Hey, you. I've given this post a lot of thought. Even debated on whether or not I should post about this to begin with. But I think it needs to be said. and I'd like to loop in a little of my personal experience too. So heads up, mini story time comin' up The photos in this Carousel were part of a creative shoot in prep for MUPH 2022 and are all taken by the very talented Seven Barretto while we were both in Bohol early 2022. Working with such a talented group of people was a blessing and damn, i loved the result of our shoots. Not knowing that these very photos would also be the ones I got bashed for the most. Especially for the wig 😅 i remember my sensitive and over-thinking mind asking: "bawal diay mag wig for a creative shoot?" I remember that time and those feelings vividly, as i remember some of the hurtful things also mentioned in comments where I was tagged. Much as I tried to avoid the comment section, sometimes you just happen to read even just a word and already feel that wave of negativity shower down. Have you experienced that too? Perhaps you have. And maybe like me, you decided to remain silent. to "choose your battles wisely" and let it be. But that Paupau has grown a lot thru this entire process too. Now, I have noticed that some people online, while they support certain women in Pageantry, still go out of their way to tear other women down. The support for one doesnt have to be thru the destruction of another :) While I won't ask for people to silence the opion we are all entitled to, I will implore you to choose kindness instead. Always :) It's a note to self too, i admit. But sometimes we just need that reminder, right? I have avoided these pictures and the posting of them out of fear for more hurt. But me posting them now (a few months wiser) is me allowing myself to be vulnerable and to go where my fear is. Because that's where I will find my courage. On a funnier note, I have thought of the perfect catch phrase to caption these photos with: " 'Wig mo ko ibash " If you' ve got a catchier catch phrase, feel free to lighten up my comment section too 😉 love, Paupau