I am Ma. Theresa Sarzuela Camu, originally from Albay, and I embody versatility through my diverse roles. As a student, leader, event host, and ambassadress, I am also dedicated to promoting self and financial literacy. Notable among my achievements are winning the titles of Mutya ng Nipa 2019 and securing the 1st Runner-Up position in Mutya ng Coron 2019.
Additionally, I proudly served as the Ambassadress of Goodwill—Bicolandia 2023 and clinched the prestigious Mutya ng Alinao 2023 title. Presently, I am ardently competing for the crown in the Search for Daragang Magayon 2024, aspiring to inspire a wider audience and bring to fruition my long-term vision, Project PISO. Theresa is now a candidate of the Daragang Magayon 2024 and a client of Karla Supersoft.
What is your biggest strength and how has it helped you in your life?
My greatest strength lies in my unwavering determination. I believe that without it, I wouldn’t even muster the courage to take the first step in anything. It’s this strength of mine that has pushed me to accomplish various achievements and has equipped me with the resilience to handle positions as a student, leader, ambassador, and advocate for self and financial literacy.
What is one thing you wish you could change about yourself and why?
Hard-headedness. Coming from my strong willingness, its dim side becomes more apparent. As someone who never backs down from any challenge and remains steadfast in my convictions, I tend to overlook the effects along the way as long as I achieve something.
What has been your biggest failure and what did you learn from it?
To be honest, I haven’t thought of it. I never treat the challenges or mistakes I’ve had in my life as the biggest, nor do I rank or label them. Whenever I encounter failures, I always treat them as reflections of my actions and think of better ways to counter them the next time.
How do you manage stress and stay focused during challenging times?
As a starter, I go out to reorganize my thoughts. When actualizing my plan, I use a timed technique to stay focused and balance my time efficiently. As an individual who holds various positions in life, I think it is a must to let yourself catch a breather and do it when you think you can.
How do you define success and what are your goals to achieve it?
Success is happiness. Success doesn’t need to be defined progressively or by how big we achieve something. I believe it is how we feel the most joy when we achieve something, whether it be big or little. That is success.
What is your favorite quote and why does it resonate with you?
Work hard in silence, let your success be your noise.” by Frank Ocean. Aside from urging me to work hard, it also pushes me to achieve success. It’s a perfect combination I could ever imagine. It also reflects my character as someone who values hard work and perseverance more than all parades and talks before it’s even done.
What is one thing you have done that you are most proud of and why?
Joining the world of pageantry. Entering the world of pageantry has allowed me to widen the scope of individuals I can inspire. That means I can move them not only with the performances I can deliver but also with the changes I could bring along the way.
What is your biggest fear and how do you overcome it?
Losing myself. Losing myself means losing the personalities that define and set me apart from the rest of the world. I believe I am a unique individual who may come across as strong and strong-willed, but these traits are what make me distinct. I am a culmination of all my strong personalities, and this enables me to overcome challenges and inspire those around me.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Learn how to manage time properly through timed methods and techniques. As someone who juggles various roles in life, it’s important to manage time, or else tasks will gradually lose their importance and essence. However, it’s something I am still yet to perfect.
What is one thing you want to achieve in the next five years and how do you plan to make it happen?
I’m working towards making my parents’ dream house a reality. By trying new things and building connections with myself and others, I aim to greatly enhance my skills and develop my personality. In addition to focusing on my profession during my undergraduate years, I’m also learning important life lessons. I firmly believe that balancing different aspects of life is crucial to achieving my goals.
