THE PIA WURTZBACH MOMENT (By: Maria Nimfa Landero)

 Joining an eco-fashion event at school was an experience that left me both embarrassed and enlightened. It all began when our 7th grade teachers announced plans to hold a fashion show featuring recycled materials to raise awareness of sustainability. This fashion show that we had is compulsory for all 7th grade students in our school, so I eagerly joined the fashion show because of the idea of supporting and wanting the cause.

 I was having trouble thinking of unique attire as the event got closer. With limited resources and even more limited sewing skills, I made the decision to upcycle an ecobag and recycled plastic into a makeshift outfit despite having very little money and even less sewing experience. My goals were noble, but the way I carried them out was not what I intended. I became really nervous the day of the fashion show as I saw my classmates confidently walk down the makeshift runway wearing exquisitely tailored outfits. When it was my turn, I hesitantly made my way onto the stage, listening carefully to the sound my green bag and recycled plastic clothing made. I was really anxious as I went down the runway since everyone was staring at me. I could feel my cheeks flushing with embarrassment as I realized the doubt about the dress that I wore. With each step I took, I prayed that my dress wouldn't come undone or, worse, fall apart completely.

 When the awarding ceremony got started, I felt very intense because I thought I did not give the best that I could during the runway. As the emcee started to call the minor awards and give the rewards, I felt a lot of pressure on myself. By the time the emcee continued to announce the award, I had hoped that I could be awarded as the best in costume, despite the doubt I felt about my makeshift dress.

 When the time came when the emcee announced the best costume, I felt hopeful that I could win those awards because the audience kept cheering on me. “And now, for the moment you’ve all been waiting for, the award for the best costume! The winner is… pageant number 29!” the emcee announced. As the audience keeps cheering on me, I step forward so that I could receive the said award, but.. “Ah, actually, my apologies, it’s pageant number 29 not 39,” said the emcee. Mistakenly, that was not me to be rewarded, and that person to be rewarded was my other classmate who has the same rhyme number as mine which is 39. I felt much embarrassed because the audience eyes are all on me and they stop cheering, but despite those moments, I remained composed and did not act weird in front of the people. After that embarrassing moment, the winner approached me.

“Hi Mar, that’s okay. You also received recognition, and your dress is very nice and unique as well,” the winner said. 

“Thank you so much, Jey. Yours is also nice and artistic,” I answered. 

“Thank you too, Mar. But hey, don’t worry too much about the award, okay? We are all winners because we all gave our best,” the winner continued. 

“You’re right, Jey. What’s important is that we experienced it and learned from it. Thank you for the pep talk,” I responded.

“Anytime, Mar., I got your back!” the winner ended the conversation. 

 In the end, the experience left me with a fresh understanding of the bravery required to push for change and venture beyond one’s comfort zone—even when doing so can be embarrassing. Even though I shudder when I think back on my award-winning performances, I’m honored to have contributed to something greater than myself.