Hi, creative minds! It's me again, 
I joined college this year. Before enrollment, I was unsettled because I was still undecided on what course to pursue. Should I continue on the path of my Senior High School track, Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM), and pursue Bachelor of Science in Accountancy? Or should I follow my passion, which I discovered during my ABM studies, which is Psychology Program? I was constantly moving back and forth between these two, struggling to balance practicality and passion.
Even during my Senior High years, I was already being convinced to pursue BSA by the Dean, when we were practicing for a national accounting competition, which was Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA). I was a quiz bowl participant back then, and I was being told to be their Ms. JPIA representative in college, if I will continue. On the other hand, 5 days before the final day of enrollment, I received a message from the Psychology Program inviting me to join their department. They offered me the chance to represent the department in the Buwan ng Wika competition as a look-alike of Gabriela Silang. This unexpected opportunity left me more confused and pressured to make a decision. But, in the end, I choose what my heart says - it is PSYCHOLOGY.
GABRIELA SILANG
image saved from https://acaballz.com/blogs/blog/gabriela-silang-the-ilocano-heroine-who-led-a-revolution
Gabriela Silang was a brave Filipino leader who fought against the Spanish. After her husband, Diego Silang, was killed, she took his place and led the fight for freedom. She was a strong leader, but the Spanish caught her and sadly, she was killed.
The "Bayani Ka-Look-a-Like" competition for Gabriela Silang had three exposures: an introduction, a Declamation speech, and a Q&A session. I was in the middle of a trip to Leyte when I accepted the offer, leaving me with only a week to prepare.
Honestly, it was a whirlwind! I got the script the night I got back home, and I was already exhausted from traveling. Trying to memorize a three-minute speech in just two nights was insane. The next morning, we had to practice the flow of the program, and then we had to rush out to buy fabric for my costume at noon. The practice continued until sun down, and I finally had a chance to really get into the my character's practice. The competition was the next day! Luckily, it started at 1 PM, giving me some time to focus on my character and outline the key points of my answers to the possible questions.
THE FINAL SHOW
Here you can see me being prepared by the officers. I didn't take many pictures because we were all trying to save time. One officer was applying my makeup, another was finishing my hair, and the third was preparing my costume. This moment I witnessed the spirit of teamwork and alliance of the students. Usually, I only see handlers doing so on such competitions.
Then, the final show came. This was my finishing look.
We went through the three parts of the competition: the Introduction, the Declamation Speech, and the Q&A session. It was so funny because when it was time for my speech, I was still chatting with the officers backstage, thinking it wasn't my turn yet. But, unknowingly, the set up was changed. So I ran immediately on stage. Thankfully, I managed to perform my character despite the surprise.
Here are my supportive friends at the back!
Then the awarding came. Gratefully, I received the Best in Costume Award and the title of Bayani Ka-Look-a-Like 2024.
Here is the team behind the program. I got a partner also, by the way, she is Monica, she also delivered a speech and got awarded also. Below is the photo with the Dean.
I ended the day with a happy and light heart. I was thrilled to have brought victory to the department for the first time, and I felt a sense of relief after the pressure and exhaustion of traveling back from Leyte and the short preparation period for it.
VICTORY TREAT
Days after, the department treated us for a job well done. It was a happy ending for the month.
Looking back, I often wonder what path my journey would look if I had chosen Accountancy for practicality instead of Psychology for my passion. What do you think?