Hughie Dannielle Quijada

KORONA Moises “Dodong” Palomo, a professor since year 2014 then became the SSG adviser of College department in June 2018 of Saint Theresa College of Tandag, Inc. and has been a Showtime Intertalactic Queen of Tandag in January 1-3, 2019. A personal interview about how he changed his life through his achievements and to understand the story of his sexuality. “Where I am now? Haha well it’s not a secret anymore. It is basic, a combination of hard work, perseverance, just believe yourself and to God.” (T is the Theresian. M is for Interviewee.) T: After passing 3 licensure examinations, what do you ultimately want to achieve and what are your plans in fulfilling this goal? M: Honestly, my purpose for taking those examinations was to know the flow, type, techniques and construction of exams so that I can reecho to all my students. I always believe that experience is the best teacher. My plan is to pursue my doctoral degree or to enroll in law school. T: What mistakes have you made along the way? M: I have a lot of mistakes not because of the things that I do but because of the things that I never did will in fact I can do something like spending more time with my family, help to salvage the environment, do something for humanitarian purposes, honestly, nasa point ako ng life na gusto kong punan lahat ng pagkakamali ko. Now I will spend more time with my family at dadagdagan pa ang oras sa pagtulong sa kapwa. T: What’s the biggest factor that has helped you to be successful? M: I believe it’s the thorough and complete understanding of our situation. Living below the poverty line will teach you a lot of lessons, to work and strive hard hoping to uplift the living capacity of your family. T: Who was Moises “Dodong” Palomo before his achievements? M: A lot of changes physically because I have to look presentable but definitely my sentiment to my family, friends will remain the same. T: If you could start all over again, what would you do differently? M: A tough question, I think I would be a soldier protecting the sovereignty of the state and the integrity of the national territory. T: During the Miss Q and A Pageantry in Showtime, how does it feel to become one of the candidates not only defended the crown thrice, but to be one semifinalists of the show as well? M: First of course you have to understand the question and answer it with all honesty and integrity. It is important to based your answer in your personal experience and if you haven’t experienced it yet, better to think critically about genuine response. And I thank you! T: Hahaha. Okay, well, what was the best moment you’ve had experienced during Ms. Q and A? M: The first day in Showtime stage. I felt like I was dreaming because to tell you Hughie I auditioned for 2 times so I’ve been waiting for the perfect time. Standing in the Showtime stage is incomparable especially when you know that your family and friends were cheering you up back home. T: When and how did you realize that your sexuality expresses the heart of a woman? M: Since I was younger, I loved to play doll instead of baril-barilan. Ako din kasi bunso Hughie bali may 3 akong kapatid na babae. I know to myself that I am soft but I consider that as advantage because competitive ako nung bata ako. T: What does the word “discrimination” to you? M: Discrimination for me is the absence of love. Judging a person without even knowing his/her story. In the modern world where everyone and everything is seems to be moving in a fast pace, I suggest that we have to give value to golden rule and to love one another. To eradicate discrimination, one must understand individual differences. T: Are you in favor of SOGIE BILL? M: Yes. It is an anti-discrimination bill. I believe that giving right to the LGBTQ people will not diminish the right of straight male and female. SOGIE is a protection from abuse and discrimination especially in workplace. Hughie, for so many years, gays have been marginalized and stereotyped because of our common norms and practices. We don’t need to be praised but we need to be accepted in the society that someday somehow, we can walk in the street without discrimination. T: Can you describe why it is important that our community and our laws should treat people equally? M: It is important because it is a manifestation that in country like ours, no one will be left behind and our governmental activities because they know that government is doing so well and their policies are reflective to the interest of Filipino people. T: Okay, Last question, as a youth and an SSG moderator, how will you imply the theme of 2019’s Year of the Youth saying, “Beloved, gifted, empowered.” to the young students and professors of Saint Theresa College? M: In society where some people labelled youth as lazy and social media dependent, it is always our duty to inculcate the importance of participation to programs that hone their leadership skills. Encourage to participate different activities that will open their eyes especially to socially relevant issues. Indeed, the future of our nation lies in the hands of our youth.