Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is Miss Universe 2015
Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is Miss Universe 2015
by Raymund Thom Golez
Photo credits: Miss Universe
“To be a Miss Universe is both an honor and responsibility. If I were to be Miss Universe, I will use my voice to influence the youth and I would raise awareness to certain causes like HIV awareness that is timely and relevant to my country which is the Philippines. I want to show the world, the universe rather, that I am confidently beautiful with a heart. Thank you.”
Such is the answer that made Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach secured of the Miss Universe crown. Wurtzbach emerged as the new Miss Universe on December 20 at the coronation night held at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, California. The awarding however came with twist as host Steve Harvey mistakenly announced Miss Colombia Ariadna Aravelo Gutierrez as the winner. The pageant’s host misread his cue card and initially announced Miss Colombia instead of Miss Philippines. “Okay folks, I have to apologize. The first runner up is Colombia. Miss Universe 2015 is Philippines”, Harvey added as the began anew, with the actual winner Wurtzbach looking stunned and mouthing “what”?
After her third attempt in Binibining Pilipinas, Wurtzbach was able to win the rights to be the official representative of the Philippines in the very prestigious Miss Universe pageant. In 2013, she placed first runner up to Ariella Arida. Wurtzbach tried her luck again the following year but she only landed among the top 15 semifinalists. It is only a living proof that no dream is impossible once you put your heart and mind in it. “I never stopped until I lived up to my dreams”, says Wurtzbach when she won Miss Universe Philippines earlier in 2015.
Wurtzbach aced the swimsuit , evening gown and question-and-answer portions before she was finally announced as on of the top 3 finalists. The competition started with 80 contestants representing 80 countries. For the first time, viewers at home weighed in, with their votes being tallied in addition to four in-person celebrity judges.
The Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. issued an official statement:
“Congratulations to Miss Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach for baggine the Miss Universe 2015 title at the competition held in Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, USA. Truly, she was a standout in an arena of over 80 beauties from all over the world. In the last Q&A portion, she stated that she should be the next Miss Universe winner because she is confidently beautiful with a heart. Her victory is a testament of the world’s appreciation for Filipina beauty, grace, and substance. Excellent job! It truly is a proud moment for our country.”
