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- BBP2020 contestant shared her story via #IAMBinibini introduction video.
- She also stated that she currently sells street food to earn extra income.
Binibining Pilipinas hopeful Kimberly Anne Tiquestiques shared her story and how she’s holding up during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In her #IAMBinibini introduction video, Tiquestiques stated that she started working at a very young age as her parents are separated and she’s the eldest of three siblings. She worked as a fast food chain employee, model, and usher while joining pageants from time to time.
“At the very young age of 16, nag start na ko mag work. Nag work ako sa isang fastfood chain sa bayan namin and at the same time, nag-aaral po ako. Rumaraket po ako ng mga modeling stints, ng mga usherings sa Manila at sa mga kalapit na provinces sa Bulacan. At the same time, nagpa-pageant pa rin,” she said.
When she reached college, Tiquestiques continued to be a working student until her last year as she needed to focus on her internship.
This ambitious woman was determined to go for her dreams so she joined Binibining Bulacan as soon as she graduated but little did she know that she would get the title. She then decided to join a bigger pageant which is the Binibining Pilipinas 2020.
Being a contestant in the competition required her to go to Cubao from Bulacan. On March 19, four days before the community quarantine started, she informed their local health officials that she was starting to feel some symptoms of the virus.
“March 15 nag start yung lockdown. March 19 nagkaroon ako ng hindi magandang pakiramdam so kinontact ko yung municipal health namin. And then sinabi nila na PUI ako kasi nga may travel history ako sa Manila. Mula March 19 to April 15, ang laki nung struggle kasi yung virus and yung pandemic na ‘to, hindi lang yung katawan yung inaatake niya, hindi lang yung immune system mo kundi yung pag-iisip mo and yung faith mo kay God.”
Tiquestiques thanked her family and friends for constantly reminding her that everything will be fine.
She also shared that she decided to sell some street food to earn extra money while waiting for the pageant to happen. This is not something new to her as she used to sell food during her high school summer vacation.
“Naisip ko pong mag-tinda. Yes, I am proud to be a tindera. Nagtitinda po ako ng fishballs, kikiam, and other street food.”
So what can she advise everyone regarding life and how to go along with it?
“Kaylangan marunong tayo dumiskarte sa buhay. Kailangan patuloy tayong lumaban at wag tayong susuko. Kailangan nating magtulong-tulong para malagpasan natin ‘to. Let’s always remember that this pandemic has changed a lot of things for us. But one thing will remain and that is we are not alone. We have our families, we have our friends, and most importantly, we have God with us.”
