8 is my favorite number

They say 8 is the infinity number, it indicates luck. Some say it's also about harmony, peace and balance. But to me, 8 will always be my favorite number...because it's the day of September 21 years ago today when I made the most important decision in my life... the day I decided to be another's, and the day I decided to make someone mine.

Looking back, ours was never a perfect union. It's been filled with pettiness during the first three years, big fights until the 7th year, challenges until the 12th, and (thankfully) harmony until this day. What was never lacking, however, was love and joy and laughter, and those three things are the reasons why we made it through the years.

Funny how we now do things old married couples do...like coloring each other's hair... Sitting side by side silently while sipping coffee and watching TV... And having petty discussions about who said who and who did what years ago, who has the sharper memory...and who is right.

I guess it's really true after all...that your life is always your choice, and you have to live with that choice for the rest of your life. Well, this is definitely a choice I will be forever be grateful for.

Happy anniversary Daddy Edgar. What a wonderful journey it has been... with you. The best is yet to come. 

"I wish we had more time"

Hi Daddy.

It's February 20, 2020. It's your birthday, the third one that we won't be able to celebrate with you. And just like the last two years, I am going to wake up... and sleep... feeling sad knowing you are no longer around to blow another candle on your birthday cake.

And so here I am, wanting to let you read this unwritten birthday letter, saying the things that I have long wanted to say to you before you passed away.

THANK YOU. For trying to be the best father. You were never the kind of dad who sat us down to teach us a lesson. You did it by living your life as our best example.

How could I ever forget that day when a policeman came to our house and tried to give you a package full of money - in my presence - to bribe you because you were investigating him for corruption. You got so angry and asked him to leave. You told Mommy  you got mad because I saw what the man was doing. "Ano ang iisipin ng anak ko sa akin? Na galing sa mali ang pinapakain ko sa kanya?" In that one moment, you taught me one valuable lesson I will carry for the rest of my life - to never compromise my integrity and to stand my ground.

THAT HURT... That first - and last time - I received that one hard spanking from you when I was eight years old. You got angry with me because I lied when you asked me why I came home late that day.  Turned out you saw me playing at my classmate's house. You said I disobeyed you, even when you told me I should always go straight home after school. I remember how Mommy tried to rub and ease the pain I felt in my right leg where the buckle of your belt landed... how I cried myself to sleep... and how I woke up with you by my side not saying a word but looking at me with those apologetic eyes. I never lied again to anyone after that.

I WILL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL BECAUSE YOU LET ME BE ME. The most unselfish act you have ever done for me was to give me the freedom to choose the life I want. You supported Mommy in her dream of putting up her own school. And you supported me in my decision to pursue a path that is completely different from what I was born into. That independence became my anchor and source of happiness... it allowed me to step out of your and Mommy's shadow. I was no longer just your daughter, I became "nag-iisang Louise".

I MISS SEEING YOU AND MOMMY TOGETHER. That is the one thing that I am gonna miss for the rest of my life.

I WISH WE HAD MORE TIME. I wish we could still eat out, travel, fill the room with laughter, even be at odds with one another because of politics, you being pro-Duterte and me not understanding what you saw in the man (makes me wonder now if you would have agreed to the closure of ABS CBN when the only thing you did until your last days was watch Showtime and all those ABS-CBN shows).

I  really wish our time together didn't run out. Still, I had those 48 years with you in it... And that will always be enough.

I miss you Daddy... I love you. Happy birthday up there.

Looking through the Golden Glass

Half a century has been such a short time.

I realized that at 10:56 PM today when I officially turned 50. 

So I am now halfway through life, tapping my fingers to the beat of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" and realizing that I now have more years behind than ahead of me. I look back with gratitude because my first 50 years has been one heck of a ride, front, center and back. 

I was blessed to be born to the most loving, closely-knit De Guzman and Delos Santos clans from Bocaue, Bulacan, where fun and laughter permeated family gatherings and where there's a lot of love and respect for one another. I was twice as blessed to discover lasting friendships that are far from being perfect but are unabashedly real and perfectly genuine. I was able to marry the love of my life and we have stuck it out through thick and thin in the last two decades. I became a mother to an amazing boy who has given us nothing but joy and pride from the moment he was born until now that he is 16.

Career-wise, I honestly never thought that I would make it this far. Ask my college best friends and they would tell you that when we were younger, my ultimate dream was to simply be a housewife. Here I am 30 years hence and I am still on a roll in my career and I don't see myself fully slowing down in the next few years because in my heart I know I still have a lot to give... and - come on - to be 50 is still young. 

I couldn't wait to live through the next half of the century, gracefully and fearlessly. I still have a son to raise, a husband to love, a mother to take care of, and friends to spend precious times with. 

My goal, however, is to be able to take more travels to see the world before I get too old to pack... and to live a long, happy and healthy life for as long as I can. Here's to 50 more - with a little luck, a lot of hard work, and with God's grace.

To all the very important people who helped shape my life the way it is and the way it should be, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you Mommy, I love you Daddy (keep watching over me from heaven). I love you Edgardo and Ejoy. I love you Kuya Raymund and Lon-lon. To all my aunties and uncles, cousins and the truest of my friends who are too many to mention (you know who you are), I love you for making my life much happier. It would take me a million lifetimes to forget all of you. 

I received a lot of birthday greetings and well wishes today (through texts, calls and social media), and my family came all the way from Bulacan to celebrate this milestone with me. I am definitely going to sleep tonight with a big smile on my face knowing that I am loved beyond measure. 

And to you reading this, "Thank You" and I hope that like me, you will also be grateful and happy when it's your turn to be 50. 

My Emmazing Queen 👑

Emma Mary Tiglao, at 24 years old, is at the prime of her beauty. She is a head turner with her winsome smile and commanding presence on or off stage. What people do not see behind that glamorous persona is her fun spirit (she is still a girl after all), her good heart and her genuine desire to make a difference - no matter how simple - in the lives of others.

"She does not want to be beautiful. What she wants is to be relevant, to do good and to inspire others. She wants to leave a mark because she knows she has something to offer, something more than the superficial idea that her beauty is all she has. She simply has so much more to give. She is more than just a queen. She is a beautiful human being." 

Thank you My Queen for being the real, authentic person that you are. In my heart, I know that wherever this journey takes you, you will stay grounded and remain humble like you have always been. We need more beautiful people like you to make this universe a much better place to live in.

A Queen Loved for the Rest of Her Life

(Author's note: This is the last of three parts about my feature on Ms. Emma Mary Tiglao, BBP 2019 candidate representing the province of Pampanga. Get to know more about Emma's #BeyondBeauty persona behind all the glitz and glam of pageantry.)

“Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.”

The Tiglao Family

Emma Mary Francisco Tiglao is blessed to be born to an amazing family.

Emma is the youngest among the four lovely daughters of Tony and Lhita Tiglao, both Kapampangans. Emma’s father has been working as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) for more than 30 years. Emma’s mother, on the other hand, is the perfect lady of the house for the Tiglao clan.

Emma proudly told me that despite the many years that their parents had to live apart because of her father’s job abroad, their children have always felt their parents’ love for each other. “Lumaki kami na hindi namin naramdaman na hindi sila magkasama. We never felt that something was missing. That love has kept our family together and happy all these years,” she said.

Emma would often lovingly talk to me about her mother, the queen of their home. “Mama taught me one priceless lesson when I was just starting at yun ang nag-stick sa mind ko. Sabi nya sa akin ‘anak, hindi araw-araw ay Pasko’. What she meant was that I cannot win all the time, but I must remain optimistic, and to learn from the sad experiences,” Emma said.

Emma is also proud of her mama’s culinary skills. “She is the best cook,” she said. Among Emma’s favorite dishes are sinigang na baboy, kare-kare and batswi/batsui.

I had the privilege of tasting Ma’am Lhita’s dishes last December when Emma invited us for lunch in their home. The pochero that Ma’am Lhita cooked for us was delicious. After that visit, I remember telling Emma that just by looking at her mama, I fully understood where Emma inherited her admirable behavior. “Now I know where you got your quiet strength,” I told her.

Emma with her Mama and sisters.

The youngest among four sisters, Emma was born after her Ate Jack, Nette and Isza. They all grew up close to their parents and are grateful for their sacrifices for the family.

According to Isza, their father decided to work abroad to be able to provide for his family’s needs. “From the start, sya na talaga yung nagtrabaho para sa future ng family namin. Matagal na syang OFW. Kaya kaming magkakapatid, we did everything to finish our studies. Our diploma makes them happy. We are proud of our parents and we love them,” she added.

When I asked Isza to describe Emma as a daughter, she said their bunso is “Loving and caring. She will do everything for our parents.” As a sister, Emma is sweet. “She makes sure that everyone is happy. She is also a joker,” Isza added.

According to Isza, Emma inherited their mama’s facial features and her height from their papa. “Parehong matulungin at mabait ang parents namin so sa tingin ko namana at natutunan din namin yun sa kanila,” she noted.

The Tiglaos love their family time.

Like any typical closely knit Filipino family, the Tiglaos cherish their time together. Isza shared that the first out-of-town trip they had as a complete family happened this year when they all went to Bataan.

“Usually kasi kapag summer vacation namin laging wala tatay namin or last time kami naman ni Emma ang wala.  Pinaka first time sana na kumpleto kaming mag-family outing itong last week ng May papuntang Cebu. But since kasali si Emma sa Binibining Pilipinas, hindi namin siya makakasama,” Isza said.

All their family outings to Vigan, Pagudpud, Zambales, Bataan, Baler and other places have been memorable. “Sa lahat ng napuntahan namin, merong sarili-sariling story na kapag nakita mo ulit yung pictures, merong mga pangyayari na matatawa ka na lang. Memorable din when we visit churches as a family, and we pray sincerely,” Isza noted. 

The Tiglao family is bonded by their Faith in God.

I recently got a chance to talk to Emma’s mom when we visited Emma’s young friends at Bale-Balay in Angeles City. According to Ma’am Lhita, Emma was boyish when she was younger. “May school activity sya na sinalihan, street dancing sa isang event sa Angeles, nagustuhan nya. Meron syang naging classmate na nakita ang potential nya, kinuha syang model. Doon nagsimula si Emma.”

Meanwhile, Isza recalled that Emma first joined a school pageant when she was around 13 years old. “I think she won the title during her first try. After that, her classmates wanted her to always represent their school in different pageants. Nag-join sya sa Binibining Dau, Miss Mabalacat, and so on. That started her dream to join national pageants and to represent our country.”

There was no apprehension from their family when Emma started joining pageants. Isza said they supported her right away. “Kasi sabi ng parents namin, kahit anong gawin or gustuhin namin susuporta sila as long as maganda ang hangarin at makakatulong sa sarili namin yon. Lagi lang kaming nasa likod ni Emma. Kapag nadapa siya, bangon ulit. Hindi pwedeng forever na lang nakadapa. As a family naman ganon ang ginagawa namin. Suportahan ang bawa’t isa sa mga laban ng buhay.” 

When asked if there is anything that they do not like about the path that Emma chose to tread, Isza said “Wala naman po. Minsan syempre nasasaktan kami sa mga bashers. Pero tulad nga ng sinasabi namin kay Emma, gawin na lang namin inspiration yun to strive harder at ipakita na kaya nya. Minsan kasi akala natin yun na siya. Pero minsan kailangan din natin kilalanin yung tao bago natin sabihan ng kung ano-anong mga salita na masasakit.”

Isza added they are very proud of Emma. “We support Emma kasi gusto nya ang ginagawa nya. She is enjoying it, she gets to meet a lot of people. We are so happy that she became the woman, the person that she wanted to be.”

The admirable character of the Tiglao sisters was molded by the lessons they learned from Sir Tony and Ma’am Lhita.

“They taught us to always keep our feet on the ground. Sa kahit anong achievements na natatamasa or kung ano man ang meron kami ngayon, laging maging mapagkumbaba at huwag na huwag mang-aapak ng tao. Laging magdasal, magpasalamat sa lahat ng mga narating namin sa buhay,” Isza said. 

More than the accolades and titles she has won in various local and national pageants, Emma’s family feels pride for her other successes in life.

“Emma was a school achiever. She finished her college degree kahit nagpa-pageant sya. Proud kami sa kanya because she achieved her dream to have her own house and lot, and buy her own car with her hard work. BUT FOR US, HER FAMILY, EMMA IS OUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT,” Isza proudly said. 

"How Beautifully Connected We Are..."

(Author's note: This is the 2nd of three parts about my feature on Ms. Emma Mary Tiglao, BBP 2019 candidate representing the province of Pampanga. Get to know more about Emma's #BeyondBeauty persona behind all the glitz and glam of pageantry.)

"Find people who help you feel more at home in your heart, mind and body, and who take joy in your joy. Find people who love you, for real, and who accept you, for real. Just as you are. They’re out there, these people. Your tribe is waiting for you. Don’t stop searching until you find them.” 

If you would ask Emma Mary Tiglao what gives meaning to her life, family and friendships are at the top of her list. 

All her life (at 24 years, four months and 19 days as of today), Emma has made some incredible, loving connections outside of her family, they are her person... her tribe. One of them I had the pleasure of knowing recently. She is Kash Manalo, a young Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) working in Dubai.

Emma and Kash became friends eight years ago. Emma was a third year Tourism student of Holy Angel University where Kash was working as a multimedia specialist. "The College of Hospitality and Tourism Department produced a video campaign material where Emma was one of the hosts and the rest is history," Kash said.

Emma and Kash during one of their travels

Their friendship was unexpected. When they met, Emma - at 18 - was a student and title holder in a national beauty pageant while Kash was 6 years older and the total opposite of her. "We hit it off. We didn’t share the same era, but we shared the same purpose. Purpose to give, to live and be alive. I can’t even put into words how beautifully connected we are in many ways but all I know is that we value our friendship beyond distance," Kash narrated.

Kash is grateful that her friendship with Emma gives them the allowance for mistakes and freedom to grow individually. "When Emma realizes that she has done something wrong, she would tell me without hesitations and wait for my sermons. Her maturity for admitting something and accepting my opinions makes me so proud. She’s helping herself improve and learn from her mistakes. She’s trying to learn every day and striving to be better."

Kash also appreciates how Emma, despite all her successes and achievements, remains the humblest and kindest person. "She’ll join you in your battle, she’ll be the first person to jump and cry because of your achievements. Emma will even cross the ocean just to see you and make up for lost time. She values her friends and people around her. She has a rare quality that’s hard to find."

When asked what makes Emma unique as a friend and as a person, Kash recalled Emma's efforts. "When she was competing in Binibining Pilipinas 2014, that was also the time I was about to leave the Philippines to fulfill my dreams. Emma went out of her way to go back to Pampanga to surprise me and say our goodbyes. It was short but it left a significant mark in my life," Kash said. 

Emma was also an OFW like Kash. At a very young age of 21, Emma took out a big step outside her comfort zone to go to Cambodia to help her family, buy them a house and a family car. "She was at the peak of her modeling and hosting career, but Emma chose to leave. She’s bold and brave to take a path that she’s not familiar with. Her bravery took her places, she found new friends and family, it kept her well-grounded," Kash said.

But Emma's kindness is more evident in how she helps people in need, big or small. Kash recalled how Emma has been helping charitable organizations focused on special children and less fortunate kids since 2014. 

Emma loves to share her blessings without using her platform.

"Even when she was in Cambodia, Emma - together with some of her friends there - continued to do good deeds and random acts of kindness. They cooked Filipino dishes and shared it with some of the less fortunate people in Cambodia," Kash added. 

After fulfilling her dream of buying a house and car for her family, Emma came back to the Philippines and continued to share her blessings. According to Kash, Emma organized outreach programs at the Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth and the Special Education Center in Angeles City without using her platform. 

Kash also shared that there were times when they would pack some goods, drive around Angeles City and San Fernando and hand out these goods to the homeless and street families. "When Emma helps, she helps silently. She doesn’t use her platform to gain attention. She just wants to change the world with her simple kind gestures. Her enthusiasm to help makes a big difference and inspires the people around her to do the same. I believe that your vibe attracts your tribe. That’s what she does. Her enthusiasm to help others gives us the reason to be better and to share."

Emma loves being around children.

When I asked Kash what could have been Emma's career if she did not pursue her dream of being a beauty queen, she told me it would either be as a teacher in a social facility organization or a flight attendant. 

"Emma really wants to be a teacher. She is fond of children. She enjoys her time playing and interacting with them. Being a Flight Attendant is also one of her biggest dreams. She sees it as an opportunity to see places around the globe. She loves to travel a lot. She enjoys her time being on the beach, hearing the sounds of the sea," Kash added.

According to Kash, Emma joined different beauty pageants and accepted modeling stints to raise money and pay for her college tuition. "Her dream was to finish her college and have a diploma. She graduated with flying colors while working left and right. She knows what she wants and what she wants to achieve. She worked hard for every single penny she earned," Kash proudly says about Emma.

Behind all that glitz and glamour, Kash says the one thing that people would be surprised to find out about Emma is that she is also a cowboy. "She’s always on the go. When you ask her if she wants to join you on a 9-hour bus ride, she’ll drop what she’s doing and go for it without hesitation. Sasakyan lahat ng trip mo just to please you."

"We all know that she is flawlessly beautiful. I always tell her that she’s “halimaw” whenever she is on stage. We always laugh it off. Because deep down she’s simple, exceptionally thoughtful and determined."

On Emma's normal days, which she rarely has, she tries to spend time with her family, to watch movies or have dinner out to catch up with them. 

"People see Emma the beauty queen. But in the eyes of her friends, we see the determined Emma who works hard for her dreams. Her dreams are not actually about her, it’s about her family especially for her mama and papa. She wants her father to stop working overseas that is why she’s striving so hard for her family," Kash said.

When I asked Kash what she thinks was the biggest challenge faced by Emma and how she overcame it, Kash said it would be what she went through in 2014. 

"The world of technology can be so mean and cruel. After joining Binibining Pilipinas and Miss World Philippines that year, Emma was brutally bashed about her performance in the Q&A segment. It was heartbreaking to read the mean comments, but she took these comments positively and as constructive criticisms. Her 5 years off in pageantry gave her the time to focus on healing, learning and growing. She was bold enough to try things that were new to her. She traveled a lot, met new people, tried to go outside her comfort zone and that shaped her into who she is today. These opportunities opened her eyes to the reality of life and discover what she really wants."

Now, Emma is back stronger and better than ever, brave enough to try again and wise enough to know that she is already a winner because she kept going, grateful in the thought that no matter what happens, she will always have the love and support of her family and true friends.

Thank you Kash. It's a pleasure to know you. I hope to see you soon. 

My Queen

(Author's note: This article is the 1st of three parts that I am writing about Ms. Emma Mary Tiglao, BBP 2019 candidate representing the province of Pampanga. Get to know more about her through the eyes of the people who value her as a beautiful human being.)

“Namaste... I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells.”

Emma Mary Tiglao was only a name to me about a year ago.

My first encounter with her was during the launch of the Search for Miss Midori Clark 2018. Emma was among the first to message us through FB inquiring about the pageant’s details. The minute I mentioned to my office mates that a certain Emma Tiglao sent a message, I was startled by their instantaneous reaction. When I asked why, their answer was unanimous - “Naku ma’am hindi mo ba alam? Alamat si Emma Tiglao sa Pampanga” (Didn’t you know ma’am? Emma Tiglao is a legend in Pampanga.)

It got me so curious that I stalked her social media accounts, and I honestly got intimidated by what I read and saw. I wondered why a pageant veteran, with all her achievements and accolades, would still want to join our search.

A few days later, my work colleagues began contacting handlers and beauty queen aspirants in Pampanga to invite them to join the Miss Midori pageant. Some of those who initially expressed interest in joining was already bailing out because of Emma.

When I asked if the reason was because they feel intimidated by her, one of our team members gave me an interesting answer: “Yung dalawang possible candidates ma’am, sobrang idol po nila si Emma. Ayaw po nilang kalabanin kasi mataas daw ang respeto nila sa kanya.” (Ma’am, two of the possible contestants said Emma is their idol. They said they do not want to compete with her because they look up to her.)

So early on, I already knew that Emma - in the eyes of some of  her fellow Cabalens especially  young girls - is "somebody" in her province. I assumed they idolize her because of the titles and crowns she has already won while representing Mabalacat and Pampanga. Turns out - as I would learn later on - that there is more to her than her beauty titles.

During the go-see of the Miss Midori Clark 2018 applicants, Emma Tiglao's screening was one of the most highly anticipated. We were all curious about candidate number 35 (that was her go-see number). The minute she stepped out on stage, we were all speechless. She definitely did not disappoint. There she was... radiant... a towering figure... a Q-U-E-E-N.

Emma Mary Tiglao during the Miss Midori Clark 2018 go-see on June 1, 2018.

I asked Emma why she  joined our pageant, and if she didn't consider it a demotion for her given her caliber and previous achievements in national pageants. She told us there was no hesitation on her part because Midori is a five-star property that gives pride to Pampanga, her beloved province, and that it would be a great privilege if she got the chance to be the face of Midori and its charitable causes. 

That day, we learned that Emma stopped joining pageants after her Miss World 2015 stint where she finished as 4th Princess, and decided to be an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Cambodia to help her family. She told us that if she makes it to Miss Midori, it will be her comeback of sorts to the pageant world after five years.

Emma was candidate #12 during the Miss Midori 2018 pageant

Of course, Emma Mary Tiglao made it as our official candidate number 12. 

Emma is a natural in front of the cameras. During our artistic shoot, she moved around with ease. One could see the glow in her eyes, her commanding presence, and how she loved every minute of what she was doing. I was in awe of her; this girl has no bad angle.

But beneath that beauty is an even more beautiful soul. This was evident during our pageant's CSR activity at the Bahay Pag-Ibig home for abandoned elderly where Emma, like the other girls, brought happiness to the beneficiaries. She went around hugging them, making sure they were okay.

Emma during Midori's CSR activity at Bahay Pag-ibig in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Emma possesses this natural gift to help those in need, quietly and without any pretense, a calling that I also pursue. This is the reason why when I learned that she was doing an outreach for some of the SPED children in a public school in Angeles, Pampanga, I said I wanted to give a little help. She told me that during her five-year hiatus from pageantry, she has been doing random acts of kindness and charity works whenever her time and resources would permit. It has always been her purpose: to spread kindness and love, especially to those who need it.   

Emma, her family and friends during a charity work
for some SPED kids in Angeles, Pampanga on July 4, 2018. 

The pageant ran for over two months. During its course, Emma never showed any "attitude". She did not crave for attention and her demeanor was self effacing. Emma was never loud. She was always respectful, focused on doing her best, and worked hard to prove her resolve to promote Midori in her social media platforms.

After the pageant where she became one of our major winners, I had the opportunity to spend more time with Emma during Midori's various events. I have never seen her so beautiful, not because of how she looks or how she effortlessly carries herself, but with how she makes everyone around her feel like she sees and acknowledges them. 

I also appreciate how she finds time to check on me on unexpected days despite her hectic schedule, and pays me a visit just to hug me whenever she would have the time to do so. She is one of the most genuine persons I have ever met in my entire life, and I will infinitely love her.

   

Angels Dream project of Midori last Dec 2018

With My Queen Emma Mary Tiglao

Midori's Christmas Party for its Employees in Dec 2018.

In my eyes, what makes Emma a true queen is not her gorgeous appearance - with or without make-up - or her impeccable pasarela, or the fabulous dresses she wears, or her achievements. 

What makes My Queen beautiful is her unfeigned ability to love and care for other people even if she doesn't stand to gain anything from helping them. Emma does not want people to repay her for her charity. Instead, she hopes to inspire them to pay it forward. She helps not for publicity or to gain public acceptance or approval, but simply because it is her life's purpose. And she does it regardless of whether she is competing in a pageant or not.

Emma's beauty lies in her courage and tenacity to pursue her dreams, not only for herself but for her family most of all. 

She is flawless - not in her looks - but in her audacity to see the good in other people, and to pass kindness rather than judgement. Emma remains positive even in the face of failure, always choosing to take in the lessons rather than dwell on the pains of her perceived shortcomings. She doesn't pretend to be full of eloquence, but she knows that the best way to communicate is to speak her truth kindly and always from her heart.

Most of all, My Queen's strength lies in her faith in God and in the light that flows within her beautiful soul. 

Whenever she catches me staring at her with a big smile on my face, she would always ask me why. I guess I have never really told her the reason, and now she will know why...

Emma Mary Tiglao is no longer just a name and a pretty face to me. She totally changed - rather demolished - my perception that beauty queens are just pretty faces and eye candies who are consumed by how they look, what dresses or shoes to wear, and the number of followers they have on social media. 

Emma showed me that a queen's essence rests not on the crown on her head, but on how well she lives her life in the present and strives to make a difference in the life of others. 

So to you My Queen, I want to say THANK YOU for choosing to be the beautiful human being that you are. I wish you one hell of a ride on your journey. This is your time.