Binibining Pilipinas Universe Pia Wurtzbach had just had the busiest four months when William Morris/IMG finally bought the Miss Universe pageant from Donald Trump. Then came the green light that the pageant would push through.
People speculated it would be in January 2016, but it was finally announced that it would be on Dec. 20. She was no longer stuck in “limbo,” as we termed it; the moment finally came, which she has been psyching herself up for three years.
Despite her very busy schedule (busy is an understatement), she tries to be the same bubbly and funny Pia her friends know. As I write this, I am chatting with her on WhatsApp as she ends her first official day at Miss Universe.
Tidbits from the pageant
Here are some tidbits on her preparations for the pageant:
Pia, being a perfectionist, would do catwalk practice for three hours straight at a time. Her trainers had to adjust her walk to suit her curvy body frame—they still want her to project confidence, elegance and power.
Aside from physical preparations, Pia had to prepare herself mentally. Like other winners, she’s had her share of detractors, especially where her weight was concerned, when she won Binibining Pilipinas.
There were moments when she would binge-eat after her diet, but in the past months she was able to stick to her diet and achieve the desired weight she needs for the competition.
Pia ate mostly sweet potatoes, egg whites, chicken breasts, bananas and green vegetables.
For the past three years, Pia has been a beauty writer for Inquirer Lifestyle’s To be You section. Being a makeup aficionado, she found it easy to embrace the job, which was a great way to learn the latest makeup and beauty trends.
With William Morris/IMG as the new owners of Miss Universe, we can make our beauty queens more “fashion” now, moving away from the typical pageant-girl look.
With minimal makeup and sleek hair, fashion photographer Gee Plamenco creates magic with the country’s muse, Pia Wurtzbach, on this spread.
Photography Gee Plamenco
Styling Luis Carlo San Juan
Makeup Pia Wurtzbach
Hairstyle Jet Babas