Pia Wurtzbach wins PH’s 3rd Miss Universe crown

Pia Wurtzbach wins PH’s 3rd Miss Universe crown
By JAY PATAO 

  MISS Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach was crowned as Miss Universe 2015 at the 64th edition of the beauty pageant, but not after host Steve Harvey mistakenly announced that first runner-up Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez Arevalo was the winner. Arevalo, 21, from Sincelejo, Colombia has already been crowned by fellow Colombian and last year’s winner Paulina Vega when Harvey announced that he committed a mistake and Wurtzbach, 26, a Filipino-German actress and model, was the winner. Wurtzbach, still looking stunned at the turn of events, did her victory walk after Vega took the sash and $300,000 DIC crown from Arevalo and put it on her. Miss USA, Olivia Jordan, 27, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was second runners-up. Rounding up the top five were Miss Australia Monica Radulovic, 25, from Sydney;and Miss France Flora Coquerel, 21, from Orleanais. The second cut of 10 finalists included the delegates from Japan, Dominican Republic, Thailand, Curacao and Venezuela. A first cut of 15 semi-finalists included the delegates from Brazil, Indonesia, Belgium, South Africa and Mexico. A total of 80 contestants from as many countries worldwide competed for the title at the glittering event held at the AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casinoin Las Vegas. Pia, who was born in Stuttgart, Germany and raised in Cagayan de Oro City, became the first Filipina to win the Miss Universe crown after 42 years and the third in the pageant’s history. Gloria Diaz became the first Filipina to win as Miss Universe in Miami Beach, Florida in 1969 while Margie Moran was the second in Athens, Greece in 1973. During the question-and-answer round of the 5 finalists, Pia was asked about the issue of the United States planning to reopen a military base in the Philippines. Piareplied: “I think that the US and the Philippines have always had very good relations. We were colonized by the US and we have their culture in our traditions even to this day. I think we are very welcoming with the US and (so) I do not see any problem with that at all.” The questions for the 5 finalists were pre-selected about issues tailored for the countries that the finalists represent. The other issues asked were about gun ownership (USA), legalizing marijuana (Australia), terrorism (France) and drug trafficking (Colombia). During the final question round, the three finalists were asked “Why should you be the next Miss Universe?” Pia answered: “To become Miss Universe is both an honor and a responsibility. I will use my voice to influence the youth and raise awareness about certain causes like HIV/AIDS awareness that is very timely and relevant to the Philippines, and I want to show the universe that I am confidently beautiful with a heart.” Dozens of Filipino fans at The AXIS cheered for Pia who paraded in a white and silver cocktail dress during the opening round, in a black and white bikini during the swimsuit competition, and in a royal blue gown by Filipino designer Albert Andrada during the final evening gown round. In a post-pageant conference after the televised finals, Pia apologized on behalf of the Miss Universe Organization (now under new owners WME/IMG who bought the pageant from billionaire Donald Trump) for the mistake that led to her first runner-up Miss Colombia to first believe she had won the crown. “I have conflicting emotions when the mistake happened: joy when I was told I was indeed the winner and not first runner-up, concern for Miss Colombia who hadpreviously been mistakenly crowned, and confusion at the whole situation,” Wurtzbach told members of media. She said she tried to approach Miss Colombiaonstage afterward but the beauty queen was crying and surrounded by a crowd of women, mostly Latin American contestants, realizing it was "probably bad timing." Harvey, meanwhile said on Twitter “"I'd like to apologize wholeheartedly to MissColombia and Miss Philippines for my huge mistake. I feel terrible.” For the first time, online viewers had a chance to vote on the winner, rating contestants in the swimwear, evening gown and interview competitions and for final look, with their votes factored with the scores of the celebrity judges comedian Niecy Nash, blogger Perez Hilton, “Dancing with the Stars” winner Emmitt Smith and Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo.

During the live telecast’s segment gaps, co-host Roselyn Sanchez revealed that Miss Philippines got the most votes from viewers in all competition rounds. From the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc., franchiseholder of Miss Universe, this statement: “Congratulations to Miss Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach for bagging the Miss Universe 2015 title at the competition held in Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, USA! Truly, she was a standout in an arena of 80 beauties from all over the world. In the last Q&A portion, she stated that she should be the next Miss Universe winner because she is confidently beautiful with a heart. Her victory is a testament of the world’s appreciation for Filipina beauty, grace, and substance. Excellent job!It truly is a proud moment for our country.” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, meanwhile, didn't address the controversial win but said, "In bagging this victory, Ms. Wurtzbach not only servesas a tremendous source of pride for our people, but also holds up the banner of our women and of our country – as a true representative of what the Filipina can achieve."