Don’t let the fear of striking out stop you from winning
I remember sitting on a bus in Manila, looking out the window and seeing larger-than-life billboards. I looked at them in awe of the beautiful people on them and imagined how proud they would feel. The voice in my head said “I want that”. Since that day I have this magnetic pull to be in the Philippines.”
Coincidental things began to happen. In 2016 I entered Miss Universe New Zealand and made it to top 20 to find out that we would be going to the Philippines on retreat. I went on to win and they announced that the international competition was going to be held in Manila. On top of that Miss Universe organised a launch party where they invited 12 title holders from across the world. Little New Zealand was chosen as one. On top of all this, I am half-Filipino. I am not super spiritual, but come on.
Since I was a child, I have always dreamed of being an actress. I found a love for drama and media studies and followed this throughout high school and university. I am a fully registered secondary teacher where I taught my passions (I loved it by the way, shout out to Southern Cross Campus!) . I had always thought that this dream was unreachable. When I would tell people they would look at me like I was a dreamer and joked about seeing me on Shortland Street (NZ Soap Opera) someday. I stopped telling people.
But. . . I am telling anyone who is supporting my journey and has taken the time to read my blog (thank you). I want to be an actress. I see the Philippines as a land of opportunities and a chance to make my dream a reality. I am not going to be scared anymore to say what I want or of people seeing me fail. If I don’t do this, I will live my life with regrets of what could have been.
Over the next few months, I will be challenged like never before. Join me 🙂
Congratulations Tania! Super exciting and of course all the best in your journey. Look forward to seeing your work!
Thanks Max 🙂
You are always welcome to our country, the Philippines..Wishing you the best of luck in your new endeavor.
Thank you Anne! Absolutely love the Philippines and the people <3
You’re going to be awesome! Enjoy your journey. Looking forward to the next installment ? #alofatele
Thank you Clint! Let me know if you and the family would ever like to explore the Philippines 🙂
This is going to be so awesome to watch your experience!
Thanks Amber-lee!
That is fantastic news. Follow your dream darling, if you don’t you will never obtain it. We will be over there at the end of the year. We may be able to catch up if you are not on a movie set.
Thanks Heather! Will definitely love to catch up when you are over. I can be your Manila tour guide 🙂
Try to visit Caramoan when you came to Philippines.
Goodluck Tania, All the best. As a Filipino who moved to New Zealand Im sure you find it challenging in a good way to go to The Phillippines
Hello Tania. I forgot to take a pic of you in the parade last year here in Baguio I only took some shots on my IG. 🙂 Btw, We love you here in Baguio City. I hope you could visit my favorite Amusement parks in Manila, Star City and Enchanted Kingdom.
I wish if my crush Sari Nakazawa and Jenny Kim is coming here. #missingtravelbuddies
I love Baguio too! It is very much like New Zealand. I will definitely be back one day. I have a lot of family members there 🙂