Charmaine in her most relaxed state
It ain’t easy being Charmaine Elima.
Just consider the pot-boiling pressures this 20 year-old went through in the recently-concluded Bb. Pilipinas 2013 and you will agree that she had the weightiest block of expectations on her shoulders during finals night.
Almost everyone placed a bet on her (including this blogger). The few who didn’t keenly fixed their eyes on her every move, waiting for that one crucial moment that will spell disaster in her bid. And the unthinkable happened. Going into the Top 15, all ears awaited for the Q&A. With judge Gabby Lopez asking her a simple but tricky question on what should be kept in private amidst the techie-ridden world of social networking, she caved in to her nerves and dished out a reply that was anything but confident. ‘Personal intentions’ (to effortlessly win a crown) got in the way and the road just got rockier with every word she spoke. Victory turned into a slippery eel from that point.
As the reigning Miss Mandaluyong, Maine can fulfill her responsibilities as the city's ambassadress for now.
I could hazard a guess that Charmaine herself was no longer expecting a win after the answer she gave. Two things could be running in her head during the announcement of winners. Either the pressure is starting to ease off her back knowing that she is not going to get a crown anymore or the even bigger pressure has already started sinking in on how to face her family, friends and supporters without one.
One way or the other, I still salute this girl for keeping her head held high in the dying minutes of the fray. Being young and promising as she is, joining the same competition next year is something she should seriously consider. Otherwise, she can take stock of her limitless options for growth. Having earned her college degree Hotel & Restaurant Management with distinction, she can embark on a non-pageant career and use her charm/beauty to net a job that can invite more successful achievements in the near future.
After all the highs and lows of Bb. Pilipinas 2013, she deserves a restful break for now. Whatever Charmaine ends up doing, I sincerely wish her the best of luck. š