21/08/2025
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๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ || ๐ฉ๐ถ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฎ ๐ฉ๐ผ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ: ๐๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ก๐ฒ๐ฏโ๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ
The crown on Kellyโs head and the sash on Nebโs shoulder are symbols of honor and triumph, but behind those titles lies something deeperโtheir silent sacrifices, their unwavering faith, and the countless lessons that brought them to this stage. Between the lights, the real spotlight of this event was their self-realization on this journey.
On the night of August 20, the stage of Minglanilla Sports Complex lit up for the much-anticipated Mr. and Ms. High School 2025. For Kelly, who was hailed as Ms. High School, it was the realization of a dream she once whispered when she was younger. For Neb, who was crowned 1st Runner-up for Mr. High School, it was evident that strength lies not in the title one holds but in the journey that shaped them. That night, in everyoneโs smile, their true purpose became clear: to aspire, to perspire, and ultimately, to inspire.
Kelly shared that the song โSaksi ang Langitโ by December Avenue was the song that truly captured what she felt that night. โThe moment I was announced as the winner, I knew it was Godโs plan,โ she said, her voice soft but certain. Each note of the song echoed the prayers she whispered late at night, the quiet moments of doubt, and the small signs she felt that guided her path, like drawing the number 17 during the sashing, matching her birthday. As the chorus soared, it felt as if the heavens themselves were witnessing her perseverance, assuring her that her tears, sacrifices, and every heartbeat were seen. As the host announced, โCongratulations, Candidate no. 17!โ The song became her storyโa testament to faith, destiny, and the power of believing in oneself.
Yet, beyond that divine moment, the road hadnโt always been easy. Kellyโs dream of being Ms. High School sparked years ago, in 2019, during a campus tour when she first imagined herself as one of the candidates. โStepping on stage, I remembered my younger self,โ she said. What was once a dream had grown into a reality that she could live, nurtured patiently through years of aspiration and determination.
As the saying goes, โOur greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.โ Kellyโs path was no differentโmoments of doubt and whispers of โWhy her?โ โWhy would it be Kelly?โ could have weighed her down. Yet, she chose to see these challenges as lessons, using them to fuel her ambition and determination rather than to break her spirits. โWhat matters most is focusing on those who believed in me, and believing in myself.โ The crown she now wears is more than just a symbol of victory, but proof of her sacrifices, resilience, and advocacy to inspire others who share the same path.
Meanwhile, Nebโs journey was more than a competition; he discovered a strength within himself, a strength that he hadnโt fully realizedโthe ability to find light even in the darkest times. โThis journey taught me to see myself through the eyes of those who see the best in me,โ he says. His friends noticed the change too. โItโs really nice to see Neb grow, especially since weโve been through so much together. Heโs the kind of friend whoโs always there, and thatโs why I'm so proud and grateful for him,โ one shared. โSeeing him after the event, genuinely happy with no regrets, makes me even prouder because I know, as one of his friends, that he truly gave it his all.โ
Aspiration alone was not enough. Neb faced nights of doubt and pressure, yet he stayed focused and committed to giving his best. โThere were many challenges along the way, but from talentโs night and coronation, he has always been consistent in giving his all,โ his friend recalled. Through practice, perseverance, and the support of those around him, Neb proved that true growth comes from dedication, effort, and embracing every step of the journey.
The journey left Neb with more than a titleโit gave him perspective. Every cheer, every shared moment with his friends, and every obstacle passed have shaped a sense of empathy that he carries forward. The song โHuwag Kang Matakotโ by Eraserheads captures the courage, resilience, and determination that defined his path. Being titled as the 1st Runner-up reflects not just the achievement, but the growth, the pain he endured, and the understanding he had cultivated. As Lao Tzu said, โA journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.โ
What remains after the applause fades and the lights dim are the journeys that shaped Kelly and Neb, not just the titles they hold. Kellyโs faith and determination transformed her dreams into reality, while Nebโs perseverance and empathy revealed the depth of his soul and the impact of his journey. Their paths remind us that every challenge faced, every lesson learned, and every moment of growth leaves a mark.
๐ฝ๐๐๐๐ช๐จ๐ ๐๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ค๐ ๐ค๐ ๐ก๐๐๐, ๐ฌ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐ก ๐จ๐ฉ๐ค๐ง๐๐๐จ ๐๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐ฃ๐.
Words by: Kyner Lapitan
Layout by: Chael Angelo Nortiza
Images from Terrence Zafra of Reionin Films, Keishely Kate Tapican, and Angela Canada
