SEVERAL studies have put today’s millennial generation in a bad light, indicating that: they are more materialistic than past generations, and at the same time, they are less inclined nor interested to work.
A quick perusal of social media shows that this assertion may somewhat be true, with many young people hoping to be the next viral “it” celebrity and the biggest, high-paying influencer. Many also aspire to live a nomadic lifestyle, hopping from country-to-country while blogging about it. Easy, cool, glam life!
Although the aforementioned aspirations are “goals,” the number or percentage of those who make it to celebrity status are still miniscule. Nothing can compensate for hard work when it comes to reaching your dreams.
No one knows this more than Jianne Paasa, whom I’d like to call a dreamer (pun intended because paasa in Tagalog means to dream-on or raise ones expectations).
This 17-year-old beauty queen, model, 12th grade student, and part-time dance instructor abides by this: “A dream is a picture of possibility and we should have a strong heart and a prepared mind to turn that into a reality. Because you will when you believe!”
I first met Jianne when she subbed for our regular, Zin Ryan Padulle Romano, at the Uptown Stonestown Gym. My other zumba mommy friends and I were at first skeptical if she could deliver a good cardio-blasting workout. She’s quite petite, svelte, and fresh-looking, with long flowing hair fit for a shampoo commercial. But when she got on the dance floor, she wowed us with her energy, easy smile, and heart-pounding dance moves.
All of us “oldie” students were already huffing-and-puffing, but she barely broke into a sweat. She was really very encouraging, sweet, and quick on her feet—a good visual reminder for us mothers what it was once like to be young and carefree.
During break time, my friends and I managed to speak with her, and we were even more impressed by her many achievements. She is the reigning Miss Balingasag 2018, Miss MOGCHS 2016 3rd Runner-up, Miss Binitinan 2016 2nd Runner-up, Miss Burgos Tourism 2015, and she is a Finalist of Miss Silka Northern Mindanao 2017. She is also a part of CDOTC—Cagayan de Oro Talent Center, that specializes in modeling.
At her tender age, this roster of achievements is definitely no mean feat! In spite of her petite height, she has managed to outshine many other girls proving that she is not just beautiful but is brainy, too.
Jianne noted that there are those who look down on those who join pageants, but it is not all glitz and glam. Hard work and self-discipline are necessary to be able to make the cut because being a beauty queen is not just looking good but being one in heart and mind.
She said: “It’s really not easy because of the training. You need to undergo a Pasarela Catwalk Training, Good diet and exercise regimen, Q&A Training, Stage Performance, and of course, the Personality Development program. But with the help and guidance of my family, especially my Kuya Jan Niño, as my Personal Mentor (he is part of the Pioneering Beauty Pageant camps here, KF) I was able to manage everything.”
Jianne also shared: “I also teach dance classes every Tuesdays at OroRama. I was working on getting my Zin (zumba instructor network) credentials, but we got hit by flood during Typhoon Vinta. The money I saved went to help my parents instead. Hopefully, in time and with God’s grace, I will be able to get it. I have been shadowing Kuya Ryan since I was 14 years old. I have been teaching only for about a year now, thanks to OroRama’s trust and confidence. I am doing everything for my parents. My family serves as my inspiration and motivation for they are my strength, my heart beat, my life, and my love.”
Jianne explained that dancing is really one of her passions and it doesn’t feel like work at all— “I love dancing because I believe it is a health promoting activity that’s significant for physical health, mental health, and social communication. Also, teaching dance and shadowing other zins help me improve my own dancing skill, which I use as my talent when I join beauty pageants.”
This hardworking girl noted that one of the major challenges she encounters is balancing the many things on her plate. Jianne stated—“Hard work, determination, self-discipline, and strong faith in God are my formula in achieving and balancing my academics/ work activities.
Everything is really possible if you believe in yourself. I will because I can! I am very focused in work and especially my studies. Education is something that cannot be taken away from any one of us, and this is something that we can treasure in our life.”
Jianne Paasa advices other teens they should trust their instincts and listen to their hearts. “People my age should BE themselves and believe in themselves. Follow your heart! Above all else, work hard, be humble, respect your parents, and most importantly you should never give up on you dreams. None of us should ever waiver in our perseverance and never let obstacles hinder our progress,” she concluded with a bright smile...which is somewhat foretelling of her very bright future.
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