Despite not scoring a back-to-back victory for the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant, the country’s bet Maxine Medina is at peace and content with her performance.
Medina, who landed in the Top 6 of the competition, expressed gratitude to Filipinos who believed in her, brushing aside criticisms against her answer in the final question round.
“I gave and offered my best, my heart and my soul as I stepped out on the stage to represent the entire nation at this year’s Miss Universe pageant! I am so proud to have been given the opportunity of wearing the Philippine sash for a month of hosting this historical event,” Medina wrote in an Instagram post. “After seven months of preparations, through ups and downs, when I go to sleep, I am at peace and comforted knowing that the entire country believes in me.”
“Yesterday, when I was called to be part of the top 6 finalists, I knew that I could make it because I believe in myself. I KNOW THAT I AM CAPABLE AND I ROSE FROM THE CHALLENGES that I’ve been through,” she said.
Medina bowed out of the competition after the question and answer portion, where she was asked by host Steve Harvey about the most significant change she had seen in the world in the past 10 years. The Philippine bet answered: “In the last 10 years of being here in the world, I saw that all the people bring in one event like this Miss Universe. And it’s something big to us, that we are one as one nation, that we are all together.”
READ: Despite Miss Universe loss, Filipinos unite for Maxine Medina
The model and interior design graduate said she was honored to represent the Philippines in Manila, thanking those who supported her throughout her journey.
“Most importantly, I know that my fellow Filipinos also think that I CAN. I am fortunate to be part of this momentous gathering of the most beautiful women in the universe that took place in our country. To have experienced this milestone makes me very happy because I was able to bring the Filipino nation together as one,” Medina said.
“To my fellow candidates, it is a privilege to share this wonderful journey with you. Sa aking mga kababayan at kapwa Filipino, maraming salamat po sa lahat ng suporta at pagmamahal na ipinakita ninyo sa akin (To my countrymen and fellow Filipinos, thank you for all the support and love you have showed me)! EVERYTHING I DO IS FOR OUR PHILIPPINES! MABUHAY PO TAYONG LAHAT. MAHAL KO KAYO (I love you),” she added.
Iris Mittenaere of France was eventually crowned Miss Universe, succeeding the Philippines’ own Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. CDG
READ: Pia Wurtzbach comforts Maxine Medina: ‘You’re a queen’
