Serenade of Fate

Prologue

Prologue

"Shaquiera Chyna Barcenas, 25, from the city of Taguig!” I shouted, my voice echoing through the hall as I stood proudly before the stage lights, a wide smile appeared on my face. The crowd erupted into applause, their cheers fueling my confidence as I prepared to showcase my elegance and grace.

I walk across the stage in my parasela, each step I am creating brings me motivation as I recall my preparation for this international pageant.

I can remember way back in college when I was so scared of the crowd and the spotlight, but I took the risk. I faced my biggest challenge. And I didn’t expect that my fear would become my passion.

Before, I’m afraid of spotlights and the eyes of the people looking at me. But one thing I have realized is… I shouldn’t care for their opinions and judgements because that could only affect my mind.

Siguro kung may isang bagay man akong natutunan makalipas ang ilang taon, iyon ay ang… huwag matakot sumugal.

Whether you win or lose, take a risk when you think it is the right thing to do. And when you win, it’s a good thing. But when you lose, what is more important is that I fought hard.

As I reached the end of the runway, I looked at the audience while smiling. I also looked one by one at the judgest and gave them a wink.

But I noticed that one seat is still vacant. Siguro ay wala pa iyong isang judge. Grabe naman. How could they judge is if she/he is late? Mabuti na lang at introduction pa lang naman ng mga candidates.

When we get back at the back stage, we immediately praised each other. One good thing about joining a pageant is that I am able to gain many friends. And I’m glad that we are treating each other us a friend, unlike sa iba na rivals ang tingin sa isa’t isa.

“Sino kaya ‘yong isang judge na hindi pa nadating? Curious na ako, ah!” sabi ni Juliana, one of my co-candidate.

Nagkibit balikat ako. “Sana lang ay hindi bias ang pagju-judge niya,”

“That’s what I’m thinking! Sana ay mamaya, nandoon na siya!”

“Speaking of, guys! Nand’yan na raw ‘yong judge!” sabi ni Rae na kapapasok lang sa back stage.

Agad na napa-ayos ang lahat. Sunod na ang swimsuit competition kaya agad kaming naghanda at nagbihis. Habang naghahanda ay rinig ko ang mga boses na kinikilig mula sa co-candidates ko.

“Ang gwapo no’ng isang judge na kadarating lang! Okay lang pala na late siya, gwapo naman, e!” hagikgikan nila.

Napakunot ang noo ko. Normal naman na sa akin na maka-encounter ng mga gwapong judge. It doesn’t affect me at all. Besides, mas nakaka-gana ngang galingan knowing na may gwapong nanonood at jinujudge ka.

“Mukhang bata pa! Kasing edad lang natin? Pilot daw ‘yon! Shet, mukhang iba na ang dream kong sakyan!” tumawa sila.

“Ano bang dream mong sakyan?” tanong ko kay Juliana.

“Dati, eroplano, pero ngayon… mukhang yung piloto na…”

Agad kong binato sa kanya ang sash na para sa kanya.

“Malandi kang bata ka!”

Ganoon lagi ang ganap sa backstage, tawanan at harutan. Wala kaming dull moments dahil close na talaga kami sa isa’t isa, which is really good since this is a big competition.

Start na ng swimsuit competition. Candidate number 3 ako kaya agad akong sumunod nang tawagin ang pangalan ko.

I slowly walk to the stage. I flip my hair and turn around slowly. As I’m stepping my steps, my gaze immediately went to one of the judges in front of me.