Protecting What's Hers

𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧

"Excuse me, makikidaan lang po."

"Excuse po," I said, squeezing myself into dozens of outsiders inside the university. Every u-week, outsiders are allowed to enjoy the events inside but syempre, walang aksidente.

Despite the increased number guards wandering the campus, safety remains a top priority because it is still not secured.

I was clutching my bag habang sinisiksik ang sarili papunta sa auditorium kung saan gaganapin ang world traditional competition ng each department.

We still have a few hours to practice and prepare ourselves both mentally and physically bago sumabak sa kompetisyon na ito.

I let out a heavy sigh ng makalabas ako sa alon ng taong nakaharang sa daanan at dali daling tumakbo paakyat ng hagdan. "Sorry na late." I exclaimed when I pushed the door open in the dressing room kung saan nagsisimula nang mag apply ng make up yung artist sa mga kasama ko.

"It's okay Ms. Alvarez, take a seat para maka prepare ka na." Instructor Woo stated where I nod my head and took the nearest chair.

Lumapit sakin ang babae at nagpakilalang siya raw ang naka assigned na gumawa ng make up ko ngayon.

So we start para makatapos agad ako at maka pag practice pa kahit ilang steps lang ng sayaw.

"My gosh, bagay na bagay sayo," the artist exclaimed as she turned my chair paharap sa Mirror.

When I saw how my face had turned out, I grinned. My face appeared a little more dramatic thanks to the bold, dark red hue and the heavy use of glitter eyeshadow, which goes great with my dress.

"Kompleto na lahat?" Instructor Woo asked as her eyes roamed around the back stage.

"Opo!" One of us replied.

Contrary to the first time Ms. Evans decided to post my name on the piece of paper for individuals who wished to participate, I can't ignore the excitement I feel about this tournament.

But I'm grateful despite the lack of time management knowing na hapon na natatapos yung class ko, may practice pa dito sa competition at may trabaho pa ako sa gabi. Just imagine the fatigue that I'm feeling everytime matapos ko ang araw.

Instructor Woo have us lined up sa likod ng stage kung saan pinapanood namin mag presenta ang iba't ibang department ng mga bansang napili nila.

And guess what, I have never been this nervous in life. Parang bumalik yung ala-ala ko sa unang araw na pagiging ecdysiast ko sa el hiablo.

My stomach is starting to churn, and I'm hoping that the cold perspiration that is streaming down my forehead won't ruin my makeup. The want to throw up is another sign that I'm feeling anxious before the competition.

"You okay?" Frances, one of the dancer asked me from behind in where I nod my head and simply told her yes.

"Kinakabahan lang," she whispered a small goodluck na nagpagaan ng nararamdaman ko kahit kaunti.

Natapos ang isang department at muling nagsipalakpakan ang mga taong nano-nood. The lights dimmed and the host walk in the center to introduce the next department, which is the cahs.

"Just remember to focus on yourselves and not on anyone else. You can do it guys and goodluck!"

"Good luck!" We exclaimed while walking towards our position after tawagin ng host yung aming department.