To Angela Visser, Thanks For Everything

Gratitude.

It was in 1989. I was only less than a year old (assuming that I'm only 18 now) I saw my first ever international beauty pageant on tv.

Location: Cancun, Mexico. The site of 1989 Miss Universe.

Hindi live telecast yun pero I was so excited to watch that show.

Sa buhay ng isang bading, there comes a time when you encounter a certain moment, an adrenaline rush, a triggering event confirming to you the fact,

"Day, bayot jud ka."

For me, that moment was the time our gay ancestors/goddesses stamped a seal in my forehead.

"Certified Gwapa"

Yan ang nakatatak. Charing!

That year, Angela Visser won the crown. The first and still the only Dutch to win the title. Tama ba sisters?

Anywaaaay, that moment in history has made me what I am now. My love for fashion, clothing and everything glittery was sparked during that event. In school I tried so hard to be articulate and witty during recitation thinking that one day I might be on thesame stage competing for a crown.

I did compete in a beauty contest a few times in my life but I never won. Pero ok lang, at least every experience was memorable.

I think I was also inspired to start sketching clothes while watching the vibrant costumes and elegant gowns during that pageant.

My gay life so far has been good. Not perfect like everyone else (maliban na lang kay Taliana Vargas na perfect daw ang life nya). I had my shares of sadness and misfortune too. Discrimination is always there.

But I am thankful pa rin despite those. Hopeful of better things to come.

And it all started sa gabing napanuod ko na kinoronahan si Angela.

Muli, thank you for everything.

Come to think of it, may hawig ako sa kanya noh?

Ang kumontra lalamunin ng lupa. Lol