Walang pagsidlan ang kagalakan ng comedienne at content creator na si Awra Briguela matapos magwaging first runner-up sa kauna-unahang beauty pageant na kanyang sinalihan.
Ito ay ang Hiyas ng Silangan 2025 sa University of the East, kung saan siya nag-aaral.
Hindi man daw nakuha ni Awra ang korona, tagumpay pa ring maituturing ang first runner-up finish niya.
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Bahagi ng kanyang Instagram post (published as is): "1st runner up for a first timer not bad at all. I couldn’t be prouder of myself, knowing I only had three days to prepare for this pageant.
"Honestly, I was scared at first. I had zero experience in pageantry, but I still chose to join because I wanted my advocacy to be heard, loud and clear, straight from me."
Marami raw pinagdaanang pagsubok si Awra, kabilang na rito ang panlalait at pambu-bully umano sa kanya.
Sa halip na magpatalo ay ginawa niya itong adbokasiya upang labanan ang bullying.
Aniya: "I’ve been judged. I’ve been bullied. Yet here I am standing stronger, prouder, and louder.
"I am living proof that no amount of bullying can silence a brave heart. My advocacy is to stop bullying, both online and offline, because every person deserves to be respected, accepted, and loved.
"Let’s use our voices not to hurt, but to heal. Together, we can build a world where kindness wins.
"I know what it feels like to be silenced that’s why I now speak for those who can’t. Silencing the bullies starts with speaking up for yourself. I’m not here to fight with words, I’m here to let my story silence every bully who once doubted me."
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AWRA BRIGUELA: SO CLOSE YET SO FAR TO THE CROWN
Inamin ni Awra na noong una ay nahirapan siyang tanggaping muntik na niyang makuha ang korona, pero napagtanto raw niya ang tunay na dahilan ng kanyang pagsali sa pageant.
Saad niya: "At first, it was hard to accept the result being so close to the crown. But then I realized my true purpose in joining this pageant.
"I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason and if it’s meant for me, it will be.
"Now that it’s finally sinking in, I can proudly say, I did that. In just three days of preparation, I made it happen and I couldn’t have done it without my amazing team."
Kasunod na pinasalamatan ni Awra ang kanyang glam team at mga taong umalalay sa kanya.
Sa huli, may mensahe rin siya sa kanyang sarili.
"And finally, to myself I just want to say, I am so, so proud of you. You are strong, talented, and brave.
"Please stop doubting yourself, because you were born to win. You are unique, beautiful, and smart and you deserve every bit of love and light coming your way."
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