Patricia shines in her ‘borderless world’

She may not be a pop-singing idol, nor a grand champion of any teen celebrity search, but debater-turned-TV host, Patricia Evangelista, is still very much a star on her own. Talented and passionate, Patricia brings into the media industry a refreshing dose of youthful vibrancy and idealism.

The 19-year-old senior from the University of the Philippines initially burst into the limelight by winning the 2004 International Public Speaking Competition in London with her speech about a Borderless World. Besting 59 other contestants from all over the globe, Patricia confides that the hardest part of the contest was "making the speech. The speaking comes easily. I was born with much too much confidence."

Sure enough, her confidence and talent have gotten her a long way since that fateful London victory. Apart from being a BA Speech Communications major, Patricia juggles her schedule as a columnist for a broadsheet, a co-host of Breakfast Supersized and Tara Na Pinoy! and a segment host for YSpeak Live.

When asked about her work, she discloses that of all her achievements, "the fact that I have a column in a national newspaper," gives her the most pride. As for being TV host, "It’s one of the craziest things in the world – the adrenaline, the pressure the thousand things you’re supposed to keep in mind. It’s plain crazy. I love it," she exclaims.

Patricia seems bent on breaking down more borders by going beyond her various media outlets. She also volunteers for various causes like Gawad Kalinga, covering its events whenever possible. She likewise speaks in public either for corporations, schools or NGOs.

With so many things for her to do at the same time, Patricia admits relying on technology, like the Internet to stay on top of everything. On her assignments covering various causes, she says, "The Net allows them (organizations) to keep me updated, and it allows me to send in my contributions." She raves that, "(the Internet) knocks down borders of time and distance – not to mention it allows so much more to be done than before. The Internet cuts down on the legwork. It’s easier to keep in touch with people."

And what does an extraordinary teenager look for in an Internet service provider? "Speed and accessibility," she says. "I don’t want a provider that wastes my time downloading a picture a minute. Neither do I want one that breaks down every couple of hours." Lucky for her, PLDT MyDSL has a new offer for students like her. "The moment I got MyDSL, I never looked anywhere else," Patricia comments.

Patricia’s star is shining, and it is shining quite brightly.