out better than we expected it to be, and that is all in credit to our team specially to our Media, Information, and Literacy (MIL) teacher.

The Solemnity of Our Lady of the Assumption (SOLA) 2019 – Spoken Poetry is one of the remarkable competitions I joined in our university. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take pictures (cellphones weren’t allowed during the competition proper).

The topic coverage was in Kapampangan but it was about Mama Mary’s love for Jesus and the Church. Apart from the competition itself, it was an opportunity to reflect. It was an on the spot writing competition so in order for me to formulate the right words, I had to step back and take the time to give thought to it. After passing the piece I wrote, we were asked to perform it live at the university chapel.

It was the first time I represented the Senior High School department. Though I didn’t win, it was a great experience because I got the chance to make friends with college students from different departments.

“Ignite the Burning Passion, Hold the Torch Up High and Integrate Wholeness through Leadership Training and Development of Skills.”

In Ignis is a leadership training hosted by the Supreme Student Council (SSC) of senior high school. It’s an overnight event wherein grade 11 and 12 students are grouped for competition purposes. The university’s hotel accommodated the students for 2 days and 1 night.

Activities ranged from seminars, yells, flag making, and physical games. In terms of the social aspect, people were welcoming but I didn’t make that much connections and friends as I was still adjusting to the environment I transferred to (this event took place before I auditioned for Lakambini 2019). Over all, this happening was a great starting point. It taught me how to go outside of my comfort zone. Indeed, growth is uncomfortable but is always worth it at the end.

“Growth is uncomfortable because you’ve never been here before—you’ve never been this version of you. So give yourself a little grace and breathe through it.” – Kristin Lohr

GOWN DESIGNER: Carl John Miranda
MAKE UP ARTIST: Aljon Ocampo
HANDLERS: Ian Torno & John Paul Turla

My first major experience in Senior High School was participating in the Lakan at Lakambini for Buwan ng Wika 2019. More than the competition itself, it felt greater to represent the different clothing inspired by the regions in the Philippines. I didn’t win the competition but it felt as if I did, as I am representing something bigger than myself.

Before I got the role of representing the Blue Team, I didn’t really wanted to participate in this event. Or maybe I wanted to, but I just didn’t have the courage to admit it that time. Other people were encouraging me to join, so I took the time to think about what I really want. It was in the last minute of the audition that I decided to sign up for myself. I knew I had to take the chance. Whatever the result may be, at least I gave it a shot.

We were 6 or 7 candidates during the first screening. The judges gave us time to take turns in walking and introducing ourselves. I didn’t know how well I did, but I know that I enjoyed it as I was laughing and just being myself when it was my turn. I kind of regretted it because I could have done better. Anyway, I just told myself that this is a competition of one’s self and not of others. Regardless of how well I did, the important thing was I was there and I conquered my fear of being seen.

Results were announced and fortunately, I was top 3. The rank of the results didn’t really matter to me at that time. I was just happy that I got in.

They required us to wear pageant heels for the second screening. For starters, I didn’t really have much experience in walking gracefully while wearing heels that is pretty much 6 inches. This brought my mind back to the days when I was competing for different titles.

Ms. Career Week 2018

Handler: John Paul Turla

Ms. SMACP 2019

Handler: John Paul Turla

With the feedback I got from my handler, I was anxious for the second screening. I did my best to practice my walk at home. Luckily, I was able to improve it and overcome my anxiety before I went to take my turn. Overcoming it required the desire to really succeed, and that is where my confidence came from. I was able to show the judges who I really am just by walking. That alone was enough for me.

Results were announced and your girl got it!

GOOD NEWS: Since then, my walk improved. I was able to learn how to walk with my foot heel first. It turned out great. People were commending me for walking naturally, but showcasing my confidence and my personality at the same time.

“Practice creates confidence. Confidence empowers you.”
– Simone Biles

As some of you know, I grew up in Saudi Arabia. It has only been awhile since my family and I moved back here in the Philippines. It’s sad to say but I had a hard time adjusting in my own country. The living standard, people, as well as their beliefs were different. It took me some time before I was able to adopt with my peers.

The two pictures attached above were the first pictures my friend took during the first quarter of the first semester of senior high school. If I would go back in time and be able to tell my past self the things that I should have known, I would… and those would be:

1. Don’t fight your battles alone. Fight with God.
2. Let go of the things that don’t make you happy. According to an unknown author, if it costs you your peace, it’s too expensive.
3. Accept the things you cannot control and focus on the things that you can.
4. It’s okay not to be okay. It will pass.
5. Practice solitude. It has its way of making you realize things.
6. Trust time and process. Don’t think of questions you can’t answer right away. Life has its way of unfolding truth and opportunities.
7. Don’t always do your best. Do what is only necessary. Allocate your energy to the things you most prioritize. Choose your battles.
8. An organize and disciplined life requires repetition to attain success.
9. Learning is a continuous process. Don’t be afraid to admit the things you don’t know.
10. When socializing with different kinds of people, don’t forget your values as a person. Hold on to them and don’t lose yourself as you continue your journey.
11. Train your mind to be stronger than your emotions. Student life has its ways on flipping you up and down. Bend, but don’t break.
12. Winning is not everything. Losing opens doors to improvement. Improvement leads to opportunities.
13. Make your boundaries visible to other people. Learn to say no if you must.
14. People will push you to your limits. Regardless of the hurtful words, always choose to be kind.
15. Utilize every setback you encounter to prepare for a big comeback.
16. Take a stand.

“Be a free thinker and don’t accept everything you hear as truth. Be critical and evaluate what you believe in.” – Aristotle

“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” – Aristotle

These were the things I should’ve known before diving into the depths of senior high school. No one told me about these, so I’m here telling them all to you.

Alpas, beloved!