Kapunkha: a year of silver linings
29 December 2018

I work a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila and the life there is very... it's poor and it's very sad. I've always taught myself to look for the beauty in it, to look in the beauty of the faces of the children and to be grateful. And I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining, and to assess where I could give something, where I could provide something as a spokesperson. And this, I think, if I could teach also people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children will have a smile on their faces. Thank you.

---Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018

As I put emphasis on Catriona Gray's winning answer, I am also very grateful for this year, coming from a recent turbulence. For those who continued to believe and support, and making these all possible, "thank you" will be an understatement.

2 recorded interviews for ANC
2 archived papers
2 papers submitted for possible journal publication
2 book publications
2 international conferences held in Manila
2 semesters of PhD Econ scholarship
24 units of PhD Econ

Of course, this year would be more wonderful, thanks to the first runner up podium finish of UP Men's Basketball Team #AtinTo and to the Miss Universe win of Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray #MissPhilippinesBringBackTheCrown

The year is coming to a close, but as early as December, new opportunities are unfolding. Looking forward to meeting more people and working on new endeavors.
​
​I don't need to win Miss Universe.
​I only need to be here.

---Angela Ponce, Miss Universe Spain

Photo i got from Facebook: the best photo that will describe my year. Again, thank you to everyone!