Waves In The Runway
Feature | Written by Midn. Robert Abrina

`The bright lights of the Dasmariñas Arena and the roaring cheers of the NCRAA Season 32 crowd could easily overwhelm anyone. But for Reignoa Chriyessa L. Vasquez, known to her friends as “Yessa,” the stage felt like a second home—even if it took her a journey of self-discovery to realize it. 

Representing the Philippine Merchant Marine School (PMMS), Yessa recently sailed through the competition to claim the 3rd Runner Up title, proving that grace and grit are a powerful combination.For some, the runway is a childhood dream. For Yessa, a Junior 2 BS Entrepreneurship student, it was a slow burn. Although she first stepped into the pageant world at the age of five, she admits she didn't truly understand the "hype" back then. It wasn't until she returned to the spotlight after senior high school that the passion truly clicked.

 “When I was younger, I didn’t really saw myself pursuing it (modeling),” Yessa shares. “However, that perspective changed when I experienced it firsthand the excitement, the confidence it builds, and the genuine happiness it brings made me appreciate it in a whole new way.”

Success rarely comes without its share of turbulence. During the Ms. NCRAA Season 32 journey, Yessa faced moments of confusion and discouragement, particularly when guidelines felt unclear and the hard work of the contestants seemed to go unrecognized. Beyond the logistics, she also had to face the most common "villain" in a model’s journey: criticism. Instead of letting it sink her confidence, she treated it like a compass, using it to recalibrate and improve. 

"Modeling requires patience and strong social skills ," she notes. Her secret to staying composed under the pressure of the cameras? A simple shift in perspective. "I treat the camera as a partner rather than something to fear." To secure her spot in the Top 5, Yessa had to be a chameleon. Whether the theme was fierce or elegant, she spent hours studying concepts, practicing facial expressions, and refining her walk. This dedication to her craft allowed her to stand out among a sea of talented representatives from various universities.For her fellow students at PMMS who look up to her, Yessa’s message is clear: the crown is a result of character, not just looks.“Start with confidence and a willingness to learn,” she advises. “Be open to growth, accept constructive criticism, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Most importantly, stay authentic and committed to improving your skills over time .”

As the 3rd Runner Up of Ms. NCRAA Season 32, Yessa Vasquez has brought pride to the PMMS community. Her journey reminds us that whether you are navigating the complexities of business or the high pressure of a pageant stage, the most important thing is to trust the effort you've put in and keep your eyes on the horizon. With her sash and trophy in hand, Yessa isn't just a beauty queen—she’s a leader who has learned to command her own ship.