A 25-year-old beauty from Quezon was crowned as the new Binibining Pilipinas-Universe last Sunday, April 17 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. Maria Mika Maxine Medina bested 40 other candidates to win the most coveted title, and the opportunity to represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe competition next year.
Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach took her final walk as Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2015 and passed on the crown to Maxine.
Pia broke tradition as she gave her farewell speech live, rather than being recorded. In her emotional speech, Pia thanked God and those who supported her in her journey to become Miss Universe after two failed attempts in Bb. Pilipinas.
“We should have a strong heart and prepared mind to turn your dreams into reality,” she said.
Prior to knowing who was going to be the next Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, Pia addressed her successor, saying that the whole country has her back.
“Just remember to give your best…In your moment of doubt, remember you have the whole country cheering you on,” she said.
Maxine is an interior designer who graduated from the Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID). Standing at 5’7”, she is also a professional model and part of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP). She also had been a Bb. Pilipinas candidate in 2013, but because she had an existing endorsement contract with a pageant sponsor, she was disqualified just days after the official announcement of candidates.
She shared that she does feel the pressure and expectations of many people to do well in next year’s Miss Universe pageant.
“It’s pressure, but for sure I will enjoy it and I will give my best shot for this…I will train more and I will talk to Pia to get some advice,” Maxine said in an interview with CNN Philippines. “I really don’t know, pero siguro (but I guess) God has a plan.
On her Instagram account, Maxine also assured that she will work hard for a back-to-back win. She posted, “I will do my best to improve more and to be the pride of my country. Hopefully, a back-to-back win with the reigning Miss Universe @piawurtzback with the help of the Lord:”
The whole list of winners are:
• 2nd Runner-up, Jehza Mae Huelar
• 1st Runner-up, Angelica Alita
• Bb. Pilipinas-Globe, Nichole Marie Manalo
• Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International, Nicole Cordoves
• Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational, Joanna Deapera Eden
• Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental, Jennifer Hammond
• Bb. Pilipinas-International, Kylie Verzosa
The coronation night was a star-studded affair, with hosts actress KC Concepcion and actor Xian Lim. Actor/model Fabio Ide and girlfriend, model/former beauty queen Bianca Manalo were also there to support her sister Nichole Manalo.
Judges include actor Ian Veneracion, Miss USA 2015 and Miss Universe 2nd Runner-up Olivia Jordan, and Paolo Roxas, son of presidential candidate Mar Roxas.
*Photos are from the official Bb. Pilipinas website.
