Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach turned emotional as she gave her farewell speech as Binibining Pilipinas-Universe during this year’s grand coronation night last Sunday, April 17 at the Araneta Coliseum.
She began her speech by thanking God and her fellow Filipinos. Having joined the Binibining Pilipinas thrice before she finally won a crown, Pia shared her biggest realizations.
“In the years that I have appeared on this very same stage, my biggest realization is that you should never give up on your dreams. We should never waver in our perseverance and never let obstacles hinder our progress. A dream is a picture of a possibility and we should have a strong heart and a prepared mind to turn that into reality,” she said. The reigning Miss Universe then proceeded to thank specific individuals and groups who have helped her throughout her Binibining Pilipinas journey.
Giving a message to her successor, she said, “To my successor, just remember to give your best. Behind that beautiful gown, your knees may be trembling like me right now. I’m still not used to it.”
Nonetheless, she continued, “And, being in front of millions of people is nerve-wracking but you have to remember that you are proudly wearing that sash that says ‘Philippines’. And believe me, in your moments of doubt, you just have to remember that you have the whole country cheering you on.”
Concluding her speech, she said, “Tonight, I feel like I’m graduating from Binibini. Tonight is the beginning of the journey for a confidently beautiful Filipina. Mabuhay ang gandang Filipina. Mabuhay ang Filipina. Mabuhay tayong lahat.”
Specifically cheering for Pia was Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan who was one of the judges in the pageant’s coronation night. She was also tagged as one of Pia’s friends during the Miss Universe 2015 competition.
Prior to Pia’s final walk and speech, a tribute video featuring her journey as a beauty queen was also shown. Later in the evening, she crowned this year’s Binibining Pilipinas – Universe, Maxine Medina. (G. A Lastrilla, push.com)