Filipinos, unfortunately and very sadly to say, are known for crab mentality - pulling down those who are climbing to the top to join them. As part of the delegation for #wcopateamph2018, I have heard my fair share of thoughts from the many people around me who call it a scam or a business. As I was asking for donations and sponsorships from the people I know, a friend told me she was sorry for she didn't believe in what WCOPA is for to which I replied, "It's okay. I believe in myself." I didn't know the connection between my response and her message. All I knew was I wouldn't give power to negative thoughts. Not that time.
As I listened to Tito Gerry (National Director for WCOPA Philippines and our Tatay) during the orientation of #wcopateamph2019, he felt there was a need to remind the whole team that there would be people who would doubt the legitimacy, credibility, and reputation of the WCOPA (World Championships of the Performing Arts).
For 22 years now, this is one impression a lot of those who have no personal knowledge of what WCOPA is all about have in mind.
Mind you - 22 years. And they still haven't stopped. Twenty-two years and they still have the same thinking. Twenty-two years after the only world talent olympics has produced Filipinos who were soon to become premiere performers of the Philippines, no, they still haven't bit their tongue.Jed Madela, Jonalyn Viray, Rachel Alejandro, Rhap Salazar, Junior New System, 4th Impact, the list goes on. And the crabs are so busy thinking about the impossible.
Now don't get me wrong. I am probably once a crab or twice or thrice... Until I realized...
To join this competition, you will have to raise a lot of funds to support yourself and that is true. Everyone who flew abroad to represent the Philippines either saved on their own or raised funds by knocking on doors completely baring their soul just to get to their dream of representing their country. It was no easy feat. Rejection after rejection. Condescending comments every now and then. Name it, many contestants have endured more than what ordinary people can imagine.
But dreams have costs. You ought to invest in your dreams. Be it time, money, or effort, you will need to invest something no matter what your dreams maybe. Pursuing your dreams will drain your mind, will exhaust your emotions, will tire your body and sometimes pursuing your dreams could even pinch your soul. So what? Only the true dreamer and warrior knows it's worth it at the end.
So to #wcopateamph2019, don't let the negative voices of the people around you bring you down. If it's your dream, just go for it. Stand tall and proud and go on that stage. It's about your passion and not any amount of recognition you would get when you get there. Besides, to have represented your country and bare your soul to the judges, that is in itself, a win, a victory which your detractors wouldn't know the taste of for their too busy thinking of defeat.
Bless them negative people. And don't give them the power over your soul. Your mind may drain, your emotions may exhaust, your body may tire, but don't let them steal your soul. For your soul is beautiful and it's ready to be seen through your creative expression.
Orientation is now ongoing. For serious dreamers only. :)
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