Ever seen an artist paint, a singer busk, or a dancer bust out their moves — as work?
It’s amazing to see the younger generations pursue their artistic dreams without fear of failing, yet that fearless abandon of so-called “real jobs” leads to a societal idea that people who work differently cannot be taken seriously. If it’s not at a desk, it’s not a real job, as they say, forgetting that these people face unconventional circumstances but still provide for their families and themselves as people with real jobs do.
Our Miss Universe Philippines delegates Christine Opiaza (Zambales), Jan Marie Bordon (Bacolod), Lesly Sim (Quezon Province), and Avery Sucgang(Aklan) echo this sentiment as they share their real-life stories.
It’s amazing to see the younger generations pursue their artistic dreams without fear of failing, yet that fearless abandon of so-called “real jobs” leads to a societal idea that people who work differently cannot be taken seriously. If it’s not at a desk, it’s not a real job, as they say, forgetting that these people face unconventional circumstances but still provide for their families and themselves as people with real jobs do.
They had only gratitude for the things they have experienced so far. Avery shared a core memory about one thing she was able to do for her family: “Kumuha kami ng car tapos naghati kami ng mom ko sa monthly na bayad,” she shares, a beaming daughter who found joy in supporting her parents.
Christine on the other hand helped hers by getting a scholarship grant through pageantry — even if it took her two tries. She still juggles a lot of jobs at present, but to her, it’s all worth it. “It’s really heartwarming to get to provide for your family and sometimes provide for yourself. Now, with the opportunities presented to us, we are now able to buy some of the things [we want and need].”
They all agree, and for breadwinners such as themselves, Lesly gives the perfect definition: “We don’t wait for the opportunity, we create it. Kasi if we won’t create it, mahirap.” Currently a working student herself, she shares the difficult yet fulfilling struggle to juggle everything: her work, her academics, and Miss Universe Philippines, a three-point hustle we indeed respect.
Working in entertainment may seem like a walk in the park, but it’s far from being one. The ladies share their hardest experiences, ranging from emotional breakdowns, to being catcalled during gigs, to dealing with the repercussions of the recent pandemic.
Yet each story inevitably came with its own silver lining: the confidence and endurance built after time, the blessing of an online job that helped meet expenses, and gratitude for being able to earn and, of course, treat themselves. After all, they powered through the brunt of hard work and hustle — these breadwinners deserve to enjoy the fruits of their labor as they should.
In the end, even with these stories of hustling, Jan Marie brings it down to an oft-overlooked trait we all would want to have: contentment. “Even little things, I really give [them] importance,” she says in introspect. “Kahit bumili lang ako ng bread pero galing sa money ko, pinaghirapan ko, I am very happy about that.”
Respect the hustle, enjoy the little things, and dare to be unconventional.
Thank you, ladies, for this food for thought.
PRODUCED BY: Christine Opiaza | Lesly Sim | Jan Marie Bordon
Avery Sucgang |Ica Imanuelle Macazo
CREATIVE PRODUCER: Nathan Vargas
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Ica Imanuelle Macazo | Rexy Jolly Conopio | Angel Fagaragan
PHOTOGRAPHER: Rap Yu
