For outgoing titleholder Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Miss Universe contestants do not need to speak in English during the pageant’s question-and-answer portion to increase their chances of winning.
In an interview with ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo, Wurtzbach said candidates have the choice to answer using the language they are comfortable with.
“For the competition itself, I don’t think it’s going to affect her chances if she decided to speak in her native language. Pwede naman eh, kaya may option (It’s allowed, that’s why there’s an option),” Wurtzbach said.
“I don’t think they’re going to give you the option of having an interpreter if they thought that it would ruin your chances. Whatever you are comfortable with, you do that,” she added.
But Wurtzbach said it would be a “plus” if the new Miss Universe would be able to speak English in her interviews after being crowned.
Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina has been the subject of criticism online over her communication skills and English proficiency in interviews and press conferences.
Wurtzbach said she gave Medina and other candidates she was able to talk to some tips on how to remain calm during the competition.
“I’ve talked to her. I’ve given her some advice on how to stay calm during this whole competition. The thing is… Alam niya na ‘yan. Kaya niya na ‘yan (She knows that. She can do it),” she said.
Asked what pieces of advice she would give the candidates especially two weeks before the competition, Wurtzbach added: “Keep your energy up, rest when you can, and eat properly. You have to eat girls, you’ll burn it off, don’t worry about it.”
Wurtzbach is set to pass on her crown at the Miss Universe coronation night on Jan. 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. YG/RAM
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