Shine Bright, Love.

Chapter 3

Forms are collected by the organizers and told us to wait while they were arranging things for the audition. Kanina pa rito lingon nang lingon si P'Arm and its so uncomfortable. Pansin ko ang mga tingin ng narito sa loob at ang iba ay umiirap pa kapag nginingitian ako nito.

I just wished people would appreciate me today not only because I know Jelly and the judges but because of my personality.

"Sawadee kha. I'm Namtam Tipnaree, 21. Film and Theater Arts student."

Halos mangatog ako sa kaba dahil sa mga matang nakatitig ngayong ako na ang nasa stage para magpakilala.

Audition is just modelling in front of the audience. You don't need to do anything, just walk and stand gracefully. After that, they will give you a heads up kung nakapasok ka sa next round which is a one-on-one interview with the judges.

After my introduction, I started walking and smiling gracefully. I made sure that I looked confident with my chin up. They also asked me to turn around and just stand still so they can check my posture.

It felt uncomfortable knowing that everybody is checking out you body. I felt naked for some reason lalo na nang nagtama ang paningin namin ni P'Tay.

He's known for his bubbly personality, always smiling and approachable. But he looked different today. He's looking at me intently while playing with his pen.

"Thank you so much, Ms. Namtan. Next please!"

I did a wai and smiled. Nakita kong nakaabang sa akin si Jelly sa pagbaba ko at inabutan ako ng bottled water.

"You did well! Gosh I'm so excited to have you sa team!"

Binigyan ko siya ng awkward na ngiti bago sumagot. "Thank you but it's early to say that. I don't want other girls to give a wrong interpretation of our interactions. Dagdag pa si P'Arm."

"Nako darling! Let them, wala rin naman magbabago. You still shine the brightest and stand out sa crowd!"

Organizers are now announcing the qualifiers for the last round. Maraming nalagas at umiiyak na lumabas ng auditorium. I, on the other hand had been selected. Siguro ay nasa bente na lang kaming babae na natira rito.

Pinalabas kaming lahat na qualifiers at sinabing mag-intay kung kelan kami tatawagin para sa interview.

"Hi Nong, I'm Jennie. Just be yourself. This is just an interview and question and answer about you. No pressure." Said the other judge na katabi ni P'Arm and P'Tay.

"So Namtan, what do you usually do kapag may free time ka?"

"Nothing much. Sa bahay lang po nag-aaral but sometimes I go out with my friends lalo na kapag stressful days."

Tumango-tango ang tatlong judge. "So it means kapag may time ka rin sa trainings? Kung sakaling matanggap ka? I mean, some cheerleaders make fuse about them being exhausted and tired sa over trainings."