Growing up, I was taught that butterflies are the souls of departed loved ones returning to visit the living. So whenever I saw a monarch for Lola Dulce, a yellow butterfly for Lola Eleonor, or a white one for Lolo Ben, I always thought of them.
Coming back to where they grew up, Lola Dulce in Taal and Lolo Ben in Pangasinan, I couldn’t help but think about how proud they would be. That even though they are gone, I could carry the quiet comfort of knowing they are still with me. To return to where my ancestors are, to find my own place here, and to represent them on the Miss Universe Philippines stage meant more than I can explain.
When I worked with Sir Rian on my gown, I asked him to incorporate them. As he said so perfectly, the three butterflies rest on my dress as if my grandparents were visiting me again.
Although over, this journey has reminded me that we are never really alone while chasing our dreams. We are carried by the people who came before us, by the sacrifices they made, and by the love they left behind.
Sometimes it feels lonely to keep going, but when you remember where you come from, you realize you have always been supported. You are already walking with those who made your path possible.
Hope we can continue to chase our dreams and dream big đź’«
Juliana Hope Aquino
Miss Universe Philippines Taal Batangas, Filipino Society of Northern California
makeup |
@makeupbymalikhaying @nixinstituteofbeauty
hair |
@jmquebic + jm avestruz quebec
@culturesalonmnl
dress |
@rianfernandez888
camp |
@aces_and_queens
ca director |
@themissphilippines.wc
@themissuniverseph
#julianahopeaquino #missuniversephilippines #muphtaal #explore #explorepage
