Changing Its Rays (Sultan Naga Series #1) (UNDER EDITING)

Kabanata 44

Religions

Maingay ang malaking room na inokupa namin habang nag prepara para sa presentation mamaya for Sinulog. Makeup artists were scattered around, working their magic on the dancers, transforming them into radiant performers ready for the spotlight.

I sat still as a makeup artist worked on me, my mind wandering back to our argument with Commander. Damn this!

"Ma'am?" nakangiting tawag sa akin ng make up artist. "Aayusan na po kita."

I awkwardly smiled as I nodded. "S-Sige po."

I quickly shook off the distracting thoughts. I needed to focus. Tonight is about the Sinulog. Hindi rin madali ang role ko as the festival queen, and I couldn't afford to be distracted. Hindi puwede.

"Since gabi ang presentation ninyo, dark shades ang gagamitin ko sa 'yo." The make up artist showed me the different dark shades of pallete.

Tumango ako at hinayaan na siyang maglagay ng kung ano-ano sa mukha ko. Alas syete ng gabi ang Sinulog at alas singko sa hapon kami nagtitipon. Ang mga costumes at props na gagamitin ay maingat na nilagay sa mga lagayan at ininorganisa na.

"Para hindi ka ma b-bored, Ma'am don't you mind me asking stuffs? Huwag kang mag-alala at hindi naman mga personal," she chuckled.

Ipinikit ko ang mga mata nang maglagay na siya ng eyeshadow sa right eye ko. "S-Sige lang."

"May trabaho na po ba kayo o still studying?"

"Agricultural Economist ako ng Sultan Naga."

"Wow! You looked so young yet very successful!"

I smiled. "Thank you."

"Taken or single?" tanong niya. Hindi ko alam kung personal na tanong ito o hindi but since It didn't make me feel uncomfortable of what she asked ay sinagot ko nalang din.

"S-Single..."

"Hmm. Independent and successful."

Nang matapos na niya akong ayusan sa mukha ay nag proceed na rin kami sa sosoutin kong gown. This is my second time seeing it and it makes me fall in love with it over and over again. Katabi rin nito ang sosoutin kong headdress.

Alas sais na ng hapon at mas umugong na ang ingay. Nag s-sound check na rin sila sa labas and it makes me really nervous. As our turn approached, a wave of nervousness washed over me again.

"Everyone, just...enjoy the night. Walain n'yo sa isipan ninyo na contest ito. Dance like what your heart desires." The trainer reminded us before we proceed to the back stage.

"Avoid stiffness." Lingon niya sa akin and then he smiled. Inayos niya ang headdress kong sout.

"Ang ganda mo. Kainez!" aniya sabay irap sa akin.

Nagpakawala ako ng mahinang tawa. "Salamat. We will do our best."

Nang na sa malaking stage na kami ay hiyawan kaagad ang bumungad sa amin. The crowd was massive as their eyes all trained on the stage, waiting for our performance. Napalunok ako. Being the festival queen only added to my nervousness, the weight of responsibility resting heavily on my shoulders.

Paano kung matalisod ako? Shit. Huwag naman sana. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa hawak-hawak kong St. Niño. Please, guide us.

"Good luck sa atin, Ate Dorothy!" cheer sa akin ng mga bata.

Because of their kind words, gumaan at nabawas-bawasan ang kabang naramdaman ko.

"Good luck!"

The emcee gave an introduction first about our performance and when the music started, I sprung into action. I moved gracefully watching my every step and twirl executed with precision. Katulad no'ng sinabi ni Poni na dapat nakangiti ako lagi sa crowd ay ginawa ko.