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    Out of the images landed from my gallery, this single illustration of a church, embodies my self-identity crucially. The public's perspective may perceived this photo as an ordinary church or "retablo". Although, in my own perspective, this expresses a lot of my own authentic self. The church from my hometown is not solely a place to worship God, but a symbolic solace leading to my greatest bliss. This speaks to my unconditional devotion towards God, and a space to be called as "My Home". Furthermore, the current "self" that I embody today is shaped from the building blocks through connecting myself to the sacred church. Everything from the way I behave, think and interact to people underwent from this place, through self-reflection and the wisdom.

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"𝐀 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄"

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"𝐀 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄"

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This photo represents my self-identity because, even though I am always loaded with studies and schoolwork, I still make sure to have fun. I live by my motto, “study hard, play hard,” which reminds me not to get too consumed by academics and to enjoy life as well. I also manage my time wisely so I won’t have regrets later on. In addition, gaming helps me find peace of mind, relieve stress, and simply have fun. As a result, I'm content with my life as of now. It shaped my self-identity by teaching me balance, like knowing when to be serious and when to relax, appreciating both hard work and enjoyment, and building resilience in handling challenges while still valuing happiness. 

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WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PHOTO?

I choose this picture because the story behind this is one of the source of my inspiration.

WHAT DOES IT SPEAKS ABOUT YOU AS A PERSON?

Everyone in the family are busy people but last summer, everyone was present and had fun adventures together. Its a memory to treasure and this photo is a glimpse of how much fun I had before college. This photo tells a side of me that is not very evident to other people. I am a family-oriented person and no matter where life takes me, this is the home I'll always go back to.

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This picture represents me because it shows the people who make me feel comfortable and accepted for who I truly am. Whenever I am surrounded by them, I can be myself without any fear of being judged. I can act freely, speak openly, and share my thoughts without worrying about what others might think. They bring out my confidence and remind me that I don’t have to pretend to be someone else. Being with them makes me feel supported, valued, and genuinely happy. This group reminds me that true connections are built on trust, acceptance, and understanding.

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This photo captures one of the happiest moments with my family during New Year’s celebration. Seeing all of us together, wearing  red clothes and there is a smile in our faces, reminds me of how important family is in my life. It shows the love, support, and joy that we shared with each other, not just during special occasions but every single day.                             I am shaped as a person by this picture because it serves as a reminder to cherish those who are actually important to me. I was raised in a family that values spending time together, which has made me strong, kind, and grateful. Regardless of the difficulties I encounter, I am confident that my family will always be my source of strength and joy.            I chose this photo because it reflects who I am — someone who is family-oriented, grateful, and motivated by the love of the people closest to me. It is more than just a celebration of New Year, it is a celebration of love, unity, and the simple yet priceless blessing of having a family by my side.

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This photo represents my authentic self because it captures the true essence of who I am as a person someone who values positivity, warmth, and genuine connection. It’s not just a picture; it’s a visual reflection of my personality and how I interact with the world. When I look at this photo, I see the real me: someone who tries to live life with lightness, joy, and a sincere desire to uplift others. I don’t believe in putting on a fake persona just to please people. Instead, I strive to be consistent with who I am, whether I’m with friends, family, or even strangers. The energy you see in this photo is the same energy I carry every day it’s not staged, it’s simply who I am.

Many people, especially my friends and those who have gotten to know me well, often describe me as a jolly, friendly, and approachable person. I take pride in this because I genuinely love making people feel welcome, heard, and comfortable in my presence. I believe that everyone deserves kindness, and if I can be a source of that for others, then I feel fulfilled. Smiling, for me, isn’t just a reaction to something funny or enjoyable it’s part of my daily expression. It represents my mindset, my values, and my approach to life. When I smile, I’m not only sharing joy with others, but I’m also reinforcing my belief that there is always something good to be found, even in the smallest moments.

Even during difficult times, when life throws problems my way, I make a conscious effort to hold on to my optimism. I’ve learned that while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can control how we respond. Choosing to stay positive and smile doesn’t mean I’m ignoring my problems; rather, it means I’m choosing to face them with strength, grace, and hope. I believe that it’s better to manage the problem ourselves than to let it take over our emotions and peace of mind. And when we stay strong and keep a good attitude, we not only help ourselves but also become a source of comfort and encouragement to others who may be struggling too.

In conclusion, this photo captures that version of me the one who chooses to spread positivity, build genuine relationships, and approach life’s ups and downs with a smile. It reminds me that no matter how people perceive me initially, the best version of myself will always shine through when I stay true to who I am inside.

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I chose this picture because it captures a moment of me being with the people I’m most comfortable with, my friends. For me, this photo represents my self-identity because it shows how I value companionship and the joy of being surrounded by those who accept me for who I am. I see myself as someone who finds confidence and happiness in shared experiences, and this picture reflects that side of me. It also highlights my personality, where I enjoy expressing myself through simple but meaningful moments, like taking a mirror photo together. In a way, this picture is not just about how I look, but more about the connections I have and the kind of person I am when I’m with the people who matter to me.

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Of all the gatherings that we went to as a group since 11th grade, this one would be our last outing – for now. As someone who’s very much adventurous and willing to try new things in life, going to an amusement park for the first time filled me with so much excitement and joy that I seriously could not fall asleep the night before it. My friends allowed me to scream as much as I could during the rollercoaster ride, allowed me to overreact when we got so high up with the boomerang, and overall, allowed me to be my truest, most spontaneous self. Our friendship created such a safe and healthy space for us to show what and who we truly are. They are a reminder to me of what it means to feel free. I can’t wait to meet them again.

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This photo represents my identity because it captures the moment I found people who let me be myself, without any conditions. So often, we feel pressured to fit into a mold, to be perfect, or to constantly be "on." But with this group of friends, I am free from all of that. They are kind, understanding, and genuinely funny, and those are the traits they’ve helped bring out in me. Most importantly, they have embraced every part of me, including my sulky moments, and never made me feel like I was a burden. I can also openly share my passions with them, knowing I'll never be judged.

After almost a year of isolating myself from society, they never gave up on me. They didn't make demands on my time or energy. Instead, they just quietly kept showing up, making space for me, and letting me know that I belonged, no matter what. My identity is tied to the way I feel around group on people to whom i interact with and it is me because i am happy and content on what i have . They've taught me that true belonging isn't about fitting in, it's about being accepted for exactly who you are.

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All the images in my gallery are meaningful, but I chose this photo because it represents my authentic self. This image was actually captured recently, just last week. Since I study here in the city, I don't usually see my parents because they live in the province. Without them, it feels like a part of my authentic self is missing, and I sometimes feel like I don't know myself anymore.Being in a college also makes it difficult to show my true self. I've had to become independent and have learned how to plan, care for myself, and make daily decisions without them taking care of me.When they visited me, I was so happy, and all the pressure I had been feeling disappeared. I felt like a child again, and my true attitude, laugh, and smile all returned.Lastly, we went to church, where our hearts and minds felt connected to God. I will forever treasure this moment with them.

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“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” – Maya Angelou

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This picture represents how I look at life and myself. This was the very first time I took myself out on a date. In the past, whenever I went out, it was always about errands, school-related activities, or other adulting responsibilities. But this time, I made a conscious choice to appreciate myself and dedicate a day purely to having fun and making myself happy.

At first, it wasn’t easy—I spent hours the day before contemplating whether I should really go through with my plan. I was worried about how people might look at me or what they might think seeing me alone. But in the end, I chose to put myself first and step out of my comfort zone.

The experience turned out to be so fulfilling. It reminded me that happiness doesn’t have to depend on anyone else and that I deserve to celebrate myself without needing a special occasion. I enjoyed every small detail—from the quiet moments of reflection to the simple joy of treating myself.

This solo date became more than just a day out; it became a personal milestone. It taught me the value of self-love and the importance of creating moments that nourish my own soul. Moving forward, I want to carry this lesson with me—to keep making time for myself, to embrace my own company, and to remember that I am worth the effort it takes to make myself feel special.

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I chose this photo of me dancing, which was taken from a video during a femme dance class I joined, because dancing is something I truly love, and it reflects who I really am. It gives me confidence, even though I’m naturally a shy person. I still feel nervous whenever I perform, but the excitement pushes me through. More than anything, I just want to enjoy every moment of the dance and share that joy with others. Dancing also helps me express feelings I can’t always put into words, and it reminds me that growth comes when I step out of my comfort zone.

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I have chosen this picture because growing up, I have been used to wearing dresses because that's what would my family want and for them, I look good with dresses. Sure, I didn't really understand it at first so I just agreed with that time even though I was lowkey hesitating upon wearing it because it felt like it's not "me". Now that I know more about clothes and I have discovered different styles and outfits to wear occasionally, I finally have the courage to choose what I really want to wear where it makes me feel like "me" and that I'm also comfortable wearing polo shirts. To me, wearing polo shirts just describes me in general. For instance, my two best friends can already tell whar I'm going to wear when we decide to hang out and at the same time, they also compliment my outfit so that's probably the reason why I also feel confident and comfortable when wearing this kind of clothes—polo shirts.

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I chose a photo of me with my mom because she plays a big role in shaping who I am. This picture shows how family is really important to me. I’m a family-oriented person, and my mom has influenced me to be kind, patient, and understanding. Whenever I look at this photo, I’m reminded of where my values come from.

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This photo of me when I was eight years old shows a smile that was so simple yet so genuine. At that age, I didn’t worry much about life, I was just happy with the little things around me. Looking at this picture now, it reminds me of that pure joy I once felt and how important it is to hold on to that feeling. Life isn’t always easy, and I know there will be days that test me, but this smile teaches me something valuable... no matter how hard things get, I must keep moving forward and choose to face life with hope. This picture isn’t just a memory of my childhood, it’s a reminder to stay strong, keep smiling, and never let challenges take away the happiness in my heart.

#Stay Happy😊✨️

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This photo captures a meaningful moment of me and my family inside the church, taken right after the Christmas Mass in 2022. I chose this photo because it beautifully represents two of the most important pillars in my life: family and faith. Being together in the church during such a significant celebration reflects how deeply tradition and religious beliefs have shaped who I am. These values guide me, provide strength, and remind me of the importance of connection, love, and spiritual grounding. This image reminds me that my identity is deeply rooted in both the love of my family and the faith we share.

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I chose this photo because it truly reflects my self-identity as a family-oriented person. For me, family is not just an important part of life but the very foundation of who I am. In this picture, you can see the love, closeness, and happiness we share as we celebrate a special occasion together. The smiles and warm embraces remind me that my greatest source of strength and inspiration comes from the people I call family. No matter what challenges I face or milestones I reach, I know that my family will always be by my side to support me. This photo also shows the value I place on togetherness, because I believe that the best memories are those created with the people you love most. Through this image, I want to express that my true identity is rooted in family values, and that being family-oriented will always guide how I live my life.

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"The one that got away... My art skills, a passion that burned bright, yet was set aside for the practicality of a nursing career. Though my hands now hold stethoscopes instead of paintbrushes, my heart remains an artist's. I've been blessed with the gift of creativity, a multo that I cherish deeply. Through art, I've expressed emotions and feelings that words alone couldn't convey. And though life's path has led me down a different road, I remain grateful for the artistic spark within me, a reminder that passion, though sometimes set aside, never truly fades away."

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This picture represents me because it captures a part of myself I never thought I would discover. For years, I chose to stay quiet, selective, and distant, keeping my world small and safe. I never imagined that nights like this would feel like home, or that strangers could turn into friends. But here, I see myself smiling and belonging. This moment shows the me who has learned to step out, to connect, and to embrace life beyond the walls I once built around myself.

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This picture represent of who really i am, in this picture im am experiencing many hardships and problems, but because of cycling i am able to escape from those problems and i am able to avoid and distract myself from dwelling in negativity. For cycling isn't just a sport, its is my way of taking a break from reality real quick. Cycling helps me calm down and release all my emotions. This represents the kind of person i am. I am that kind person who doesn't want to dwell in negativity and instead of being sad i want to do things to distract me and i find cycling to be a very healthy way in dealing with my problems and hardships.

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SK Ilihan Miss Summer League 2025 (April 27, 2025)

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I chose this picture because I feel most confident and beautiful here. It also holds meaning for me since it was my first time joining a muse competition, which reflects my love for discovering and experiencing new things. I also like how I’m dressed and glammed up in this photo, it feels like a special moment captured.

This photo represents me because I see myself as creative and curious. I enjoy discovering new things, exploring different experiences, and expressing myself in unique ways.

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I choose this picture because in this time it is where I see my authentic self as a person. I let it out for where my mother supported me throughout the event that she organized, from my clothes to my makeup and overall appearance in that moment. For I believe that my whole family would not approve of this overall plan of mine, for there was a time that they disapproved of me for being gay. Yet all of a sudden they accept me for who I am and what I am, which makes me feel so seen and loved. In our family we always ask each other's guidance and opinions on what their perspective is towards our own actions before doing them.

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Joining a triathlon is more than just a test of physical endurance—it is also a journey of self-identity. Through swimming, cycling, and running, I learn discipline, patience, and the courage to push beyond my limits. Each stage of the race reflects a part of who I am: swimming teaches me resilience in facing challenges, cycling reminds me of balance and steady progress, and running symbolizes persistence in reaching my goals. By joining a triathlon, I not only strengthen my body but also discover my inner strength, shaping my identity as someone who does not give up easily and who is determined to keep moving forward no matter how tough the race gets.

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My Ride-or-Die in Randomness                 

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My Ride-or-Die in Randomness                 

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With Josephine, I can truly show my authentic self without holding back. She sees the parts of me that are random, silly, and sometimes downright nonsense. What makes it special is that instead of judging, she actually embraces it. She laughs with me at the little things that others might not even notice. Around her, I never feel the need to put up a mask or pretend to be someone else. She reminds me that friendship is about comfort and being real. We click in ways that make everything feel effortless, like we’ve always been on the same wavelength. Even in moments of silence, the connection is still there. Being with her feels light and genuine, like a break from the noise of the world. And when the laughter starts, it doesn’t just stay small—it floods until we’re both out of breath.

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I chose this photo because photography is something I truly love, and every chance I get, I make sure to capture moments that are meaningful to me. For me, photography is not just about taking pictures, it’s about preserving memories that shape who I am. This photo, taken during our CVIRAA sports event where I was playing badminton, holds a special place because it reminds me of the experiences and memories I had during that time.

Through photography, I’ve learned to appreciate the little moments in life, and it has helped me connect more deeply with my surroundings and the people I share those moments with. Taking photos allows me to express my perspective and hold onto memories that I can look back on whenever I want. It’s part of my identity because it reflects how I see the world and how I value the stories that each moment tells.

This image is a snapshot of not just an event but also a part of my journey both in sports and in life. It shows how I seize opportunities to create lasting memories and how It truly captures my passion and a key piece of who I am.

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This picture of me and my friends best describes me because it captures the importance of relationships and connections in my life. It shows my fun-loving and social side, and some of the sides that they only get to see. It shows the value I place on shared experiences and memories with loved ones. The photo also reflects my personality traits, such as warmth, and a sense of humor, which best describe who I am. Everyone who knows me and my best friends would really know where to look  for me when I can't be found anywhere. They created a space in my heart and created an identity that also took part into shaping who I am today. These people are a living proof that love can also be shown even if you're not blood related, it can be relayed in all ways and in all forms.They are a continuous blessing in my life and the people who I always been longing for in every prayers.

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Love and Care that my Tito  has for his pamangkins.

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Love and Care that my Tito  has for his pamangkins.

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This photo represents me because I also share the same values as my tito. Just like him, I am someone who is naturally generous and thoughtful towards my loved ones. It reflects my own dream of one day becoming the “rich tito” who spoils his pamangkins—not only with material things but also with experiences, guidance, and love. I see myself in my tito’s role because I already show the same spirit of generosity and care. The way he spoils his pamangkins is the same way I enjoy showing love to mine. For me, this photo speaks about the importance of family bonds, of being there for the younger ones, and of carrying forward the same kind of love that was once given to me.

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This photo with my complete family is a true reflection of who I am, because with them I feel the freedom to be my most authentic self. Around them, I can laugh without restraint, speak my mind openly, and show every side of me without fear of judgment. Their love, values, and constant support have shaped me into a spontaneous and caring person, someone who embraces life with openness and compassion. More than just a family portrait, this picture shows the people who make me feel safe, understood, and deeply loved.

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This photo captures a lively moment of me and the crew leading the children in dance, and i believe this embodies connection and service, where I joined others in engaging with children through fun activities and fellowship. I chose this picture because it reflects my love for being with the community and the deep happiness I find in serving others. It represents who I am—a person who values togetherness, compassion, and making a positive impact in the lives of those around me, plus I love to dance, hitting two birds with one stone!

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This photo symbolizes one of the biggest parts of who I am. My grandma, my favorite person, shaped my identity through the love and bond we shared. As a child, I would always do her make-up before her dialysis check-ups, which taught me how important it is to care for someone in even the smallest ways. Because we lived in the province while she was in the city, I only got to see her during vacations. That distance made me value our time together even more, and every goodbye was so hard that I cried because I wanted to stay by her side. These moments shaped me into someone deeply attached to family, someone who treasures relationships and expresses love openly. My identity is tied to compassion, connection, and the desire to make others feel cared for, and all of that comes from her.

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I chose this picture because it captures a moment of pure joy and freedom. My smile and natural pose reflect how happy and carefree I felt in that moment. It reminds me of the  importance of appreciating simple, happy times. This photo represents my cheerful self. My expression shows that I value happiness and living in the moment. It reflects the side of me that finds joy even in simple experiences.

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This is my family along with my auntie and uncle with my little cousin on the right. I chose this photo because for me they are the one's who mold me for who I am right now. I feel accepted holistically and comfortable with them especially with my liitle brother. So that's why I see my true self when I'm with them, its like I am more bold with my actions and expressions and that I reveal nakedly my true self.

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My boyfriend’s family feels like a peaceful home that I always love to visit. Every time I am with them, there is a sense of warmth and calm that surrounds me. They are so welcoming that it feels as if I have always been a part of them, like I truly belong. I never feel like an outsider—every moment of their lives, they make space for me, include me, and invite me in. Their kindness and openness allow me to relax and be my real self without fear of judgment. It is a beautiful feeling to be accepted so fully, and it fills my heart with comfort and joy.

With my mama and papa, things are different. We are not very close, and sometimes the distance between us feels heavy. But deep inside, I know that in their hearts we are still one. The bond between parents and child is something that never fades, no matter how much time passes or how much is left unsaid. Even if love is not always shown in words or actions, it still exists quietly and strongly, like a root that holds us together.

I realize now that I am blessed with two kinds of love. From my boyfriend’s family, I receive the love that makes me feel free, open, and welcomed. From my parents, I carry the love that is deep, unconditional, and everlasting, even if it is not always expressed. Both kinds of love are important in my life—they balance me, they teach me different lessons, and they help me grow into who I am today.