“My life is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and an unwavering belief in oneself. My journey, though marked by challenges, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless potential within each of us,” said Richiel Mae Galvadores.

Born into a humble beginning in the picturesque village of Barangay Tawid in Candijay, Bohol, Richiel Mae grew up amidst financial struggles. Yet, despite the modest means that defined her household, her parents instilled in her a profound appreciation for the value of education.

“Kabalo ko nga gibuhat nila mama ug papa ang tanan aron masiguro nga mapaeskwela kaming tulong mag-igsuon ug aron dili kami maparehas nila nga wala nakahuman sa ilang edukasyon tungod sa kawad-on (I know that my mother and father are doing everything to ensure that my siblings and I can pursue our education so we would not be like them who did not finish their studies because of poverty),” said Richiel Mae.

As the eldest child, she witnessed firsthand the hardships of her parents, Maricel and Richie Galvadores, to provide something for their family. Richie works as a full-time security guard at one of the local high schools in Candijay, while her mother, Maricel, works as a house helper.

Long hours of labor and meager wages were the norm, yet amidst the toil, Richie and Maricel never wavered in their commitment to raising their children educated and healthy.

“Our home, with its weathered walls and a leaky roof, is a constant reminder of the challenges we faced. But within those humble walls, I learned valuable lessons of resilience, determination, and unwavering hope,” shared Richiel Mae.

When the Galvadores family became part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), it brought hope into their lives. The program provided much-needed assistance, helping ease their financial burdens and ensuring they met their basic needs – food and education.

Richiel Mae likened the 4Ps as a lifeline that enabled them to focus and sustain their education and dream of a brighter future.

“Despite the adversities surrounding me, I did not lose hope and was determined to break free from the cycle of poverty. Since I was young, I poured my heart and soul into my studies. Driven by a burning desire to excel in my studies and with the cash grant received from 4Ps, I strived for excellence and graduated with honors,” said Richiel Mae.

Despite her strong desire to dream big, her journey was not without its obstacles. Throughout elementary school, she endured ridicule and discrimination due to her appearance. Born with a slender frame and a complexion darker than most of her classmates, she became the target of hurtful taunts and cruel jokes in school.

Instead of succumbing to despair and bullying, she used their words as fuel to propel her forward.

“I refused to let their negativity define me, channeling my energy into my studies and emerging triumphant as an honor student upon our school graduation,” shared Richiel Mae.

As she transitioned to Junior High School at Bohol Island State University (BISU), she found solace in a supportive community that embraced her for who she was. Surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared the same passion for learning, she flourished academically and socially, forging friendships advantageous for her personal growth and development.

In 2022, her journey from insecurity to empowerment took a significant turn when she defied her doubts and stepped onto the pageant stage. Despite the scars of bullying and the weight of insecurity, she mustered the courage to pursue her dream, fueled by the unwavering support of her family.

With every step she took, Richiel Mae felt the weight of her self-doubts lifting and replaced by a growing confidence and self-esteem. She confessed that winning the crown in their barangay was not an ordinary victory but a brave feat of an ordinary lass over her inner struggles that once held her back.

Buoyed by her victory, she represented her barangay in the municipal-wide search for Miss Linggo Ng Kabataan 2022. Despite being the youngest candidate, she stood tall, embracing her uniqueness and radiating with an inner glow. She bagged second runner-up.

“Yet, just as I began to find my stride, adversity struck once more. In 2023, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, threatening to derail my dreams and leaving me grappling with uncertainty about my future. I was forced to put my aspirations of joining pageants on hold and redirected my focus towards my studies. My efforts did not go in vain because I graduated Senior High School with High Honors,” she said.

Despite her health condition, her determination remained unshaken. Armed with a newfound sense of resilience, she set her sights on higher education, enrolling in BISU to pursue a degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics.

“Balancing the demands of my academic studies with my health challenges proved to be a daunting task, yet I persevered, refusing to let adversity stand in the way of my dreams,” said Richiel Mae.

In December 2023, she contemplated her next steps. Then, the unexpected came – the chance to participate in the Miss Universe Philippines Bohol screening. Despite lingering doubts and concerns about her health, she seized the opportunity with both hands, driven to prove to herself and others that nothing could dim her spirit.

“Though I did not get the coveted crown during the coronation night, the experience left an indelible mark on my soul. Surrounded by fellow Boholanas who shared the same passion for empowerment and self-expression, I found a sense of belongingness that transcended the confines of competition. While presenting myself on stage to be graceful and poise, I discovered another dimension of being resilient,” Richiel Mae shared.

As she looks towards the future, she is filled with hope and optimism, knowing that each challenge she overcomes brings her one step closer to realizing her dreams for her family. ###

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