To the Max
Will Philippines notch a back-to-back win at the Miss Universe pageant? Binibining Pilipinas Universe Maxine Medina believes so.
Will Philippines notch a back-to-back win at the Miss Universe pageant? Binibining Pilipinas - Universe Maxine Medina believes so.
“We can do this,” she said in a recent interview.
Current Miss Universe titleholder Pia Wurtzbach won the title in dramatic fashion at the 64th edition of the pageant and all eyes are on Maxine accomplishing a repeat.
With only a few days left before pageant night on Jan. 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena, Maxine shared she is more than prepared for the task at hand.
“Of course, this is once in a lifetime chance. As such, I am devoting myself fully to it, for the country, for the community, for everyone. This is something that can really inspire our people to dream big, getting the crown,” she said.
As part of her pageant preparations, Maxine has undergone workshops from the Binibining Pilipinas Organization, Aces and Queen and John Robert Powers.
She won’t be needing an interpreter for the Q&A portion, maintaining she is prepared to answer in English.
“It’s our choice. And for me, I would like to speak in English. That’s the pride of the Philippines,” she said. “We are proud as Filipinos that we can speak English fluently. I am making sure that I will be great on stage.”
Several other candidates have already arrived in the country. When asked whom she thinks is her toughest competitor, Maxine said, “Tignan na lang natin.” She intimated, “Lagi akong nag-istalk sa Instagram, sa Facebook. I’ve seen them, I’m also listening when they speak. So yes, I’m prepared.”
With the Philippines hosting the pageant, many believe Maxine has great advantage over others and she agrees.
“It’s really fulfilling for me to have the pageant staged here in the Philippines. It’s also nice to know we’re going around the Philippines. It’s my goal na before I go around the world, I would go around the Philippines first,” she said.
Maxine and some candidates who came in early have already been afforded a visit to Intramuros, Siargao Beach, and Cebu.
She hopes that through these travels, candidates would get a glimpse of our rich culture, our hospitality and resiliency.
“We Filipinos are very resilient people, we rise above challenges in our lives. We can face all the tragedies and that is the most important thing I am proud of as a Filipino,” she said.
Maxine, who will be wearing gowns designed by Rhett Eala for the pageant, admitted she’s feeling the pressure this early but Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc and fellow Binibining Pilipinas beauty queens help ease her out of it through constant encouragement.
As to President Rodrigo Duterte possibly attending coronation night, she said she’d be “very honored” if he goes.
With fans now getting more excited about the pageant, Maxine reminded everyone to be respectful of other candidates.
“Let’s all treat them equally. Hindi naman natin maaalis na we are all hoping for a back-to-back win but let’s just be happy for everyone in the pageant,” she said.
Asked why she deserves the Miss Universe crown, “I am empowered. When I started this journey, I never thought of myself as a beauty queen, but now I really feel empowered. I want to inspire the youth to pursue their own advocacy as well. I think I will be Miss Universe 2016 because I really want to empower people. I will be giving my best 100%.”
She hopes that through the pageant she will elevate HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) awareness.
“I want to be of help to those with HIV, particularly the youth. I would like to give them hope, give them access to education, live the life they should,” she said.
Maxine also aims to inspire young girls hoping to become beauty queens someday.
“I’m sure there’s a little girl out there who, just like me, doesn’t know she can be a beauty queen. I hope to empower (her), them.”
‘I’m sure there’s a little girl out there who, just like me, doesn’t know she can be a beauty queen. them.’ I hope to empower (her),
MAXINE MEDINA (Photo by Rio Leonelle Deluvio)