I’ve always been more of a writer than a speaker.
I vividly recall uttering those words as I introduced myself for the first time during our initial workshop with my fellow candidates for the Miss Silliman pageant.
If there are three things my family and friends all know about me, they are: 1) my undying love for chicken nuggets; 2) my obsession for BTS; and 3) that I’ve always been a shy and introverted girl.
A year ago, I could never have fathomed that in my wildest dreams, I would have the privilege of holding the 77th Miss Silliman title.
When I visited my lola to tell her about the news, I told her, “Sa ka ulawon nako, La, nakadaog rajud ko!,” and that put the biggest smile on her face.
I wanted to speak up, and I knew I had the potential to, but I never would have been able to cultivate that potential if I didn’t break free from the introversion I’ve always been trapped in.
In reality, the common thread of words in writing and speaking unites those two forms of expression seamlessly.
So when the opportunity came to join Miss MedTech, I took it.
Since then, I’ve grown and learned so much, and it took the power of public health, my exposure to speaking from Silliman University and Cittadini School, and the faith from the people who believed in me to mold me into a better person — a leader who strives to inspire with her messages, and create change with her actions.
This transformative platform that Miss Silliman has provided for the past 77 years has empowered me to step beyond my comfort zone, and embrace a new-found confidence. I’ve shed the limitations that confined me, and became ready to embody the saying, Babae ako, hindi babae lang!
The day before coronation night, my initial rehearsal on the stage was plagued by an irrational fear of heights. My heart was beating out of my chest, and I could barely walk properly. But I fervently prayed that I would stay calm. I then told my friends that I was afraid to fall, but they told me not to worry about falling because there were many people willing to catch me. Cheesy as they were, those words truly calmed me down.
Remarkably, I wasn’t nervous at all during the coronation night (the MSC backstage before the final Q&A can attest to that.)
I felt a profound sense of joy and gratitude knowing that regardless of the outcome, I was there to give it my all.
If there’s one more thing about me, it’s my inability to stop rambling on about anything that’s close to my heart. (Un)fortunately, every single individual who played a part in bringing home the Miss Silliman crown is extremely close to mine. So please bear with me because even as a writer, this “thank you” message is one of the longest pieces I’ve ever written.
To the nine lovely candidates I had the honor of getting to know, I’m extremely proud of all of you. To Ate Kara Mari Aljas, Khyla Shane Acab, Kirsty Haniels Panes, Leira Camille Ronato, Ginger Marie Husken, Jasmine Stephanie Tuck, Tyrashelvy Villamil, Ate Kyle Anthonette Delubio, and Ate Neve-Rienne Fuentes, I’m genuinely so humbled to be a part of this batch of strong, equally- competent, yet down-to-earth young women.
As I had said on the day of the pageant, we all bring our own sparkle into the group which is commendable.
We became so close throughout the journey that it’s hard to believe it’s only been a month since we first met. Keep shining and keep slaying, my girls! See you all when duty calls (or when naa napu’y manglibre).
To my handler and trainer Tita Dingdong Ang, you guided me to not only take inspiration from, but to become the modern-day Ibong Adarna. You taught me to live and breathe like Silliman, and I’ll carry that with me throughout my reign. You always gave your hardest push through it all, from my talent to my pasarela. Because of you, I soared higher than I ever have, so thank you for constantly telling me to shine the brightest.
To Tita Aae Rodriguez Aspera and Tita Bianca Serion, my hair & make-up goddesses, thank you for always having faith in me. Since our Miss Medtech days, you saw potential that even I didn’t see for myself. Tita Aae, your hands pushed further than doing mere make-up. You invested effort on every other aspect of my journey. Tita Bianca, everyone commends you for being the best hair artist in the industry, but you are so much more than that. You offered to help me hone my speaking skills and through that, I learned so much. Thank you both for always doing your best, and reminding me to keep doing mine.
Tita Anthony Sinco, you made my vision of the Ibong Adarna come to life! Thank you for spending your time and efforts in my stunning outfits, and truly listening to what I wanted. To Tita Kim of Lüxury Robe and Tingting Delfin, thank you for pulling off my Lady Justice-inspired themed wear. Thank you also to Classy Styles Handmade with Love by Janeth Hui for creating my talent dress with the biggest skirt I’ve seen in my life.
The OG Block 4 Cedrick, Felicity, Eunice, Marisse, Gian, Prestige, Szymon, Jonn Candace, and Reign Gacasan were my constants, my infomedia team, and support system who always lent their ears whenever I needed them. It was nothing short of destiny that we all ended up in the same block. Or rather, that I somehow, by a twist of fate, ended up in yours. I love you with my whole heart, and I’m so blessed to have you with me.
To Cedrick Babor, SU Institute of Clinical Laboratory Sciences governor, I don’t think there’s anything left unsaid after that seven paragraph ‘thank you’ message I sent. But the world needs to know that your tireless efforts since the beginning were what made getting that crown for the Institute possible. You were there for every little thing, and to this day, I still don’t know what I’ve ever done to deserve the amount of support you continuously give. You, of all people, would know how little faith I had in myself, even until the Pageant night, but you continued to remind me that I could, and I did!
To the powerful MedTech family, the idea that I was raising our banner was my main driving force in getting the crown. I’ll never forget that moment right before the announcement of winners when they called each college one by one. As they said the words ‘Institute of Clinical Laboratory Sciences’, hearing those (deafening) screams was the highlight of my night. That crown wasn’t just meant for me, it was meant for all of us! I could not have been happier to represent a college as supportive as ICLS. (P.S. Good news: In the works na daw ang building. Bad news: Di nami kaabot.)
Thank you Kuya Job Paculba for taking the time to read, and give insightful advice for almost every revision I had for my advocacy speech (and there were a lot). Maybe I wouldn’t even have won Best Speaker if it wasn’t for your unending faith in me. Thank you, Ate Perrine Marika Kho for taking the time off from your busy days to reply to my messages whenever I asked for advice. I’m more than honored to be following in your footsteps.
To our Dean Dr. Teddy Cubelo, Sir Leo Teophané Sinco, Kuya Jansen Coronado, and to the faculty and staff of ICLS, thank you for being extremely supportive. From playing a huge part in my advocacy programs to your presence and cheers during the main events, you make me feel so blessed to be a part of this family. To Ma’am Gemma Kitane, you inspired me to explore Public Health like it was my life. It’s your kindness and heart to serve that I wish to emulate because it made me realize what an impact our actions have on other communities. I truly hope we can go back to Gawad Kalinga soon, where this journey of mine started. And Kairos, best of luck on your Mr. Hibalag journey! You deserve it so much.
To our outreach partners from the SU Office of Community Engagement & Service Learning, Sir Novee and Ma’am Ilene, I truly look up to the both of you. Organizing my first outreach was a core memory that taught me what it’s like to be a leader. I hope to extend our impact to more communities, and help change more lives as I aspire to be as selfless and as service-oriented as you.
To Tribu Ordoñez, the Cortes clan, and La Mayangs, I could hear your endless cheers from a mile away. I’m so blessed to be part of a family whose support never fails to leave me in awe. Your wholehearted belief in me, and your support in every shape and form is something I’ll treasure for the rest of my life. From making your own flaglets and pompoms, to chasing the float during the Sillimaniana Parade, I am eternally grateful. I hope to continue bringing honor to you, my amazing family, throughout the year and beyond.
To the superwoman in my life, the epitome of fortitude — my mother Monette Ordoñez — at last, we got that well-deserved massage. I appreciate how you always put my mental health above everything. You give me zero pressure to delve into things I’m not comfortable with, and always make sure that in every single thing I do, it’s all up to me. You took care of the people who have been part of my journey, even more than yourself, making you everyone’s favorite stage mom (murag ga-feeding program najud ka every day, ‘Mi). It shows just how selfless you are, and how you raised me to strive to do the same. You’ve inspired me to just be myself in every endeavor, and not fake a facade for the world to see because the best thing I can offer to the world is my reality.
Thank you also to my Ate Dr. Angel Ordoñez who is so unbelievably proud of me. I know you’re not very fond of posting nor sharing on Facebook but you still made sure to ‘like’ and ‘share’ every photo of mine since the beginning which, to me, is really amusing. But I’m truly grateful. Until now, people call me “Angel” but that’s because you’ve achieved so much that it’s hard to keep up.
Thank you to my Daddy Edwin who always pushed me to strive harder. My family has kept me centered throughout the entire journey, and it was the knowledge that you would’ve been proud of me regardless of what would happen that kept me calm.
Thank you to my Cittadini family, most especially to Charles, Jea, Zbrynna, and Dew who were always there, and somehow so confident in my potential. Your assurance transcended mere words as you helped me with my talent, speech, and overall moral support. I could see you four very clearly from the audience during the coronation night, since you guys were so active (si Charles jud!) From making me laugh with your ‘Ibong Adarna ako, hindi ibon lang’ to your constructive comments on my performances, you empowered me to soar higher.
Don’t think I forgot to mention my dear Manoks, Nicole, Hannah, Lynneth, Adrianne, Perseus, Erika Bea, and Lovely. Your cheering materials were top tier! I can’t believe the effort you put into the coronation night, and want to thank you so much. I hope all eight of us can gather again soon.
Thank you to my talent tech team, Sir Kim Alviola for editing the beautiful graphics, and Sir Dunn Lee for perfectly achieving the technicals. Thank you, tita Louise Villanueva from JCCS for my voice coaching, and reminding me that my voice is powerful enough to move an audience.
To our 76th Miss Silliman, Ate Angelica Faith Generoso, thank you for your constant guidance throughout the entire course of events. Every time I had a question, you were always there to answer, despite your hectic schedule. I feel so blessed to be treading in your footsteps, our queen!
Last but not the least, to the 77th Miss Silliman Committee, a huge THANK YOU! You were able to pull off some of the grandest Miss Silliman events, while being genuine with all of the candidates. To our amazing chairwoman Lara, Rusty, Bree, Marc, Keanu, Ann, Vlad, Ryan, Nica, Angie, Spencer, Francine, congratulations! You’re beautiful, say it back!
Every step I have taken in this path is for the glory of God. The difficult part has just begun, but I stand prepared to champion the values of Silliman University throughout my endeavors as a testament to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Regardless of which direction the compass of life guides me, my heart will always come back to the home I found in the campus beside the sea.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Because of your kindness, this modern-day Ibong Adarna is now ready to fly high.
Alyssa Cortes Ordoñez