Kapamilya actress Awra Briguela joined her first ever beauty pageant earlier this week and placed first runner-up overall. In an Instagram post, she expressed how grateful she is for the experience and admitted how scared she was joining at first.
Awra joined the Hiyas ng Silangan 2025 at University of the East. Photos of her gowns and costumes were uploaded on her social media to the delight of her followers.
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Despite being a first time joiner beauty pageant contestant, the actress shared how proud she is that she placed just behind the winner. She then revealed that she only had minimal time to prepare for the beauty pageant.
“I couldn’t be prouder of myself, knowing I only had three days to prepare for this pageant. Honestly, I was scared at first. I had zero experience in pageantry, but I still chose to join because I wanted my advocacy to be heard, loud and clear, straight from me,” she wrote.
Awra wanted to push for her anti-bullying advocacy–– as someone who has experienced it on social media through her bashers. Through the beauty pageant she joined, she hopes that it will spark a conversation on stopping bullying, both online and offline.
“I’ve been judged. I’ve been bullied. Yet here I am standing stronger, prouder, and louder. I am living proof that no amount of bullying can silence a brave heart. My advocacy is to stop bullying, both online and offline, because every person deserves to be respected, accepted, and loved,” she shared.
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“Let’s use our voices not to hurt, but to heal. Together, we can build a world where kindness wins. I know what it feels like to be silenced that’s why I now speak for those who can’t. Silencing the bullies starts with speaking up for yourself,” she added.
Awra then admitted that it was hard for her to accept winning second place as she almost snatched the crown, she maintained that there is a lesson that she learned through this experience.
“I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason and if it’s meant for me, it will be. Now that it’s finally sinking in, I can proudly say, I did that. In just three days of preparation, I made it happen and I couldn’t have done it without my amazing team,” she expressed.
The Kapamilya actress ended her post with a message for herself–– assuring her that everything will be okay.
“You are strong, talented, and brave. Please stop doubting yourself, because you were born to win. You are unique, beautiful, and smart and you deserve every bit of love and light coming your way,” she ended.