Maxine on back-to-back win: We can do this!

MANILA, Philippines - Maxine Medina, the Philippine bet to Miss Universe, clearly has her eyes on the prize.

The 26-year-old model and interior designer appeared confident of a back-to-back win for the country come Jan. 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena when reigning Miss U Pia Wurtzbach passes on the crown to her successor.

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte is reportedly attending the pageant finals.

“I’m very honored that our President will be there because he will be witnessing a back-to-back (victory),” Maxine said at a presscon hosted by the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) last Tuesday.

“Since our president will be there, the whole government will be supporting me and the Miss Universe,” she added in reaction to a question about Duterte’s strict directive that the government will not be spending for the private sector-driven third staging of Miss U in the country.

From the time she won in Bb. Pilipinas up to the present, which is less than three weeks away from the Big Day, Maxine said there has been no let-up in her training. “After I won (in Bb. Pilipinas), I’ve been texting everyone for help ‘coz this is something new for me. The world of pageants is a big thing not just for myself but also for the whole country. I really need to work hard at it,” she shared.

“I’ve been training 24/7… I have one-on-one coaching with Dale Carnegie (trainors) and with all my mentors, especially from Bb. Pilipinas. I’ve seen myself grow up, evolving in my communication. And I realized it’s fun.”

She continued, “Right now, I’ve had all the help (in training). The last thing that I’ll be needing are prayers. A blessing from God, and it’s been raining. There’s so much blessing.”

Asked who among the candidates are her fiercest rivals for the crown, Maxine, who has already met some of the contestants from the Asia-Pacific during the kick-off in December, said, “Wala (laughs). We can do this!”

Expect Maxine to be the best host to fellow bets as they start arriving this week.  
“I’ll be sharing our positive qualities, our culture, our values and of course, the best things (about the Philippines),” she said. “I would like for them to try the boodle fight, eating food without utensils. That’s very challenging for them to try!”

Another thing that excites Maxine is the opportunity to tour the Philippines with fellow candidates. They will be brought to Vigan, Batangas, Boracay, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao. 

“Everyone knows I’m a fan of the outdoors. And we were so surprised that the competition was going to happen in the Philippines, and it’s my goal that before I go around the world, I will be going around the Philippines first.”

The presscon last Tuesday also served as the ceremonial send-off which was attended by BPCI officials led by Madame Stella Marquez-Araneta, her family, friends, supporters and Binibini batchmates including Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza who all showered her with encouraging words.

Kylie said, “I’ve seen how Maxine has grown. And the most important thing you can have (when competing) is that you believe in yourself. It doesn’t matter whatever others tell you — don’t mind the critics — it’s what you believe in yourself that matters. And the moment she believed that she could win, she’s already a winner.”

Rhett Eala, who will dress up Maxine in her most important appearances including in the National Costume and Evening Gown competitions, pointed out Maxine’s strengths. “Her walk, her confidence, she can project well, and (with her answers) she has come from a shy girl into a confident girl. Parang palaban na!” said the fashion designer, who has known Maxine for a long time now being one of his former models.

Rhett is mum on the style or color of the gowns and costumes, only saying that the head dress for the national costume will be made of mother of pearl. He has designed 10 looks for her, although nothing is final yet on the evening gown. One thing is certain, he said, “It’s very sexy, but very elegant also. I’m not going to make anything that’s not flattering to her figure.”

Meanwhile, when asked about the kind of hard work Maxine had put in to be Miss U-ready, mom Maria Fe Medina said, “She’s evolved a lot. She has changed mentally, emotionally, socially... You know, she’s very determined, she’s very patient. I think you are aware of the detractors; she’s so very patient (with them).”

Maria Fe, who is a former commercial and ramp model herself, said that she never imagined her daughter would be entering pageants. “Not in my wildest dreams, she’d be a beauty queen. She was only convinced by my nephew, who is a photographer. And she was also convinced by her (model) friends and by director Jeffrey Jeturian,” she said. “I will always tell her to pray. (I tell her) you’re already there. Be humble, keep your feet on the ground. Don’t forget to pray and everything will be in place.”

“I’m so amazed and proud of her. She exceeded a lot of my expectations. I told her, win or lose, she’s already a winner to me,” Maria Fe added.

Maxine vowed that she will give her all in the Miss U competition — it being a once-in-a-lifetime event. She said, “Ever since I started this journey, I never thought of myself as a beauty queen. Now that I’m one, I’m really empowered, I really want to inspire the youth to have their own advocacies as well as empower people through my personal experiences. I’ll be giving my best, my 100 percent for the country. The fans are rooting for me to win back-to-back (for the country) and I can’t wait for it.”