QUEZON City’s Maria Mika Maxine Medina was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Candidate No. 29 Maxine, a 25-year-old model, is a graduate of the Philippine School of Interior Design with experience in designing residential condominiums.
She has big shoes to fill, as many Filipino fans are hoping for a back-to-back win at the international Miss Universe pageant this year.
No less than Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach crowned Medina, who will compete in this year’s Miss Universe pageant.
Davao’s Jehza Mae Huelar emerged as second runner-up in the competition that saw 40 beauties from across the country vying for one of the six crowns.
The five other Bb Pilipinas contestants crowned on Sunday were
Kylie Verzosa (Candidate No. 31) – Bb Pilipinas – International, Joanna Deapera Eden (Candidate No. 13) – Bb Pilipinas – Supranational, Jennifer Ruth Hammond (Candidate No. 26) – Bb Pilipinas – Intercontinental, Nichole Marie Manalo (Candidate No. 28) – Bb Pilipinas – Globe, and Nicole Cordoves (Candidate No. 11) – Bb Pilipinas – Grand International.
MISS Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach gives the Miss Philippines crown to her successor, Maxine Medina during the coronation night of the 2016 Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant in Manila. AFP
Candidate 38 Angelica R. Alita was the first runner-up.Medina was also hailed the Bb. Philippine Airlines.Verzosa, the pageant favorite, also took home the Ms. Photogenic, Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice and JAG She’s Got the Look awards.Hammond also won Best in Long Gown. Eden also bagged the Best in Swimsuit award. Manalo also won Bb. Creamsilk.Other winners include Vina Prulla Openiano (Ms. Friendship and Best in Talent) and Angela Lauren Fernando (Best in National Costume).Among those who made the Top 15 were Vina Prylla Openiano, Riana Agatha Pangindian, Apriel Smith, Roshiela Navarro Tobias, Kimberle Nae Licao, Dindi Joy Pajares and Edlyn Joy Cay Gamboa.
DAVAO’S Jehza Mae Huelar emerges as second runner-up.
Kristine Angeli Estoque, another from Davao, failed to make cut.
Binibining Pilipinas, now in its 53rd edition, is the longest-running and most prestigious beauty pageant in the country. It chooses and sends the country’s representatives to major international beauty contests.
Yesterday, Maxine posted a message for those who supported her during her pageant journey.
“First of all I would want to thank God for giving me an opportunity to experience this wonderful journey. I’m proud that I was able to reach at this point because I wanted to do something not only for myself but for my country as well. It was not in my wildest dream that i would be able to become a beauty queen knowing that it’s only my first time to join a prestigious pageant such as Binibining Pilipinas. Indeed, I was so nervous last night being in front of thousands of people. It was not that easy to stand and carry yourself but with the help and guidance of the lord I was able to overcome my fear.
“Thank you to my family and friends for being the best FAN ever! Also, thank you to my mentors ACES & QEENS for believing in me and supporting me all throughout my journey to the crown. To MAXINATICS THANK YOU SO MUCH! Rest assured that I will do my best to improve more and to be the pride of my country. Hopefully a back to back win with the reigning Miss Universe @piawurtzbach with the help of the Lord. #binibiningpilipinas2016 #maxinatics #missuniverse2016″
In her facebook page, Davao’s Jehza Mae said “Indeed, a very sweet success. Daghang salamat kaayo sa tanang ningsuporta. I can’t thank you one by one but I am expressing my heartfelt gratitude to all of you. Thank you for believing in me, in my capacity. Prayers can really do move mountains! Mama and Papa… I can’t say more? I just… Misssssss the both you! I really do! This is a life-changing moment.”