Mela Franco Habijan thanks 'Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko' family for helping her

Transgender writer-turned-actress Mela Franco Habijan penned a long message on her Facebook, thanking her Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko family for going out of their way to make one of her big dreams come true.

On her Facebook account, Mela recalled how her colleagues in Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko went of their way and put together a last-minute photoshoot for her because she failed to attend the pictorial for Queen of the Philippines, a pageant for transgender women.

Mela, apparently, is one of the candidates.

Part of the requirements to land a spot in the finals is the photoshoot that Mela, unfortunately had to miss because of her showbiz commitments.

Transgender writer/educator Mela Franco Habijan thanks 'Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko'

“I was on the verge of backing out and giving up my spot for #QueenOfThePhilippines, as odds haven't been in my favor,” she wrote.

Mela revealed that she missed the pageant's media presentation, pre-pageant presentation, Masters' talk, and the photoshoot.

“I messaged the organizers that I'm truly willing to forgo of my chances of being the first Queen of the Philippines. But, they were considerate enough to give me time to think about my decision.

Fortunately, the organizers gave her another chance.

“In fact, they said that I can just submit photos to compensate with my missing of the photoshoot. However, they pointed out that my missing of the activites would entail a 10 point deduction on my score.”

Mela went on with her day, thinking that her chances of ever making it to the final cut of candidates were gone. She then went to the set of Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko because she had to get her pants which she left earlier that day.

“When I arrived, everyone asked my how my shoot was. But I told them that I missed it and might give up my slot.

“Then, my Mama Poca suggested, 'Bakit hindi tayo ditto mag-photoshoot? Tapos isubmit mo?' To which my Ate Isay, the EP of the show, agreed with.

“To my surprise, I just saw men mounting the makeshift photoshoot studio in the middle of the open area where the artists' tents are.

“Dahil dyan, aarte pa ba ako?! I'm not backing out! #MELAban ako! I'll fight and finish this competition not because I want to win; rather, I want to make these people who strongly believe in my proud.”

Good luck on Queen of the Philippines pageant, Mela!