CEBU CITY, Philippines— Hitting with a purpose.
Apriel Smith is not just known for her grace, poise, and beauty on the pageantry stage. Long before her days as a beauty queen, she had been hitting and smashing on the court.
Smith has always been proud and loud about her passion for sports, specifically volleyball.
In her quest to again try to bring home the most coveted crown in the country, she brings with her a deeper purpose.
READ: Apriel Smith seeks support from fans
In her Instagram post, she stuns her followers and supporters with a simple, short, Filipiniana ensemble.
The head-turner is not just Smith alone, but her prop, a bright yellow and blue volleyball ball.
In her caption, she starts by saying she will not be silenced in any way possible.
“I refuse to stay silent for the people who look up to me. I’ve learned to silence the noise and focus on what truly matters. Showing up for my dreams and for the people who believe in me,” she writes.
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She stated that pageantry and volleyball helped her to become who she is today.
“These platforms shaped my strength and my voice. In a world where discrimination and online bullying push many to hold themselves back, I choose to stand up and live boldly,” she added.
She said that sports taught her acceptance, while pageantry gave her confidence.
“Now I use my platform with purpose, to remind others that the power to rise has always been within them. Mabuhi ka 💫,” she said.
Stepping back from it was never an easy decision, but she deemed it necessary at that time. She faced bullying, criticisms, and judgments that made her doubt herself.
But this time, she comes back with a “purposeful participation.” And to be back with a bang!
