PINK PEPPER
Oton's Kim
*" For being the queen, I feel pressured because I'm not used to be 'mahinhin'. People see me as mannish. It feels great that God trusted me with the crown. I am very honored and at the same time I will try my best not to disappoint those who believe that I can be a "role model" to the youth and to my fellow Ogtonganons"
Queen Kim
Kim San Luis of San Nicholas, Oton was crowned as Oton's Queen after besting other contestants during the town's 426th foundation day. The search for the queen was one of the highlights of their week-long celebration.
Kim is the third among the five children of Estrella Acap San Luis and Rogelio Gubrian San Luis, Jr. Her siblings are Philip Roger San Luis, 26; Kristine John San Luis, 23; Ken Ashley San Luis, 13; and Kristian San Luis 11.
She is an incoming freshman at the University of San Agustin with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology. She's fond of reading books, watching television and surfing the Internet.
During her time at the Oton National High School Special Science Class, she was an active member and officer of various school clubs, the Supreme Student Government President and Associate Editor of the Seaside Echo, their school's official publication.
Learn more about her in this interview.
Ramon C. Salvilla (RCS): What's it like to be Oton's queen?
Kim San Luis (KSL): Usually, when we say "queen", the first two things that come to our minds are grace and beauty. But after having been called one, I feel just the same but became more aware of my behavior especially in public places. I feel pressured because I'm not used to be 'mahinhin'. People see me as mannish. It feels great that God trusted me with the crown. I am very honored and at the same time I will try my best not to disappoint those who believe that I can be a "role model" to the youth and to my fellow Ogtonganons.
Kim and her family
RCS: In what way will you promote Oton? What are the attractions in your municipality?
KSL: This was also asked during the pageant night. I told Papa Pancho (pageant host) that Ogtonganons are technologically inclined. There are so many ways that I can promote our precious town. One is by coming up with brochures. My dad is a print artist, so I'll ask for his assistance. I will also use the power of the media to inform people of what Oton has to offer. Another is to develop the town's website.
Oton is very rich in culture and has an amazing history. We have good food, beautiful beaches and beautiful people. We have the mouth-watering talaba (oyster) and fresh sea foods served in restaurants such as Nes n Tat's, Allan's Talabahan and Anhawan Resort, Nang Palang's Buko Pie in Barangay Trapiche, sweet and abundant watermelons which earned us the title of Sandiya Capital of the Visayas, and Pugad and Salngan where hablon is woven.
Standing from left Ian Masculino, Philip Roger
San Luis, Jet, Kim, Estrella, Kristine John,
Ruby, Jared, Ken, Ashley, JR and Shem
RCS: If there's one thing that you want to change in Oton, what is it?
KSL: What's been there is there. I'll just improve our tourist spots. I notice that places such as Salngan and Pugad are not advertised well. I'll ask the help of our good mayor, Vincent Flores to make billboards or signages. I myself didn't discover the wondrous places until I went there. Another thing is the strict implementation of Internet café owners by not allowing students during class hours. Students cutting classes are wasting their time in playing Dota instead of learning useful stuff.
RCS: What is the best thing about being you?
KSL: Everything, I really believe that if we all just be ourselves, we can have peace of mind. Why peace of mind? Because we don't have to force ourselves to be someone else and we don't have to convince everybody, right? I think it's better that other people don't like me than liking me for what I am not. Each of us is unique and we deserve to be appreciated for our uniqueness. Being you doesn't really mean that even though we're bad or irritating, we still have to be it, di ba? Our personality should also include virtues. And in case we think we have to change ourselves, at least it's for the better.
| KIM'S FAVORITES | |
|---|---|
| Color: | Pink because it's 'kikay'; white for purity and mint green for my love of nature. |
| Food: | I eat everything. But I would become weak without having to eat an ice cream in a week. Movie: I watch movies but no particular favorite |
| Actor: | Johnny Depp |
| Pet: | I'm not into pets though I love animals. I just don't think I have enough patience to take care of them. Tamagotchi na lang (laughs) |
RCS: What bores you?
KSL: You mean the thing that makes me feel sleepy? Nothing, I enjoy every minute of the day because tomorrow might not come. Instead of getting bored, I divert my attention to other stuff like spending time with my family or go out with my friends or watch television. Nothing bores me at all. I enjoy every millisecond of my life, although others may find it boring not to be bored (maybe) but, I don't know. I just find better things to do with little things.
RCS: What's inside your bag?
KSL: Cellular phone, money siempre, mirror because I'm conscious . Hanky to wipe off dirt, comb, two pieces of ponytail bands, cologne to keep me smelling fresh, bottled water because I'm a girl scout. My mama and papa notice that I always bring my bag wherever I go. It's just that I don't feel like leaving without it.
RCS: Who would you be if you were born as a different person, and why?
KSL: Me? Born as a different person? I won't be crowned as Oton's Foundation Queen (laughs). Seriously, if I were born as a different person, I think I would be someone who is fun to be with, a beautiful and loving wife to a macho gwapito hubby happily living with five naughty children in a beautiful garden at J.C. Zulueta St., Oton. That's my family. (laughs)
RCS: If you were given only one day to do everything you want to do in your life, what are the top three things that you would like to accomplish?
KSL: I think of something that is useful to everyone to make my family proud of me. Like our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal who gives his life for the Filipino people.
RCS: How would you like to be remembered?
KSL: Someone who puts a smile on one's face because some say that I'm fun to be with. Someone who is nice and not someone whom they'd wish they've never met at all.
RCS: Any advice to the youth?
KSL: It's cool to be good boys and good girls. Obey your parents because they know what's best for you. Focus on your studies because education is your key to success. And lastly, always pray to ask guidance from God the Father because everyone may turn their backs on you; even some parents do, but God doesn't. He will always be there. Fear Him for He controls everything.
There is always time to change for the good and the earlier it happens, the better. I am not a perfect person myself but I'm in the process of making myself at least being quite close to one, you know, by simply doing kind things to others is one step, right?