MANILA, Philippines – “Definitely my determination,” Pia Wurtzbach said when asked what makes her stand out among other contenders in the 64th Miss Universe pageant.
The 26-year-old beauty queen answered questions from fans via the official Miss Universe Facebook page on Tuesday (Wednesday morning, Philippine time).
READ: Pia Wurtzbach gears up for Miss Universe 2015 in Las Vegas
“My fellow countrymen have witnessed my journey towards Miss Universe. The fact that I joined Miss Philippines three years in a row determines how much I really want this,” Pia said in reply to the Miss Universe Facebook question.
She added: “I didn't let anyone or anything stop me from getting here. I'm so glad I never lost my drive because turns out, I was right! Now I'm finally wearing the Philippine sash in the most prestigious pageant in the world. And I couldn't be happier!
“So kids, if you have a dream, don't give up!”
Pia famously joined the Binibining Pilipinas pageant—the contest that determines who the Philippines will send in the Miss Universe competition—twice before winning the top local crown earlier this year.
Q&A: Pia Wurtzbach wants to prove doubters wrong at Miss Universe 2015
In response to another Facebook question, Pia said her experience of losing in the Bb. Pilipinas twice before winning the Miss Universe Philippines crown made her more confident for the international pageant.
“Although it took me awhile to get here, I was training the whole time. I wouldn't be the same Pia if I won Miss Philippines on my first try. I like the Pia I am now better,” she said.
Pia is currently in Las Vegas, Nevada for the pageant. She, along with 79 other candidates, will be part of the 2015 Miss Universe preliminary competition tomorrow (Wednesday night in the US). The live pageant happens at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on December 20 (December 21, Monday morning, Philippine time).
Here are more questions and answers from Pia Wurtzbach Q&A on the Miss Universe Facebook page:
If you will be crowned as Miss Universe 2015, who would you think among the candidates is the most deserving to have that crown more than yourself?
Pia: More than myself? I wouldn't join Miss Universe if I thought somebody else deserved it more than I do. I mean, that's why we are all here, right? We're here to win. And to doubt myself is to doubt the decision of the judges for choosing me as the winner. Being a Miss Universe is a responsibility more than anything else. If you're chosen as the winner, don't doubt it. It's your destiny!
Do you believe in forever?
Pia: Walang forever. #teamsawi
Miss Philippines, what would you do if you fall in love in a person, and later you found out he is gay?
Pia: We'd celebrate his femininity together! I may have lost a lover but I found a best friend! Haha.
For you, what is the true measure of success?
Pia: Contentment. You can be the CEO of a big company and still be unhappy. You can also pass an exam and feel like you've hit the jackpot. Success all depends on how happy you are.
Who is your best friend on Miss Universe?
Pia: Miss Malaysia, Miss China and Miss Myanmar. The four of us are under one supervisor, Krystle Ng. And we kind of have to stick together all the time for security purposes. So I've grown close to them and they're really cool.
What makes you beautiful?
Pia: My sense of humor, definitely.
If you were given a chance to be one of the leaders in [in the Philippines], what will be your top three priorities? Why?
Pia: Education, medical care and job opportunities.
More articles on the 64th Miss Universe pageant:
- IN PHOTOS: Pia Wurtzbach sizzles at 2015 Miss Universe glamour, swimwear shots
- IN PHOTOS: Thailand's 'bizarre' tuk-tuk dress for Miss Universe 2015 goes viral
- IN PHOTOS: 2015 Miss Universe candidates' profiles