Ms. Philippines, Pia Wurtzbach is Miss Universe 2015.
Ms. Wurtzbach's controversial win on Sunday placed her in the limelight after pageant host Steve Harvey mistakenly announced the title to Ms. Colombia, Ariadna Gutierrez. Amid controversies, people all over the world are wondering who Ms. Wurtzbach really is and what made her so deserving to wear the most-coveted crown.
According to Rappler, Ms. Wurtzbach joined Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) three times to finally get to represent the Philippines in the international pageant. She finished first runner-up in 2013 and only reached top 15 in 2014.
When asked about what made her continue reaching for her dreams, Ms. Wurtzbach said it was "definitely my determination."
"My fellow countrymen have witnessed my journey towards Miss Universe. The fact that I joined Miss Philippines 3 years in a row determines how much I really want this," she said. "I didn't let anyone or anything stop me from getting here. I'm so glad I never lost my drive because turns out, I was right! Now I'm finally wearing the Philippine sash in the most prestigious pageant in the world. And I couldn't be happier! So kids, if you have a dream, don't give up!"
In her Facebook Q&A before the pageant, Ms. Wurtzbach's intentions are already clear if ever she wins the title. "It means the Universe to us! It would put me in a position where I can promote all the causes I believe in and promote tourism in the Philippines," the 26-year-old said.
According to her, a real Miss Universe must have "genuine compassion, discipline, conviction and a big smile."
Turns out Ms. Wurtzbach does have all it takes to be one. Quoting her winning answer at the pageant's final Q&A, she deserves to be Miss Universe because she is "confidently beautiful with a heart."