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Segredo de Festança
Written by: Andrea Hernandez, Arianne Ilagan, and Nia Tan
Illustrated by: Ava Guevara
Layout by: Gabrielle Pilar
Here it is. The chatters mix with the melodic rehearsals of the choir backstage. What a special moment — incomparable and profound.
I take a peek through the curtains. Within the crowd, I spot the two seats occupied by Mom and Dad. The show is only a breath away. My hands shake more as our performance nears. I close my eyes and wonder: what is so special about tonight’s performance?
“Felice!” My clubmate yells, “Let’s do the choreo again!” Adrenaline and I shuffle into position, accidentally bumping into someone. Before I get to apologize, she’s already laughing. Amid everyone concentrating and enjoying themselves, I finally realized what should have been obvious from the start—the Variety Show is when we can all share special moments like these with those we cherish.
Nearby, a junior nervously fidgets with her brush and makeup, clearly unsure of what to do. A senior steps in without hesitation, kneeling to gently guide her. She speaks softly; her tone reassuring. The junior’s face lights up as the look starts to come together. She whispers words of gratitude as warm as the glow of the stage lights.
And before I realize it, it’s our turn.
My heart pounds, but this time it’s not from anxiety. It’s something else entirely — a thrill that whispers, “This is it. You’re ready.”
The music begins and the movements flow like they’re part of me. Somewhere between the rhythm and the roaring energy of the crowd, I forget to be scared. Each cheer, clap, and smile from the audience feels like a bridge, connecting us to them in a way words could never.
And that’s when I realized why this night matters so much.
It’s about sharing a piece of yourself — stepping into the light with the courage to be seen, flaws and all. These memories of shared humanity — will live far beyond tonight.
And maybe, that’s what makes the school fair season so special. Not the spotlight. Not the applause. But the way it reminds us that we’re never truly alone.
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