Clara Conde - Miss Teen Philippines-Australia 2006
Winning the Miss Teen Philippines-Australia 2006 competition was an experience of a lifetime. Imagine, I made it to the front page of the Gold Coast Sun with featured article on page 5! I even watched myself in The Filipino Channel (TFC) Global several times.
But there is more to it than just glamour, publicity and popularity. The fulfilment in becoming Miss Teen Philippines-Australia comes from the opportunity to create huge social impact as an ambassador of goodwill. I was able to use my ‘title’ as a vehicle to draw awareness and effectively reach out to the needy. Donating my personal cash prize (as I have promised my sponsors) and working towards soliciting more money to increase the amount of donation for the children in the Philippines were more rewarding than I have expected. Every effort was worth it!
My work commenced on 18 January 2007, the following day after we arrived in the Philippines. We visited the ‘Children’s Village’ in Norzagaray, Bulacan where victims of abuse and domestic violence were sheltered and rehabilitated. Since my family had been actively involved in the Youth-for-Christ program of Couples for Christ, our activities were focused at evangelising the children so that we could impart God’s message of love and hope to them. We distributed souvenirs from Australia which included a mini-poster of my mission. Through the watchful eyes of the children, we saw how desolation could be transformed into happiness by sharing God’s love through visiting strangers - us!
A few more days, we visited the Intensive Care Unit of Philippine General Hospital Manila and I donated a humble amount to the family of a baby who I chose myself. The knowledge that my ‘gift’ would lessen the family’s financial burden brought an inner feeling of self-dignity.
When the whole delegation arrived in the Philippines on 25 January 2007, the fun began! We were accorded VIP treatment in Manila and Cavite yet five-star reception in Iloilo City. Upon our arrival at the airport, there hanged a big streamer with our names on it and we were welcomed by the Department of Tourism with native garland shells. We joined the Kasadyahan Festival parade on a float and witnessed the famous Dinagyang Festival. We had our short moments of fame through television exposures and interviews. We also had an opportunity to meet the leaders in education and politics. Evan handed over his donations for the cause that he had chosen, and we were there to witness and support him. During the International Night, I sang my winning piece ‘Isang Lahi’ with my sisters interpreting the song for international delegates… All those times, I really felt like a beauty queen!
After a very hectic schedule it was time to unwind.
Next stop - Boracay! I’ver been there before but it was always awesome to be back. There were lots of pearls and charms, foods and drinks, tourists and masseurs and shops….and shops!
A few more days and we went back to Manila. We made a courtesy call to Gawad Kalinga who received half of my personal winnings for the educational scholarship of a child. Although nothing momentous occurred, I knew that my donation was safe in good hands. In fact, I plan to participate in other Gawad Kalinga projects in future for the sake of families who have lost their human dignity from severe poverty or natural catastrophe.
I left the Philippines with an imprint of bountiful memories. I know that I will not be the same person from the past and my humble beginnings will not end with just memories. No matter how far I go, I will not forget that I owe my achievements to my parents and sisters, my grandmother, all my relatives (especially my aunt), my friends and my sponsors who believed in advocating a good cause. Most of all, I will forever be grateful to my Lord.