Maxine Medina Beginner’s Luck
MANILA, Philippines - Before Maria Mika Maxine Perez Medina joined Binibining Pilipinas 2016, she would look at the billboards of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, the third Filipina to bring home the elusive crown, and muse: “Kawawa siguro ‘yung next Miss Universe-Philippines. Will she be able to pull a Herculean feat, a back-to-back victory, and end up as Miss Universe 2016?”
Maxine did not know that — on her first try — she would be the one crowned Miss Universe-Philippines 2016. And with her crown comes the pressure of following Pia’s footsteps.
“I have taken the pressure to a more positive level.” The challenge is there and Maxine, who has attracted hundreds of thousands of followers online, is ready to take it.
She recalls, “My parents and friends were rooting for me to join beauty pageants. Even show directors and fashion designers cajoled me to try my luck in beauty contests. But it was never my forte to join these contests, as I was more into modeling. I went full throttle into modeling when I was 18.”
The cajoling from her family and friends notwithstanding, Maxine had to weigh her decision very carefully. “I prayed hard to make a sound decision because I was caught in the crossroads of whether to join Binibining Pilipinas or take the board exams as an interior designer.” Maxine, who graduated from the De La Salle University-College of Saint Benilde and the Philippine School of Interior Design, eventually opted to join the pageant.
Lady Luck definitely smiled on this 25-year-old lady who traces her roots to Hagonoy, Bulacan and Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija. Measuring a svelte 33-24-35, Maxine also bagged the Miss Philippine Airlines and Miss PLDT Home DSL special awards during the Grand Coronation Night.
“My family and friends were all expecting me to win. I wasn’t. I just took things in stride, with no pressure whatsoever, enjoyed the whole proceedings and gained friends in the process,” says Maxine, a 5’8” stunner.
What makes Maxine Medina stand out? “I keep my feet on the ground. I remain humble. Even before I went into modeling, never did I expect that I would excel in that field. We should be prepared for whatever challenges God gives us. It’s up to us on how we overcome these obstacles. I don’t let any feelings of negativity dampen my spirits. Let’s just imbibe all the positive vibes around us,” she concludes.
Photography by JO ANN BITAGCOL • Creative direction by LUIS ESPIRITU JR. • Makeup by SARI CAMPOS for Make Up For Ever • Hairstyling by HYATT LAUREL • Styling by
TARA SUBALDO • Jewelry by MILADAY JEWELS • Both outfits by RHETT EALA
