While some people are exceptionally lucky to always win raffle draws, I am perpetually the opposite. Perhaps I'd be struck by a lightning a hundred times before I even get a chance to win a scratch off lottery game.

But then again, I am still lucky. Just in a different way.

Several days ago, I won a nationwide Blog Writing Contest from AirAsia Philippines. And this isn't the first time I've won a contest. I've won several quiz bees, Math challenges (I detest Math, though), extemporaneous speeches, sports (MVP and Best Goalkeeper), and poster-making contests during my prime childhood and teenage years. I've won quite a few international logo and web design contests, too. And in the recent years, I've bagged some nationwide and local blog awards.

Yes, it does sound like I am blowing my own horn here because I am indeed blowing my own horn. And I am not ashamed to admit that. But what I'm only trying to say is, I've never won a contest I didn't work hard for.

And this is how my luck comes in.


My luck came in the moment I won genetic lottery. My mama's a straight-A student and my papa graduated with a lot of degrees. Their combined genes produced good looks *wink* (although you don't need to know that). But more than that, I was lucky to be born to two hard-working parents who gave their best to send me to a good school. And since I had better education than most kids, I see how that made a perfect sense how well my talents and skills were honed.

I believe I am smart, talented, and skillful. But it doesn't stop at that. The hard thing about the kind of luck I have is that I have to orchestrate my own success. I cannot just rely my fate on the stars or lucky charms or mathematical patterns. I have to be the captain of my ship and do things not half-assed. So I hope you won't take it badly when people put their faces upfront to brag about their own successes and achievements (like what I am doing now). Because our achievements, no matter how big or small they are, are reminders that we are continuously improving. We worked hard for it, we tell the world about it. I think we all deserve that shining moment.

Even though I do not have the same luck as those people who won the lottery twice in a row, I would say I am blessed. I am blessed to have people in my life who inspire me and push me to become better. I am blessed to know that I am being valued. And that is enough to make me always look at life positively. I am blessed beyond compare and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Make your life your best masterpiece.