MANILA, Philippines — “I am confidently beautiful with a heart” answered Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach when asked by Miss Universe 2015 host Steve Harvey why she should be hailed the next Miss Universe.
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 Harvey mistakenly announced Miss Colombia Ariadna Aravelo as the winner.
As in every Miss Universe pageant, the top five contestants were asked individual questions to determine who would make it to the Final 3. The final three contestants were then asked a standard question to find out who will bring home the title.
The top five contestants were Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Miss Colombia Ariadna Aravelo, Miss USA Olivia Jordan, Miss France Flora Coquerel and Miss Australia Monika Radulovic
Those who made the cut for the final three, meanwhile, were Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Miss Colombia Ariadna Aravelo and Miss USA Olivia Jordan
Below is the full transcript of Miss Universe 2015 Question and Answer portion.
Top five
Philippines
Question: Earlier this year, there was a controversy in Philippines about the United States reopening a base in your country. Do you think the United States should have a military presence in your country?
Answer: I think that the United States and the Philippines have always had a good relationship with each other. We were colonized by the Americans and we have their culture and our traditions even up to this day and I think that we're very welcoming with the Americans. And I don't see any problem with that at all.
France
Question: Having experienced terrorism first hand yourself, what is the best way for government to combat this rising threat?
Answer: In my opinion, to fight terrorism, first we have to know where the problems are coming from. We have to listen to the people who are committing these attacks. So, we have to find the problem at its heart and for us French, we have to learn to be happy, to live and to be among ourselves. Thank you.
Australia
Question: Australia is taking its first step towards legalizing marijuana. Do you think that is a good idea? Why?
Answer: Thank you for that wonderful question Steve. Now this topic has brought positives and negatives and is quite debated.I believe that in certain circumstances, legalizing marijuana does have definite benefits. It has been found to be really amazing in treating cancer and has really really helped those very very sick. In that circumstance, I definitely think that yes, we should, but the government should definitely weigh other options.
Colombia
Question: Drug abuse continues to be one of the world's most serious problems. What do you think is the best way to handle this issue?
Answer: Good evening, everybody. The ideas that I have that we could use to eradicate these problems that are unfortunately affecting our world is in our homes to incentivize education for these problems because they continue to be large problems for the world.
USA
Question: Few issues in the United States are more polarizing than gun ownership. The argument really heats up after major tragic events such as San Bernardino and Sandy Hook. What is your position on gun control?
Answer: This is an incredibly difficult issue and the United States is constantly battling and weighting our options. I think it's incredibly important that all individuals have the right to protect themselves and feel safe, but I also think that sometimes we need to look at safety as a whole — more than just our personal safety. So, I think we need stronger regulations. Specifically, I think we need to pay attention.
Final three
Standard question: Why should you be the next Miss Universe:
USA
I think that I should be the next Miss Universe because I am so passionate and so driven. It is my goal to inspire people from around the world- to believe in themselves, to be themselves and to follow their wildest dreams no matter what those dreams are. I want to work to bring a equality towards men and women. It is time to step up into power women. And I want to empower women all over the world.
Colombia
I am positive that I should be the third Miss Universe for my country Colombia because all I have of the attributes that a Latin woman has. I am a woman who is full of feeling and have the attributes that a women should have in Colombia and a Miss Universe should have for all of her events.
Philippines
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.