Masayang ibinahagi ng TV at social media personality na si Awra Briguela na nasungkit niya ang first-runner up sa sinalihang beauty pageant sa University of the East, kung saan siya nag-aaral.
Sa Instagram post ni Awra, buong pagmamalaki niyang sinabing bagama't unang beses niyang lumahok sa isang beaucon, hindi na masama ang titulong nakuha niya. Inamin din niyang noong una ay natakot siya, subalit pinasya pa rin niyang sumali para iparating ang kaniyang adbokasiya sa lahat.
"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," 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," dagdag pa niya.
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Paliwanag pa niya, "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."
"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."
Pinasalamatan ni Awra ang mga nakatulong sa kaniyang journey, simula sa glam team, hanggang sa mga nagbigay ng moral support sa kaniya.
"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," mensahe pa niya para sa sarili.
