Photo by Katrina Elises
“Bisaya momints nga naman,” a phrase often found in the comment sections of various social media platforms used to throw mockery at Bisaya people. There always linger negative impressions, such as being a ‘bisdak’ nicknamed Inday, which is equal to being a maid or a nanny, or is synonymous with being low, uncultured, and vulgar.
However, these negative connotations have been proven to be senseless and will only remain as unworthy opinions.
Melisa “Melai” Cantiveros-Francisco, a Filipino actress, comedian, and host, has spread an amount of positivity and great laughter to the entire MSU community, headed by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA) and together with the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dr. Norman Ralph B. Isla. Melai is one of the bisayang dako who have broken stereotypes and misconceptions among bisaya people and has brought the language and culture to a much wider scope, making her one of the brightest stars in the country and to her very own hometown, General Santos City.
Furthermore, she also shared how Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) became her first stepping stone in improving her career. After becoming a big winner of PBB Double Up, it helped her to achieve greater heights, overflowing blessings, and limitless opportunities.
“Syempre dili jud nato to maingon na ang kato na blessing is atua to, or saimuha to gikan, because kay Lord to gikan, sa iyahang mga gihatag na experience sa akua, ug naa pud di sa msu. Niagi jud ko diri, ang mga kapait ug mga kalipay kay ngano man, naging officer pako diri sa school, naging president ko sa PESO (Physical Education Student Organization),” Melai expressed while looking back to her remarkable journey during her stay in Mindanao State University-General Santos City. She also added how she struggled, was scolded by the professors, and got in an accident once with a habal-habal.
Just like any other ordinary MSUan, she was able to experience the taste of the dust devils dusting her skin while taking a long walk under a scorching sun. Nevertheless, she emphasized how crucial it is to not lose hope regardless of the obstacles we may encounter.
“Dili man ko maging successful kung wala ang mga obstacles. Kanang nag enjoy lang ko sa akuang life diri sa pag eskwela sa MSU, maong kamo na mga MSUan, ang tinuod na MSUan nagaeskwela habang naga-enjoy,” Melai added, highlighting the essence of cherishing every inch of a moment while positively taking advantage of the free quality education the university has to offer, regardless of the social status we are living.
Truly, she is the embodiment and pride of a true bisayang dako and an MSUan.
“Pwede diay maging bida ang mga bisaya,” Melai affirmed that we do not need to abandon the bisaya language and culture and go to Manila to become a glistening star; instead, we just need to embrace the richness of our customs.
Despite the misconceptions and negative impressions against the Bisaya people, Melai Cantiveros underscored the significance of being a loud and proud Bisdak. “Wala man tay ginahimo nga masama and kana nga misconception dili man sa atua ang naay problema kundi sa ilaha. But then again, magpatuloy gihapon kita sa pagka bisdak ug kanang karon nga akuang gi adto sa national ang atuang pagkabisaya, maintindihan ta nila, ug makaknow pa silag more sa bisaya na ingani jud atuang nature na happy happy jud ta na pagkatao.”
Melai, along with other celebrity bisdaks, have been working and contributing to the upbringing of the language and culture they grew up with. Nonetheless of the abundance she has in her life at the moment, Melai has been returning to GenSan. Revisiting her preserved memories, she will keep on coming back to her home, to her wonderland, together with her bisaya momints here at MSU-GenSan.
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