Crossing Faith

Prologue

"Good afternoon to our new Miss Universe Philippines Iana Magbanua" I heard a loud shout and clap on the outside. I'm here at Toni Talk.

They invited me last week to be one of their guests, and fortunately, my schedule is not tight.

I couldn't turn down Ate Toni's invitation, especially since she's a dear friend of mine.

Papasok na pagpasok ko bumeso ka agad ako kay Ate Ton.

"Good afternoon Ate Ton" I said.

"How are you feeling today Iana, being here on the show after your incredible journey in the pageant world?" Ate Toni asked.

I smiled at her genuinely and answer.

"I feel honored and excited to be here Ate Ton, it's been an amazing experience for me and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share it with you today." I look around and there's a lot of people holding their cameras while taking a picture of me.

It's not new to me, though, I've always been followed by different people since I joined bigger competitions in pageantry.

I won Miss Universe Philippines 2030 and I am very grateful for everything that God's entrusting me.

From a little dreamer before to a empowered women today. I am super happy.

"Thank you as well for accepting our request Iana, you know what guys Iana is a dear friend of mine" Ate Toni said with a genuine smile.

"You're always welcome Ate" I replied.

Ate Toni asked me different questions about my journey, struggles and hardship in personal life and in pageantry life.

I answer everything with honesty. As a Christian joining pageantry, everything is really  tough to navigate. Especially you'll encounter plenty of criticism, but you'll also receive positive feedback.

You just have to look on the positive side.

But then, as our interview went on, Ate Toni asked about my love life. We had been informed earlier about these but I think I will never be ready.

"Have there been moments where your faith has challenged your decisions or choices in terms of your love life?" Ate Toni asked curiously.

I took a deep breath and smiled. I have been avoiding these questions before, but I will answer them now.

"Actually, Ate Ton, I've only had one boyfriend in my entire life, and he is my first and greatest love." I paused, trying to remember that person.

"He played a significant role in my life, especially in my relationship with God," I continued.

"Our love was actually like a forbidden love." I glanced at Ate Ton and saw her nod, encouraging me to continue.

"I was only 18 and he was 24 at the time. But I knew that my feelings for him were genuine," I explained.

"How did it challenge your faith?" Ate Ton followed up.

"I remember a moment when I asked God to take him away if he wasn't meant to be my husband," I said. "But if he was, I prayed that God would teach him how to wait for me, because I had just graduated from Senior High School and my family and church leaders weren't in favor of our relationship on what we have at that time."

I feel like those memories happen yesterday, it's really still fresh huh.

"If that person is listening now, watching, what would you say?" Ate Ton asked.

"Hmm... I think I would ask him. And my question would be, did you achieve all your dreams? Are you happy with where you are now?" I said, nodding. "I think that will be my question, Ate Ton." I smiled at her.