Malacañang on Monday congratulated France’s Iris Mittenaere for winning the Miss Universe crown and the Philippines’ Maxine Medina for her performance.
“People of France are rejoicing. Truly, this is a proud moment for their country. Iris brought tremendous joy to her people by representing France well on the international stage with her winning grace, regal bearing and inspiring answer,” presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.
“She has won not only the nod of the judges but the affection of the entire world as well,” Abella said of Mittenaere, who received the crown from the Philippines’ Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach during ceremonies at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Monday morning.
READ: Aspiring dentist from France is Miss Universe 2016
During the final question round, Mittenaere and two other finalists were asked about lessons in failure, to which she answered: “I failed several times in my life… When you fail you have to be elevated and you have keep going. If tonight I will not be the winner I am still honored that I’m still one of the three finalists. For me this is a great opportunity.”
Mittenaere bested 85 other candidates.
Abella also congratulated Medina for “representing the Philippines well in the international scene” after she made it to the Top 6 finalists.
“Our best wishes to the 65th Miss Universe,” he added. CBB
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