Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, the alluring Miss Universe
(Ed’s note: Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, who ended the country’s 42-year Miss Universe drought by bagging the coveted title, was one of the 12 “Women of Allure” chosen by The STAR’s Allure section last May. Miss Universe 2015 judge and celebrity blogger Perez Hilton said on his website: “I went with my gut and voted for Miss Philippines. And actually, I found out afterwards it was unanimous. Every single judge on that panel, all four of us, voted for Miss Philippines to be No. 1.” This article was published before the recent Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas.)
MANILA, Philippines - When asked what qualities made her a standout amongst the other 33 candidates vying for the most coveted Binibining Pilipinas-Universe title this year, 25-year-old Center for Asian Culinary Studies alumna Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach had this to say: “I hope it was my charm.”
“Besides, they all saw me onstage so I believe they liked what they saw; they wouldn’t pick me if they didn’t like me,” she adds.
Pia has a string of titles underneath her multi-layered belt: actress, model, chef, lifestyle writer, fashion stylist and the most recent, beauty queen.
It’s been a three-year journey for Pia before she finally got her Binibining Pilipinas-Universe title. In 2013, she placed first runner-up to Ariella Arida. Pia tried her luck again the following year but she only landed among the Top 15 semi-finalists. This year is her time to shine.
“I didn’t think that I had to stop trying just because I didn’t make it (initially). I knew I had a winning chance that’s why I kept trying. I tried to learn from each pageant so as not to make the same mistakes again. 2013 was my first time to join; I thought I did pretty well among 49 other candidates. Last year, though, was just not meant for me,” she says.
Pia adds, “The basic reason why I really joined again was the well-solicited and unbiased opinions from different people. As Boy Abunda advised me, ‘Huwag kang sumali (sa ibang pageant). Kung saan ka nadapa, doon ka bumangon.’ Besides, Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2014 MJ Lastimosa was a third-timer, too. I would think about it a lot; it would always be at the back of my mind,” the Libran looker recalls.
Undaunted, Pia deemed it wise to once more tread the glittering stage of the Smart Araneta Coliseum during the pageant’s Grand Coronation Night held recently. It was basically a make-or-break decision; there was no stopping, indeed, the 5’9” representative from Cagayan de Oro City. This time around, her prayers were answered. Not only was Candidate No. 10. proclaimed as Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2015, she also garnered the Bb. CreamSilk and PLDT ambassador special awards.
“It was just pure joy and relief; it took me a long time to get there. It was hard to be a runner-up and go to the send-off press conferences of your Binibining Pilipinas sisters. You cannot help but wonder when you will have your own send-off press con,” shares Pia.
“I have no problems answering questions; it’s an advantage for me that I have a background in showbiz. I still have room for improvement, though, which I believe can still be polished, like my walk, my physique and my styling,” she shares.
Charm. Wit. Over-all package. Are those the reasons why she is reportedly the current apple of the eye of President Noynoy Aquino?
“The communication is still there. But then I’m busy, and he’s busy as well,” Pia timidly concludes with a smile.
