By Fatima Capricho
The stage decorations were eye-catching, The loud music from the speaker echoed, The crowd was buzzing with excitement, and a wave of nervous energy pulsed through the contestants. But amidst the excitement, one young woman stood out, her eyes shining with a quiet confidence that belied her youthful age.
Student competitions like Mr. and Ms. Intrams provide a platform to showcase talent, confidence, and determination. This year, one contestant stood out not only for her beauty and grace but also for her inspiring journey. Meet Kate D. Calzado, a 15-year-old from Libaong, Panglao, who captured hearts with her story and won the title of Ms. Intrams 2024.
Born on March 13, 2009, Kate entered the competition with mixed emotions. “I felt happy and nervous,” she admitted. As someone new to pageants, she doubted herself and feared being judged. “I’m not used to joining pageant competitions,” she shared honestly. However, with the support of her friends and family, Kate overcame her insecurities and found the courage to believe in herself. Her determination proved that confidence can lead to great achievements.
When the results were announced, Kate was overwhelmed with gratitude. “I felt grateful and overwhelmed,” she said, describing the joy of seeing her efforts rewarded. Winning Ms. Intrams was not just about appearance, it also symbolized her inner strength and bravery.
Kate’s guiding principle, “Be yourself all the time,” played a key role in her journey. To future contestants, she offers this advice “Never doubt yourself. Just be who you really are because you are unique and enough.”
Kate’s journey shows us that confidence isn’t something you’re just born with, it’s something you build up over time. It’s about getting to know yourself better, trying new things, and believing in what you can do. It’s about pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and realizing that you’re capable of amazing things.
