Better Easter late than never for Binibini 13 Joanna Eden
Binibini 13 Joanna Deapera Eden spent the long lenten break in Quezon so it kinda delayed her submission of answers for our Easter Q&A. But better late than never because the answers she gave me are too good to pass up on. After all, it’s still Easter in other parts of the world.
First off, let me share the meaning of Easter for Joanna:
When I was a child, Easter meant games and chocolate. Now it’s a time in which I use to reflect on everything God has done and sacrificed to give me the life I have today. Although I was baptized Roman Catholic and went to Catholic schools, I never really found my spirituality until I was 18 and had moved to the Philippines. I think living in Manila, in a new environment and new people without my parents was what pushed me to find my strength in Christ.
Joanna during the PCMC Charity Event
Do you think that the years spent living Down Under provide you an advantage in Bb. Pilipinas?
I think growing up in Australia gives me an edge. All of my experiences, from the way I interacted with others as a child, to what I learnt in school differs to what the other ladies experienced here in the Philippines. It gives me a slightly different way of thinking, a different train of thought. It allowed me the privilege to experience both cultures. And because I have I can fully appreciate how at home I feel in Manila. I genuinely believe moving to the Philippines is what pushed me to become the woman I am today, the woman I am supposed to be. Growing up in Sydney, I never realized what a privileged life I had led, I was blissfully unaware of the circumstances in which some people live. There’s a difference between hearing about something and seeing it with your own eyes. I don’t think I would be as passionate about helping under-privileged children find hobbies that they’re interested in, that are productive at the same time, if I hadn’t seen the circumstances of those here compared to those there.
Joanna in the TV promo plug for Bb. Pilipinas 2016
Name one Binibini you are closest to and would wish something good for.
If I had a wish, it would be for my darling Sarah Bona (Binibini 34) the opportunity to be able to bring her parents home, or to be able to go to Paris go see them, as she hadn’t seen them in over 17 years. I know growing up separated from them forced her to quickly become independent. To mature at a younger age than most of us do. Ever since I first met Sarah she was an Ate to me, bordering almost a mother figure — out of all the girls, she is the one I’ve consistently gone to for advice (relating to absolutely anything you could think of). As someone who has lived away from her family on and off for almost 2 years now, I can appreciate how hard she has had to work to bear everything, even speaking just emotionally. Speaking to them on the phone is completely different to them being there with you. Parents are such important fixtures in an individual’s life, I can only pray that Sarah will be reunited with hers soon.
Methinks Binibini 13 Joanna Deapera Eden is a sleeper-candidate-in-the-making who can jump in the competition and create a splash when everybody else is focused on the installed favorites. In fact, she could start stealing hearts this coming Press Presentation if the other competitors will not bring their A-game in front of everyone.
How about you, dear readers? Are you liking Joanna more than the first time you saw her photos during the screening and earlier pre-pageant activities?
