We were supposed to talk about our thesis over donuts that day. However, due to the fact that we have been stressed for the past few days, we started talking about our own lives. Then, a question popped in my head. I asked everyone, "What is the happiest moment in your life so far that you think that you will recall that moment for the rest of your life - even to your last breath?"

We were all quiet for a moment - deeply thinking of an event in our life where we wished we had the power to stop time and get stuck in that moment forever. Then, I started to recall this very simple moment that happened a couple of years ago.

During that time, I still had this inferiority complex with my singing. I felt that no matter what I do, I would never measure up to everybody's expectations - including my own. I believe that this is a result of what happened back in high school. My best friend was one of the best singers not only in school but he also had the potential to sing professionally. Since we were often together, we were often compared to each other. Though I know that he is surely better than me, what bothered me most were the comments made by other people. "Si Karl na lang ang pakantahin." (Let Karl sing alone.) That really destroyed my self-esteem. It was good that Karl remained supportive and always believed in my talent. However, during those years, I lacked that passion and love for singing since I felt that I wasn't good enough.

When I reached my college years, I joined the DLSU Pops Orchestra and applied as their vocalist. Though I passed the stringent auditions, I went for "safe singing" by picking songs that were easy. All these ended during one night of our rehearsals. There was a concert to be held in Cavite the following day. The orchestra was trying to do a run through of all the songs without the vocalists first. During that time, we were trying to hum the tunes of the different songs. When the song "Kailangan Kita" was being played, I was singing it while my co-vocalist, Jho, listened to me. After singing the song, she told me that I could sing the song very well. Being the insecure person I am at that time, I dismissed her compliment as mere flattery.

Then, bad news came. Mark, who was assigned to sing "Kailangan Kita" made a last minute apology that he could not join the concert for tomorrow since he was not excused by his professor. After this, everybody was panicky and worried. "Who will sing the song then," the conductor said in a very worried tone. Then, Jho stood up and said that I could sing the song. Then, the conductor immediately signalled the orchestra and told me that we will give it a try. I apologized beforehand to everybody in case I can't sing the song well.

Then before I knew it, I was already in the climax of the song and I was quite amazed that I was able to sing the high registers with quite ease. I was surprised to know what I can actually do and I thought that I could achieve more things if I learn to believe in myself more.

When the song ended, the conducter was satisfied and even told me why I was hiding that voice all along. Then, the orchestra looked towards me and gave me a round of applause and their nod of approval. Our section head, Bloss, gave me hug and thanked me for saving the day.

That moment in my life opened new doors for me. I was given more challenging tasks in the orchestra - not only in singing but in also leading the group. Moreover, it also paved the way for me to explore a possible career in singing.

Whenever I recall that night, I can't help but smile. That night, I regained my self-confidence and started to believe in myself. I guess this means that we should not be bound by what other people think of us for there is no better person who knows us than ourselves. Know your abilities and let them take you to your dreams and aspirations.

That, so far, is one of the happiest moment in my life. Whenever I feel sad or depressed, I think of that moment and suddenly, I feel like I can fly...even without pixie dust. ;-)