UNITED NATIONS 2012: My Two Chinese Girls

The search for the school's Mr. and Ms. UNITED NATIONS 2012 has become one of the most anticipated events of each and every academic year.

And this is the very first time that my two daughters have taken part in the activity. Both Mikaela Francesca Pal and Chelsea Jeanille Pal have a passion for dressing in traditional Chinese clothing. They have arrived from the country known as the "LAND OF THE SLEEPING GIANT," China!!!!!!

My Two Chinita Girls

 

For me, the point of a United Nations celebration is not to teach our kids how to compete with other countries. When children think of the United Nations, they will think of competition, and I am afraid that they will carry this idea as they get older.

Back when I was in elementary school at Assumption School in Davao, this kind of activity was no longer allowed. It was taken out so that children would learn that competition between nations is bad. It does nothing to help kids. And I guess they're right to get rid of this kind of thing.

This activity is done every year at the school where my kids go. And kids need help from their parents, right? Even though I don't like competition, I have to be there to back them up.

More than 200 students from kindergarten to sixth grade are waiting in line to compete. 

The judges were looking at the prospects with great interest.

They wear their NATIONAL COSTUMES, which are adorned with various colors and surrounded by country-specific words.

I am proud of my children's bravery and their abilities, even though they did not place in the top ten. This makes me think of a phrase I once read, which said something along the lines of, "Winning is Not Important."

When it comes to these competitions, the most important thing in LIFE is not so much to win as it is to participate. In life, it's not so much about winning as it is about the fight that you put up. Participation in the activity is more important to me than victory for my children. By taking part in it, we gain some knowledge from it, and winning contributes to an increase in our overall sense of self-esteem.

I have a lot of pride in my children! And for that, my congratulations are in order.