Nang tinawag na kaming mga kandidata pabalik sa stage grabe na ang kaba na nararamdaman ko. Sana makapasok ako sa Top 3. Kahit hindi ko makuha yung title basta may mauwing cash prize para kay Tita Amy.
"Our first candidate to enter Top 3 is no other than......Fourth year section.....4! Astra Coleen Andrada."
OH MY GOD!
I made it to the Top 3! Sure win na sa cash prize!
Agad akong nag punta sa unahan ng stage halos mangatog pa ang mga tuhod ko, buti na lang at naka rampa pa ko ng maayos.
Tinignan ko ang reaksyon ng mga magulang ko at nila Kuya sobrang saya nila. Kahit sila Tita ay nagtatalon na sa tuwa. Sa pwesto naman ng mga kumag halos mag wala na talaga sila sa sobrang saya.
"Congratulations because you are part of the Top 3..... Third year section 1, Melanie Tomas."
"And you have the last spot for the Top 3..... Fourth year section 2, Ava Mendrez. "
We exchange congratulatory greeting to each others.
"Ladies please take the center stage. The three of you will answer the same question. Each of you will be given 2 minutes to answer. When you hear the buzzer sound it means your 2 minutes is up."
Matapos ipaliwanag samin ang instruction may lumapit na sa likod nila Melanie at Ava para suotan sila ng headphones. Since same question nga ang sasagutin naming tatlo hindi nila pwede marinig agad kung ano ang tanong.
"Please step forward Fourth year section 4, Astra Coleen Andrada." ani Mr. Martin.
"What is the easiest answer on the hardest question?"
"For me the easiest answer to the hardest question is silence, because silence is a statement itself. It can mean that you agree or disagree or simply thinking of the right words that can best represent what is in your mind. It is also a safe way to stop yourself from saying random words that you will regret later on. Silence is the easiest answer it may not be the best but it is a safe answer that can help you grow and learn. Thank you."
"It seems we have crowd's favorite here." Ms. Jhen smiled at me.
Malakas kasi ang naging sigawan sa auditorium pagtapos ko sumagot.
"Not just the crowd, partner. She's also their President's favorite. I guess." Mr. Martin.
"Naka burda na sa noo ni boss pangalan ni President." Malakas na sigaw ni MM.
Ayan ayos yan, mang asar kayo ngayon kung kailan dapat kagalang galang ang postura ko.
Nakita ko pa ang pag lingon ni Papa at Dad sa pwesto ng kaklase ko. Mukhang kailangan ko mag paliwanag pag tapos nito. Nakita ko din na tinutulak tulak ng kambal si Cloud na ngayon ay may ngisi sa labi.
I just smiled at them, alangan naman kasi magpapa padyak ako dito sa kilig.
"It's the moment of truth. Ladies please take the center stage again."
"Three amazing and beautiful ladies but only one will win the crown. Without further ado..... Our second runner up is......"
I'm smiling now without nervousness. Kung kanina kinakabahan ako ngayon hindi na. No matter what placement I'm already happy and I know I made my section and my parents proud already.
"Fourth year section 2, Ava Mendrez!"
Magka hawak kamay na kami ni Melanie, exchanging congratulations to each other.
"The first name I call is our Ms. St. Agnes 202* so listen carefully everyone."
"Our Ms. St. Agnes 202* is no other than...
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Fourth year section 4! Astra Coleen Andrada!"
