By Eva C. Visperas

 

THERE is always a first time! Yes, we often hear this cliché in various aspects of our lives. In the past two weeks, I experienced two significant firsts.

The first was receiving the Writers’ Prize Award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for my Pangasinan short story titled “Inkadenan Aro” last December 9. It marked my inaugural participation in the biennial award, which the NCCA has been presenting since 2001. As the primary government arm and funding institution for arts and culture, the NCCA plays a leading role in fostering artistic development.

I came across the contest on Facebook during a period of soul-searching after leaving my job earlier in the year for various reasons, including a commitment to self-care—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

While perusing the rationale and criteria for the award, I learned that the NCCA’s mission is “to encourage the continuing development of a pluralistic culture by the people themselves” ” and, to provide a platform for direct involvement in the advancement of Filipino literature. Open to all Filipino writers, the NCCA Writers’ Prize spans different genres such as the novel, short story, essay, poetry, and drama, and has included other vernacular languages since 2007.

Motivated by this mission, I decided to give it a try, and the rest, as they say, is history. One of the esteemed judges remarked that it was the first time a Pangasinan writer had won this competition, which was a tremendous honor for me. Surprisingly, I discovered a talent for short story writing that I never knew I had, and I am grateful to the judges who recognized the merit in my manuscripts.

In truth, I wrote from the heart. I expressed what I felt to meet requirement for submitting three short stories for the competition. Perhaps, people can create better stories when nursing profound pain in their heart—I certainly experienced this firsthand.

A week later, I encountered another first, rather amusing but true. I found myself registering strong opposition and a sense of unworthiness when asked to serve as a judge for Miss Villasis 2024. Despite my repeated and emphatic refusals, ex-mayor Dita Abrenica, wife of Mayor Nato Abrenica, persisted and eventually convinced me to accept the honor. She asserted, ‘You ask sensible questions. There’s no one else on my mind except you,” like a caring big sister encouraging me to rise to the challenge.

She kept reminding me never to underestimate myself. While I had prior experience as a judge for the selection of Darling of the Press in various beauty pageants in Pangasinan, I was  never invited to be a judge in a pageant night. So, being part of the Miss Villasis 2024 selection on December 16 was a historic first for me.

Arriving at the pageant venue, unaware of what awaited me, I felt more nervous than the lovely candidates themselves. To my surprise, I saw a nameplate with my name and the word ‘chairperson’ at my designated seat. Perplexed, I questioned the pageant team to confirm if there was a mistake, but they assured me that it was accurate.

With a deep sigh, I accepted my role. Positioned at the center of our table on an elevated stage, I shared the space with another judge, the statuesque Limgas na Pangasinan World Nikhisah Buenafe Cheveh from Binmaley.

I had the opportunity to be on stage, awarding the sash of the winner, Kathleen Jane M. Andaya of Barangay Piaz, alongside Mayor Nato and Vice Mayor Cherryl Tan, presenting the bouquet and cash prize.

What a remarkable and unforgettable December 2023 it turned out to be!

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