NOVEMBER last year, the San Beda Alabang Jr. Cheerleading squad was looking for someone to give the girls a makeup workshop in preparation for their cheerleading competition.

It was a no-brainer. To be You beauty writer and now Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach was the first name that came up to give the talk, along with another To be You makeup artist and beauty writer, Justine Del Rosario.

Without hesitation, Pia cheerfully said yes and drove all the way from her place in Cubao to Alabang. Pia arrived with no makeup on. “I wanted to come here without makeup so they could watch how I do it,” she said.

Upon entering the hall, she was greeted with gasps and giggles from the girls, and huge smiles from their parents. It’s not every day that a beauty queen/celebrity is in their midst.

Pia greeted the people at the hall with her typical perky “hi” and made the workshop very light and fun.

That day, the girls didn’t just learn beauty tips from her, thanks to her approachable and down-to-earth nature. Pia also advised the girls to learn to love themselves. Here are some of the comments of the cheerleaders who were there that day.

“My first impression of her was that she was very well composed, smart and having an aura of a real beauty queen. After our makeup workshop with her, I realized that I was right. Because of our workshop, I learned how to do my everyday makeup, and how to look gorgeous without even trying.” – Julia Ambrosio

“One word—gorgeous. I learned to look my best everyday and feel like a queen wherever I go.” – Renee Villanueva

“I thought she would only be there for the workshop and that she wouldn’t be sociable. After the workshop she talked to me and even joked about us being BFFs when I asked for a photo with her.
I learned that the most useful and basic beauty secret is still staying hydrated and getting enough sleep. I’ve tried these tips ever since, and I’ve seen the benefits on my skin. Thank you Pia!.” – Jason Arneson, assistant coach

“My impression of her was that she is a strong woman who knows how to stand up for herself. And I learned that being pretty isn’t about looks.” –Nicola Ferrales

“My first impression of her was that she was very down-to-earth, simple and humble. She taught all of us how to be elegant in our own way.” –Pam Dela Cruz

“My first impression of Pia was that she was quiet and elegant. She taught us that we should be confident in the way we look and carry ourselves with our flaws.” – Ysa Dela Cruz

“All eyes were on her once she walked through the door. She had neither said nor done anything, yet she caught everyone’s attention right away; a real stunner.

She taught us more than just how to apply makeup properly. The way she carried herself with such poise and humility, even with all her success, indicated that she has the qualities a Miss Universe must possess.” – Annika Gozo

“Pia immediately caught my eye when she first walked in the room. She looked like a simple, down-to-earth yet elegant person. She was very approachable and humble while she unselfishly shared her knowledge with us.

She taught me that we all are beautiful in our different ways, that we have nothing to be insecure of and all we need is the right amount of confidence.” – Dani Ferrer

“My first impression of her was that she looked very professional in her posture and the way she walked. Of course she was also very pretty.

She taught us more than just makeup; she really took the time and effort to teach us how to look professional. She was very humble and nice to us, even with all her achievements.” – Chloe Lacsamana

“Pia was nice and caring. She was patient with us even when we were bombarding her with questions. She answered us and carefully attended to each and every one of us.
I learned not to cake my makeup. Never pile makeup on the face because it will look fake and messy. She thought us how to evenly apply makeup. I learned that tying my hair into a bun is the best lazy girl hairstyle.”- Luisa Mercado

“She’s really stunning. She was very approachable, and when she was talking to us, she seemed very genuine.

I remember her saying that we should always feel good about ourselves. It’s good that we know how to apply makeup, but it’s more important to learn to love our faces and ourselves.” – Valerie Pagdagdagan

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