ETHNIC PRIDE & COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS. Michaela Canete is representing Century High School as its 2017 Rose Festival princess. The Portland Rose Festival’s Queen’s Coronation takes place Saturday, June 10 at Portland’s Veterans Memorial Coliseum. (Photo/Prince Charming Photography)

From The Asian Reporter, V27, #9 (May 1, 2017), page 9.

By Maileen Hamto

The Asian Reporter

Michaela Canete holds the distinction of being the first Metro West Princess to represent both Century High School and the City of Hillsboro on the Rose Festival Court. Earning the princess crown out of the competitive roster of talented young women from Washington County high schools, Michaela remains humble and grounded.

"It’s a wonderful opportunity to tell the Portland area about Century High School and the Hillsboro community," she said. "I’m grateful for the encouragement and support of the community."

Michaela, who was born in Mandaluyong, near the Philippine capital of Manila, immigrated with her family to the United States when she was seven years old. The transition hasn’t always been easy, but she learned much from the challenges of acculturating to her adopted home. Michaela said she feels grateful to be part of the supportive Filipino-American family and community in the area.

"As a Filipina growing up in the U.S., I have been bullied," Michaela says. "There have been instances when the color of my skin has affected the way people look at me. As time went by, I developed a support system, and embraced my culture."

Establishing roots in Washington County, the Canetes have maintained a deep sense of ethnic pride as well as strong connections to the local community. Michaela is not only active in her school, but has also served as a City of Hillsboro intern and a member of the city’s Youth Advisory Council.

"Hillsboro’s community slogan is ‘Grow great things,’" she said. "I am most proud of the sense of welcome in this community, particularly for its diverse population. It’s a community where people want to come and stay."

"While I see myself travelling in the future," she said. "Hillsboro will always be home. It will always provide safety and a sense of community."

Travelling back to the Philippines in 2013 has opened Michaela’s eyes to the reality of poverty and lack of access among Filipinos in the homeland.

"Everything has changed. The poverty level has increased," she said. "A little boy came to the car as we were sitting in traffic. He was asking for money. I don’t think any kid should ever have to beg for money on the street because they don’t have food."

"One of the things I want to do later in life is to help the Philippines and assist any way I can to decrease poverty and help children further their education."

One of Michaela’s more immediate goals involve attending Oregon State University to pursue her studies in the health and sciences field. She is inspired by the work of biomedical researchers, particularly those who work on investigating cures for childhood cancer.

At Oregon State, she plans to double major in biochemistry and education. "I love science and I have also always had the passion to teach and work directly with children," she said.

Beyond her community leadership and science acumen, Michaela also is co-captain of the Century High School dance team. She started out on the cheer squad during her freshman and sophomore years, but suffered a concussion. The dance team welcomed the talented and energetic Michaela with open arms.

"Dance is an amazing sport. We work really hard," she said. "And we have great fun."

During last fall’s assembly, Michaela developed and led a routine that involved Century football players and cheerleaders. "It was fun to see this 6’3" linebacker performing a dance routine, in front of the entire school. Everyone loved it."

Michaela said she is honored to bring her energy and creativity to the collection of young women comprising the Rose Festival court. Thus far, she credits "princess training" for focusing on communication, networking, time management, and other key life and professional skills.

"The Rose Festival lives up to its theme: Brilliant," she said. "The other princesses are like sisters to me now. The directors, advisers, and volunteers are simply brilliant because of all the hard work they put in. I am truly grateful."