MANILA, Philippines — Life is full of unexpected situations. So expect something you are not ready for to suddenly drop onto your lap and face it head-on. Be comfortable in your own skin, draw a little confidence from within, shake off those jitters and do what has to be done. Life is about picking oneself up when you are down and responding to whatever curveball life throws at you.
Speaking of confidence, some of our favorite celebrities and content creators are just like us; they sometimes struggle with it, too! Gabbi Garcia, Benedict Cua, Arshie Larga and girl group KAIA are sharing their experiences of finding confidence and shining in their moment, regardless of life’s unexpected surprises.
Transforming challenges to shining confidence
Actress Gabbi Garcia is no stranger to rejections and setbacks. The bulk of it happened before her biggest break, as Alena in "Encantandia" came. But in harnessing confidence, she was ultimately able to shine.
“Prior to [Encantadia], I faced numerous rejections during auditions and VTRs (video tape recording). Instead of getting discouraged by these experiences, I used them to toughen myself up. So finally, when I got that spotlight moment during the audition, I really grabbed the chance to step up. I really shone thanks to my acting skills, my smile and confidence!” Gabbi shared.
Nerve-wracking turned enjoyable moment
This sentiment is echoed by content creator Benedict Cua, who has also faced his share of nerve-wracking moments, most unforgettable of which was his first-ever hosting gig.
“[I have] stage fright, [and] it even intensified a few minutes before going on stage. What helped was reminding myself of all the little things that I do daily to prepare myself for [the day, such as] practicing, vlogging, [and] doing live. That’s when I realized the power of actually believing in yourself. The moment I got the mic, para akong nag-autopilot, from kaba to total enjoyment!” he said.
Shining in every moment
Nerves can easily affect anyone — from a newbie to even the most veteran of stars — and Arshie Larga, while having amassed his large community of followers, has had his share of experiences finding his confidence amid his journey as a popular content creator.
“During the TikTok Awards 2023, I was invited kasi ako 'yung magpe-present ng award for Popular Creator of the Year, pero hindi ko in-expect na pati pala ako may award. I was surprised to know that I was the ‘TikTok Creator of the Year.’ So despite feeling surprised and overwhelmed, I reminded myself of all the people who helped me get to this point. Sila talaga ang nagbibigay sa akin ng confidence to always step up and make meaningful content. That thought helped push me to shine in that moment on stage!” recalled the content creator.
On the spot
Last but not least, Filipino girl group KAIA has most certainly held their own since their debut, becoming beloved stars in the process, but they’re not without their curveball moments, too. What were these moments and what helped them rise from the jitters and shine with confidence instead?
For Charlotte, this would be the time she attended a K-pop concert and unexpectedly had a dance cam pointed to her…for everyone in the arena to watch. Making the most of the once-in-a-lifetime moment, she rose to the challenge and danced.
“Sobrang happy ko nu'ng time na 'yun kasi nakatutok na sa’kin 'yung camera, tapos nag-signal sa akin na ako raw. Kinabahan ako pero inisip ko na kailangan kong galingan kasi I was representing KAIA,” she shared.
The same can be said for another member of the quintet, Sophia, whose shining moment came through when she participated in an international reality competition program for dancing.
She recalled: “[In one of the rounds], meron akong special mention from Jennifer Lopez. Sabi niya, I really slayed the choreo.” Such motivation, then became her biggest drive to succeed and continue improving in her craft – leading her to become the star that she is today.
When it comes to shining in one’s moment, these stars certainly bring truth to the saying that confidence can take one a long way, but having a strong support system and equipping themselves with more confidence are key. It also helps to have that winning smile courtesy of a reliable partner in Colgate Fresh Confidence White Blast. .
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