It's that time of the month again at Hunnywax, where we proudly showcase outstanding individuals who truly deserve the spotlight. This month, we've got something special for you as we introduce to you: MJ De Castro and her awe-inspiring lifestyle, passion, and hobby. We asked MJ to delve into her unique stories and learn more about their new adventures and creative outlets.
Photos of MJ De Castro by Tarish Zamora and Jeff Ganuelas.
Were there sacrifices made in order for you to have a chance to chase your passion?
It’s so weird saying surfing is my passion, especially because some days I still find myself confused in the lineup haha. But I guess that’s the beauty of hobbies, right? You can suck at it, but as long as you’re having fun, you’ll still feel like it feeds your soul.
Perhaps my passion is not surfing per se, but living a life filled with meaningful play. My priority is to have a life that’s not rushed - a life where I feel like I have a lot of time on my hands.
My biggest sacrifice is for sure leaving my hometown where most of my family and friends are. I am a very sentimental person and I have a strong attachment to my roots. But I knew I couldn’t live my life on my own terms if I just stayed there.
What pushed you to place yourself out of your comfort zone?
I’m someone who loves routine and consistency, so changing my “normal” is something I have never taken lightly. To be honest, I get more scared than excited every time I try something new, but I still do it anyway.
I’m in the process of searching for my “comfort zone,” still. I just went through a massive life transition so I’m very antsy and I’m still figuring out the things that I want. The thought of finding my comfort zone feels good now, honestly. Haha. I might stay there for a bit when I find it.
But also, I know that life is a journey of change and growth. I knew that if I stayed in my comfort zone, I wouldn’t be able to constantly reinvent myself.
Would you recommend people to chase their dreams even though it could be the road less traveled?
Chasing your dreams is a calling you can’t ignore. I will just keep haunting you until you do something about it.
Admittedly, not everyone has the luxury to drop everything to pursue their dream or go on a journey of self-discovery. Striking a balance between being realistic and ambitious is key.
Choosing the path you want to be on is ultimately a very personal choice. Pursuing your dreams, even if it means taking the road less traveled, is a transformative journey everyone should experience. It will help you understand what really matters and bring you a sense of fulfillment that you may not get by following a conventional path.
Has chasing your passion gotten you to a situation where you wanted to give up? If so, how did you persevere?
In mid-2017 to 2018, I had to take a break from surfing to join Binibining Pilipinas. Although it was a rewarding experience in hindsight, it was only something I did out of responsibility to my province. My heart was not set in it.
At that time, I remember feeling that my dream of living by the beach seemed so far away. After the pageant, it became even worse. I felt like everyone was telling me what step I needed to take next - and that if I wanted to drop everything and move to the beach, I would simply waste my potential.
I always thank myself for being stubborn at that time. When I go back to my “why,” it always comes down to wanting a slow-paced life.
What would be your message of inspiration to others who want to chase their dreams and passion like you?
Embrace the unknown! It’s the only way to push yourself to become a better person. It's not just about reaching your final destination. It's about the person you become during the journey, so embrace the person you are now, and the person you're growing into.
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