Miss JBLFMU: Behind the Flamboyance and Allure

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?”—Beauty, being one of the foremost parameters of self-worth should not be limited and should be more inclusive for a happy and healthy society. Beauty pageant became a platform for empowered women who have a vision of making themselves stronger and better, and empower other women to do the same, and come together as one. In spite of how society labeled women as timid and weak they showed that they are more than just their assigned sex, they got the power to take a first step to aspire who they want to be.

With the theme, Stunning Ladies with Dreams became Women with Vision, John B Lacson Foundation Maritime University- Molo held it’s Foundation Day (date) wherein the search for Mr. and Ms. JBLFMU is the highlight of the said event. In line with this, Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management once again proved to be recognized Not just by their presence but rather than their exquisite beauty and wit that made them wore the crown throughout the years.

According to the reigning Miss JBLFMU Abegael Cedeño Donzal, A BSTM 3-B student, her biggest Senior High School dream of joining the said pageant turned into reality. In fact, encouragement from her friends and family who believes in her became a motivation and inspiration during the competition. The life lessons she gained throughout her reign as Miss JBLFMU in this new normal pageant was a new experience for her. This molded her to be a strong independent woman who believes in her capabilities more than anything else. Undergoing swab test for the first time was the most agitating and unforgettable moment during her pageant journey. Challenges are inevitable, people around you would always have something to say, never one to back-down, she faced her critics head-on with a new found confidence and take those as a motivation to be a better individual with the help of her strong support system on her side—the Almighty God.

Donzal also used her spotlight to advocate tirelessly and post on her social media to be productive, to take good care of ourselves, eat healthy foods and exercise at home even if everyone are experiencing school from home at the present.

I want to share this beautiful quote from Dr. Will Cole “Taking care of yourself is an essential part of taking care of others. The healthier the tree, the better fruit it can offer.” Let’s take care of ourselves everyday especially this time of pandemic. Let us all be strong physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Let’s wake up with gratefulness and kindness in our hearts. There is nothing we can’t do if we all believe in ourselves with the help of our God. Kung kaya ko kaya mo man. God bless us all!”, a message she left for her fellow Lacsonians and BSTM family.

Along side, three other candidates shared their sentiments on their Miss JBLFMU journey. In particular, Miss JBLFMU 1st runner up, Sharamie Apuli Solocio, A BSTM 2-B student, felt delighted and humbled to represent her unit. She may not have won the crown but it was still an amazing journey for her.

"It is the bond and exciting moments that we, team Molo and my co-candidates have shared together. We are not only up for a competition but we gathered experiences and learnings from one another. We build friendship, and we enjoyed the moment together.”, the latter said.

In addition, the life lessons she gained throughout her Miss JBLFMU taught her that the greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time she fall. “I did do my best and I guess that was enough to look forward, to move forward for another chapter to be faced”, she added.

On the other hand, Miss JBLFMU 2nd runner up, Ma. Jillian Dear Soniso, A BSTM 3- B student, was pretty overwhelmed and still on cloud nine after the pageant. Reality never sunk into her immediately, but let out a sigh of relief when: she realized all her efforts finally paid off.

“I had so many sleepless nights, it really tested my limits, time and stability as a person. But overall, the experience of making friends and building camaraderie among my fellow candidates in such a short time was definitely the experience I will never forget. To all Lacsonians, we should never stop chasing our dreams and following our intuitions. And to my BSTM Family, I will forever be grateful for the opportunity and for molding me into becoming the person I am and I was. Both are the reasons why I’m so proud to be a part of this University. I will always be humbled by the support that was given to me”, Soniso said.

Lastly, the former Miss JBLFMU Marj Retsel G. Timbas, A BSTM 3- A student, was happy and truly grateful for the kind of opportunity given to her. This beauty pageant had taught her to never give up in life despite of all the hardships and challenges that she would encounter. She also kept in mind to stay grounded and always look back to where you came from.

"Hardships often prepares an ordinary person into an extraordinary destiny”, this means that in life we may fall and lose many times but in the end there will be a light of success waiting for us. It is all about believing in ourselves that we can and we will”, she positively said.

Certainly, crowns aren’t made up of brilliant ornaments. They are made of grit, conviction, willpower and a hard to find compound called bravery. As what the reigning Miss JBLFMU Abegael Cedeño Donzal believes “Beauty is nothing without a good education and kind heart”, this goes beyond looks and instead encourages growth in confidence, strong positive personality and empowerment through discipline. "Hardships often prepares an ordinary person to an extraordinary destiny."