BORN in a rural village and from a very humble beginning, Queenie Edessa Espinosa Amarante did not have silver spoon in her mouth as her parents could hardly make ends meet to provide for her and her older brother Joshua Cyrus. Her father Randy earns a meager income as a security guard while her mother Emma works in a beauty parlor. But if there is one thing clear about her, she dares to dream.
Even at a very young age she has been supporting herself as she reaches out for her dreams. Thanks to her stunning looks her stints with a local modelling agency gets her by as she regularly gets event offers to be brand ambassadress of products doing promotions.
Queen, as she is fondly called by her friends, hails from Barangay Calumangan, Bago City. She is presently studying at Carlos Hilado Memorial State College. At 19, she is already a seasoned pageant contestant. She has joined a number of local pageants in the past and was crowned Diwata sang Bago 2019 first runner-up, Ms. Freshman CAMSC 2018, Ms. Silka Bacolod finalist, top 7 in Pasalamat Festival Queen pageant, and top 5 in Ms. Royale pageant.
“Since my elementary years, I already like joining beauty pageants. My mother and my uncle always encourage me to join pageants. If there are talent portions in the contest I usually sing with my guitar or my ukulele,” she said.
Queen said pageants make her meet people and expand her connections which would eventually come in handy when she graduates and pursues her desired career. To her, her experiences in every pageant is a good foundation for a brighter future.
“I can see myself joining more pageants in the future so long as it will not be in conflict with my schedules at school. I also earn in pageants which helps me a lot,” she happily shared.
“Many times I think that other children are luckier that they have parents supporting them with the things they need, but then as for me I am supporting myself,” said Queen who learned to budget her earnings from her gigs and used it in her schooling.
“Growing up as self-supporting made me a strong woman and an independent woman because at an early age I was already exposed to the realities of work. We are not rich and there are things that we need that our parents can’t provide us so I became more self-driven in wanting to achieve my goals so that I can support my family,” she added.
Despite all the struggles with finances and working on the side while trying to finish her formal education Queen graduated valedictorian in her junior high and graduated as well with high honors in her senior high at Ramon Torres National High School.
When asked what three lessons she would like to share to our readers she said:
1. Know your limitations especially in relationships. Young people need to know their limits and learn to put up with peer pressures.
2. Set your priorities. There are so many things that can be done but important things need to be always prioritized.
3. Live your life to the fullest, but live it with a purpose as well. It is good to enjoy life with friends and family and cherish them, but always create a life with a purpose.
When ask what she thinks her purpose in life is she said, “My purpose is to bring my family out of our difficulties.”
Queen dreams of joining the corporate world as a banker after graduation. And from the looks of it no doubt she will naturally shine in there, afterall she dares to dream.
Best of luck pretty one, and carry on!