Badjao Girl Rita Gaviola is making strides towards her dreams of becoming a beauty queen after she was hailed as the daily winner of It’s Showtime’s Sexy Babe.
Appearing on the Thursday episode of the noontime show, the former Pinoy Big Brother housemate related why she joined the pageant-type segment.
“Gusto kong ipagmalaki sa buong mundo ang kakayahan ng isang katutubong Badjao na katulad ko. Ipapagmalaki po namin yung tribo namin na hindi porke’t ganito ang tingin nila sa amin ay wala na kaming kaya,” said Rita.
The 18-year-old who grew up in Zamboanga, also stressed that she wants to make a name for her tribe, recalling how often people would look down at Badjaos.
“Maraming kabataan na tulad ko na magaganda ay hindi nakikita kasi nasa bahay lang sila. Parang nahihiya sila, nai-insecure sila sa sarili nila, na, ‘Bakit ganito ako? Bakit ganito ang kulay ko?
“Ang tingin nila sa amin, mahirap. Tapos, Badjao, yung skin namin hindi naaayon sa skin nila. Kaya naman ako sumali para ipakita sa kanila hindi porke’t Badjao tayo, mamaliitin na lang tayo ng ibang tao,” she said.
After her PBB stint, Rita said she had to juggle her studies and work so she could help her parents.
“Habang nag-aaral ako at least may extra income ako at hindi ko na kailangan humingi sa magulang ko. Makakatulong pa ako sa kanila,”said Rita.
Rita, who went viral for her striking looks in 2016 after getting photographed while begging for alms at the Pahiyas Festival, previously expressed her intent to join the Miss Universe pageant soon.
