Far Eastern University (FEU) Communication student Samantha Abordo got the crown after being hailed as the Bb. Bulacan last January 21.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, Abordo revealed that she was not expecting to win the crown as she felt unfulfilled with her performance in the final question and answer portion (Q&A).

“It was an easy question, but unfortunately, I didn’t like my answer… When my name was called, grabe ‘yung feeling na umiiyak talaga ‘ko. Sabi ko, ‘Oh my gosh! Finally, mare-represent ko ‘yung province ko in the nationals.’ It was a surreal moment (When my name was called [during the coronation], I really cried. I told myself, ‘Oh my gosh! Finally, I would be able to represent my province in the nationals.’ It was a surreal moment),” she stated.

When asked how meaningful it is to represent Bulacan in the national competition, Abordo emphasized that it was her childhood dream and she ‘cannot just let go’.

“When you wake up first thing in the morning, that’s your goal. You have to train for it, work hard for it. Kaya (So) when I was competing in Binibining Bulacan, it was already in my mindset that ‘Okay, I have to get this no matter what,’” Abordo shared.

In addition, the 20-year old beauty queen also won six special awards–Best in Formal Wear, Best in Costume, CESARAP Choice, Bulacan’s Choice Award, Best in Advocacy Video, and Miss Montage International Award. 

Citing the collaborative effort exerted by the people behind her success, Abordo expressed her gratitude for her mentors, managers, and glam team who helped her towards victory. 

Abordo on becoming a beauty queen

Before her Bb. Bulacan stint, Abordo shared that she joined her very first pageant when she was in the first grade. 

“My first pageant was in Grade 1. More on school pageants talaga ako nag-start. it really helped me joining school pageants kasi (because) at least you got an idea kung anong nangyayari (what happens [on stage]),” she said.

When asked how she manages to balance pageantry and student life, Abordo underlined the importance of time management, detailing that she submits her output one week prior to the deadline to make room for pageant-related errands.

“To be honest it’s really hard… Hindi naman lahat ng (not all) prof [professors are] lenient. You just have to be really responsible and accountable for making your own schedules,” Abordo said.

Meanwhile, Abordo also revealed that when she started joining pageants, she ‘liked’ the feeling of being in the spotlight. Since then, she realized that she wants to be famous.

On the other hand, there is more to beauty pageants that inspire Abordo to continue joining. Citing the recent fire incident in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, Abordo pointed out how her platform as a beauty queen helped victims of such unfortunate events.

“As cliche as it sounds, you get to have a platform and a voice to help your community, the people. And if there’s one thing that I like about beauty pageants is that it’s not only about showcasing other girls, but it’s showcasing their core values,” Abordo said.

Though her preparations for the upcoming Bb. Pilipinas 2022 cannot be disclosed yet, she is determined to be bolder in the future.

Last year, Abordo made it to the Top 100 delegates of the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2021.

- Laurice Anne U. Alas

(Photo courtesy of Samantha Abordo)