One Great Love (COMPLETED)

30: Sign or Silver Lining?

JAY

The night we have all been waiting for has finally come. It's the coronation night of this year's Binibining Pilipinas. I may not be directly involved but my girl has been waiting for this her entire life. From joining small beauty pageants to this prestigious national one has been her dream. Tension may fill our system but excitement tops everything.

It was a formal night. I dressed myself a pair of tuxedo and slacks. Bought everything new including the shoes and groomed myself. Para na rin pala akong kasali sa pageant. After how many years of not appearing in public on a public event, it feels like the first time. The then-hottest male model boyfriend of beauty queen aspirant has arrived. I sense murmurs.

At nagkatotoo nga. Pagkadating ko sa venue, may ilang media na napalingon sa akin. Pati na ang ibang models na manonood ng event. I stood silently as busied myself with my phone. Few minutes later, parents of Catriona arrived. We entered the dome altogether and had our seats taken at the VIP area alongside the parents of other candidates.

Nakapalibot sa buong dome ang supporters ng mga kandidata. Shouting the names of their bet. And on my far right was my love's supporters. Dala nila'y naglalakihang letra ng pangalan ni Catriona pati na ang numero niyang 20 ay may ilaw at lahat sila'y naka-dilaw. Even her parents were clad in yellow. My inner shirt was yellow.

One hour later, the show started. The lights dimmed signaled the fans to uproar. Napapahiyaw na din ako sa excitement. The music started playing as the candidates went out onstage. Sumayaw sila sa tugtugin suot ang pare-pareho nilang costume.

Agad ko ding nakita ang girlfriend kong may malaking ngiti sa labi habang umiindayog. Beautiful was an understatement. She was beyond that.

"Catriona Alyssa Magnayon, 25, Batangas!"

Hindi ko na napigilang mapatayo nang magpakilala siya sa mikropono. Everything was getting wild. Habang tumatagal ang kompetisyon, lalo akong binabalot ng kaba sa katawan. Napalaunan niya halos lahat ng unang special awards. All I do was to cheer for her and take pictures of her.

We were all nervous for the announcement of Top 25. Tahimik akong nagdadasal sa aking silya habang isa-isang binabanggit ang mga numero ng kandidata. Her parents were silent as well.

"Binbini 20! Catriona Magnayon!"

Nakahinga na ako ng maluwag. Prayers works best. I know she'll get a crown tonight. She will.

Swimsuit competition came were she showed her hard-earned body. She consumed most of her time in the gym to have the best physique. She walked fiercely in a yellow two-piece bikini. Marahil madami ang naiinggit sa mga nobyo ng mga kandidata sa pagkakataong ito. I am blessed.

Immediately after was the long gown competition. It was everybody's favorite part of the competition as they get to wear elegantly-made gowns. And almost to the final round before the announcement of the Top 15. Isa din ako sa mga naghihintay sa final look ni Catriona. And she walked out on stage, she owned it.

I was smiling all the time she was walking. That gold dress fit her perfectly. Her hair swept on one side showed her neck and shoulders. Most especially, the patriotic ear cuff. Korona na lamang ang kulang.

"From 25 Binibinis, 15 shall continue doing their pasarela on the way to the crown." The female host started.

"Are you ready, Araneta?" Her counterpart asked and everybody screamed names.

My hands were clasped together nervously rubbing one another. I looked onto Cat's parents who were holding their hands together. And as we hear the name we prayed to hear, my heart jumped.