PH’s Pia Wurtzbach wins Miss Universe 2015

(UPDATED) Pia Wurtzbach now follows in the footsteps of Filipina Miss Universe winners Gloria Diaz (1969) and Margarita Moran (1973)

MANILA, Philippines (5th UPDATE) – After a mix-up, Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach was crowned Miss Universe 2015 on Sunday, December 20 (Monday, December 21 in Manila) at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.

First runner-up was Miss Colombia, Ariadna Gutierrez, who was first announced as the winner by host Steve Harvey, in a mix-up that he said was a “horrible mistake” on his part. Second runner-up was Miss USA, Olivia Jordan. (READ: Mix-up seen ’round the universe: Host Steve Harvey announces wrong winner)

“I can’t wait to share my victory with my countrymen. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,” she told the media backstage after the pageant.

Wurtzbach was visibly shocked when the “correction” in the announcement was made. She was then crowned by Miss Universe 2014, Colombia’s Paulina Vega.

She now follows in the footsteps of Filipina Miss Universe winners Gloria Diaz (1969) and Margarita Moran (1973) – ending a 42-year drought for the Philippines in the prestigious pageant.

Long journey

It has been a long journey for Wurtzbach, 26, before her winning moment.

The Filipina beauty queen represented the country in the global contest after her third attempt in joining the Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant.

During the final question and answer round – in which the top three contestants were asked the question, “why should you be the next Miss Universe?,” this was her answer: “I want to show the world – the universe rather – that I am confidently beautiful with a heart.”

In the previous question and answer round, she was asked by host Harvey a politically-loaded question: does she approve of the US having military presence in her home country?

In her answer, she said she would welcome their presence, citing the “good” relationship between the two countries.

The day before the coronation night, Pia sent out a message to her supporters, acknowledging her 3 attempts to win the crown.

She wrote, “I hope I inspired you. Never give up on your dreams and believe that dreams do come true! Walang susuko! Ang Pilipino, palaban. (No giving up! The Filipino is a fighter.)“

The pageant, held at the Planet Hollywood resort in Las Vegas, is the 64th edition of the annual global competition. – KD Suarez and Vernise Tantuco / Rappler.com