They say the real treasure is the friends we made along the way, but Chezka Carandang shows us that it’s also about the “you” that you become during the travels.
Related: Tell the Story: The Power of Storytelling with Samantha Lee
Confidence is an ever-elusive beast. For some of us, our best days are a coin toss between feeling like superhuman and feeling like you should’ve been taken out with the trash – and there is no in-between. For others, the only setting available on our mood is the latter.
In moments when we’re feeling alright (maybe even good) about ourselves, our egos can still be pretty fragile. The smallest comment can send us tailspinning into a world of hurt. But sometimes discomfort isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, going out of our comfort zones can be the very thing that spurs us to change for the better.
First Officer Chezka Carandang, who is also a former beauty queen and content creator, chose a life of service when she became a pilot. In this way, she discovered her passion and strong sense of self. When she puts herself on display in her content, you can feel the authenticity and can’t help but feel inspired to seek your own path.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CONFIDENCE…
As an active gender equality advocate, Chezka confidently speaks up about her identity: “I’d like to believe the essence of being gay essentially is breaking tradition, refusing to live according to society’s unwritten rules and living according to your own terms.” This unapologetic way of being is something we can all use a little of in our day-to-day lives.
Cropped button-down shirt by @natmanilag, Cut-out bra by @natmanilag, Pumps by @smfashion
Of course this is easier said than done. Especially if you are surrounded by people who aren’t necessarily your number one supporters. As a pilot, Chezka finds herself in the midst of many male colleagues. But this does not deter her.
“By believing in my own capabilities as a woman, knowing that women in male-dominated fields can be just as good as their male counterparts, and staying headstrong in unlocking my potential, I stay courageous and confident,” Chezka announces.
Cut-out bra by @latriniteatelier, Tailored short shorts by @natmanilag, Pumps by @ssilifeph
Beyond gender stereotypes, we can learn from Chezka’s belief in herself. Knowing your own mind, heart, and capabilities can keep us grounded as we reach for our dreams. In the face of people bringing us down, we don’t even need to go as far as clapping back. Just knowing yourself quietly can be enough.
… BUT NOT ALL THE TIME
While confidence, ideally, comes from within, it can be easier to be sure of yourself when there’s a solid support system around you. In the case of members of the LGBTQIA+ community, like Chezka, the struggle can still be felt: “Liberty means being able to live freely, without fearing judgment or being pressured into conformity.” While many people have shifted into an air of acceptance, there are still some challenges that queer persons face in today’s society.
Cropped button-down shirt by @natmanilag, Cut-out bra by @natmanilag, Pumps by @smfashion
Being an ally means standing up for people whose rights and liberties are being trampled on. But your efforts don’t have to go to such ultimate extremes all the time. Especially when discrimination is quiet, or internalized – meaning there is no visible threat or enemy – we can still be allies to the people in our immediate circles by welcoming them with open arms.
“The moment I received my mother’s acceptance was also the moment I accepted my identity,” Chezka recalls. “Knowing that my mother wholly accepts me for who I am and who I love is really freeing.” Support can be about challenging authority and systems of oppression. But it can also take the form of warmth, kindness, and affirmations.
Vest dress by @latriniteatelier, Cut-out bra by @latriniteatelier, Floral pumps by@smfashion
SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS
Beyond acceptance and rebellion, we also need to be able to see different members of our community simply existing. This is where Chezka feels media representation comes in: “When we see more lesbians in Philippine media, we create spaces where we are included, heard, and seen.”
Vest dress by @latriniteatelier, Cut-out bra by @latriniteatelier, Floral pumps by@smfashion
Gen Zs have done a lot in this regard. According to Chezka: “Access to social media has enabled Gen Zs to use their voice to amplify the cause of inclusivity. And it goes beyond the digital screens. Today’s Filipino youth are more proactive than ever in taking the message to the streets. But we don’t stop there. We still can keep fighting for the cause until inclusivity is institutionalized. For as long as one person in the community experiences exclusion, the fight continues.”
It is through Chezka’s strong advocacy that we can see how she powers through the struggles of being a queer woman in a male-dominated field. When you can summon the strength and willpower to fight for the plights of others, that determination naturally rubs off on you. This is one path you can take to discovering your own hidden power.
If you are a person who struggles with who you are currently, Chezka invites you to embody the spirit of adventure: “Take time to understand yourself at your own pace, and surround yourself with a support system that you believe can accept your identity.”
Blazer bodysuit by @natmanilag, Tailored short shorts by @natmanilag, Cut out bra by @natmanilag, Pumps by @charleskeithofficial
Self-discovery is a destination with no path and no set time or date of arrival. It’s a never-ending journey that we traverse for as long as we live. So you might as well put on your explorer’s hat, get a snack, and enjoy the ride.
Blazer bodysuit by @natmanilag, Tailored short shorts by @natmanilag, Cut out bra by @natmanilag, Pumps by @charleskeithofficial
Photography PAOLO PINEDA
Creative and Fashion Direction ANDRE CHANG
Art Direction GELO QUIJENCIO
Styling ANDRE CHANG
Assisted by KURT ABONAL, MARIA PAZ GAMUS
Multimedia Artists KYLA AMADORA, ABBY CHUA
Makeup Artist THAZZIA FALEK
Hair Stylist ARTURO TOLENTINO
Nails by PRECY TAN
Production Design SOFIA TAN
Shoot Coordination JASMIN DASIGAN
Shot at STUDIO BLANC
Editor-In-Chief MAGGIE BATACAN
Managing Editor RAFAEL BAUTISTA
Brand Associate BIANCA LAO
Marketing Services Manager MARVIN MANCERA
Ad & Promo Supervisor SOPHIA SAMALA
Continue reading: Run the World: The Power of Versatility with Bethany Talbot
