𝗛𝗘 𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗞, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗡

What happens when an ordinary young man chooses courage over comfort and belief over fear?

On January 12, 2026, beneath the bright lights of the Makato ABL Sports Complex, an ordinary student stepped onto an extraordinary stage. His name is Joshua Torda Isturis, and his journey to the crown began with a single brave decision — to believe in himself despite fear.

Before the pageant, Joshua saw himself as nothing out of the ordinary. He was simply a student, often seen around campus, focused on his studies and familiar routines. “Simple lang ako na tao,” Joshua shared. “Usually nakikita lang ako sa NVC, nag-aaral. Tinaasan ko lang ng konti yung mga pangarap ko.”

Though he had begun to recognize his worth, Joshua admitted that he often stayed within the safety of his comfort zone. Everything changed when he was encouraged to join the pageant—despite having no assurance of winning. “Nung time na pinilit ako sumali, grinab ko na kahit walang kasiguraduhan,” he said. With discipline and commitment, Joshua stepped into unfamiliar territory, and emerged wearing a crown he never imagined would be his.

Winning the title gave Joshua a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be a role model for the youth. For him, the crown is not just an honor, but a responsibility. “A true role model should be disciplined to meet goals and inspire the youth to continue their dreams,” he explained. He strongly believes that integrity outweighs words. “Action speaks more than words. As a true role model, gagawin mo kung ano ang tama even when no one is watching.” Joshua also emphasized resilience: the strength to rise after every fall. “Every challenge and setback is not a failure, but a lesson. You just need to keep going even when it’s difficult. That’s how you win in life.”

Behind the confident smile of a titleholder is a young man who once struggled deeply with self-doubt. “Dati, I was so weak when people looked past me. When I looked in the mirror, I saw nothing but failure,” Joshua admitted honestly. But his story did not end there. “Weakness is a choice, and I stopped choosing it. Pain became my fuel. Doubt became fire," he imparted. Instead of waiting for someone to save him, Joshua chose to save himself. “We are not born strong. Strength is earned. You don’t level up by chance, you level up because you refuse to stay the same.”

Joshua Isturis’ journey is a powerful reminder that the greatest victories often begin with fear, hesitation, and uncertainty. To young men who doubt their worth, he leaves a simple but powerful message: “Wag kayong mabahala. Baka may naghihintay na blessing after that.” Joshua’s crown does not shine because it is made of gold, but because it represents a young man who chose to rise, to believe, and to move forward.

Take the step, even if you are afraid. Try, even when failure feels possible. Because in life, you either win or you learn. Every setback shapes you, strengthens you, and reveals the potential you never knew you had.

✍: Trisha Doroteo, Junior Staff Writer 

🖼: Dale Victoria, Junior Lay-out Artist