Gaylle is candidate #6 in the Binibining Tuburan beauty pageant and she hails from San Juan, Cebu. Aside from the obvious beauty, she has a unique understanding of the human spirit as you will soon read.
So, how did you get into pageantry? What made you want to compete?
Binibining Tuburan is one of my first experiences in pageantry. Joining this kind of event has been a childhood dream. My younger self always wondered how it felt to compete in such a prestigious event. Watching beauty pageants satisfies me and enriches my being. I am always inspired by empowered women, and now, here I am, slowly unfolding into the woman I dreamed of becoming and taking baby steps to fulfill my goal of helping the youth in Tuburan realize their dreams too.
What does beauty mean to you? It’s more than just looks, right?
I have been told that real beauty comes from within. If I want others to see beauty in me, it should start with believing in myself and staying true to my values. That’s what I and the other Binibinis are doing right now. We all exemplify beauty because we are uniquely beautiful inside and out.
What makes you special? What sets you apart from the other contestants?
Each and every person holds a purpose in this world, which means we all have unique characteristics. I believe that I am special because I am simply being myself. Beauty and brains are expected of a candidate, but beyond these, it is important to have good communication skills and compassion. Effective communication allows you to deliver passionate ideas to the Tuburanons and the world and influence people. That’s what sets me apart from the other contestants.
If you win, how would you use your title to help others?
In the present times, students, especially teenagers like me, are having a hard time transitioning back to face-to-face interactions due to the pandemic. During that time, social skills were tested, leading to increased anxiety and potential mental health problems. As a beauty queen, I want to use my voice to continuously remind my peers that they are worth living. I want them to feel that it is completely normal to be afraid, but to never give up because life is more than just surviving; it is about discovering our purpose along our journeys. I also want to collaborate with mental health professionals and the local government of Tuburan to provide financial assistance for hiring professionals and having consultations to address our mental wellness properly.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned from being in pageants?
As an aspiring beauty queen, the coolest thing I’ve learned in pageants is that it’s not all about competing for the crown; it’s about sisterhood and forming bonds with my fellow candidates. We share the same happiness and the same pain. Even if one of us is wearing the crown, I always remember that before the show began, we were all winners. The crowned individual carries the good news and our advocacies to bring harmony and unity to our community.
How do you deal with people who might say mean things?
People will always have something to say, no matter what you do. What’s important is that you know yourself and can control your emotions rather than caring about those who say mean things. For me, I simply smile, reflect, and evaluate myself. I ask: What is this person trying to teach me? I always try to see things positively. Everyone has a purpose in life, and maybe those who say mean things are there to make us stronger, bolder, and more confident.
Tell us about a time something amazing happened during a pageant!
Every day I get to spend with these girls is amazing, but if there’s one moment I want to revisit, it’s the day we had our personality development activity. It was during this day that I understood myself more and understood others too. I realized that the search is not solely for the crown; it’s more about capacity-building, empowerment, and boosting mental health.
What kind of person do you think does well in pageants?
A person who does well in pageants is a real beauty queen. She is proud of who she is, brings hope, and inspires others. She’s a woman who inspires love, productivity, and authenticity. She sees opportunity in every situation and desires nothing but the happiness of all women like her. She is a true beauty queen.
Being in a pageant means a lot of people are watching. How do you stay yourself through it all?
As someone who embodies and evaluates her life through her realities, I often have doubts and continuously battle with myself about whether I can do this. Amidst the anxiety, I am confident because I have my God journeying with me, guiding and enlightening my path. Of course, I wouldn’t be able to do it without my family, relatives, friends, and all my supporters. I draw strength from their love, care, and cheers. They make things easier for me, and I humbly face everyone on this journey, thankful and blessed to seize this moment.
What do you dream of doing in the future, pageant world or not?
I am an optimistic person who believes dreams come true through the 3 Ps: Passion, Persistence, and Prayer. I don’t want any single moment to go to waste. Whether in the pageant world or not, I want to become successful. Success for me is standing on my own, being an independent person who helps others navigate life. I will always find ways to help people realize their dreams.
