Maturity and destiny - these were the two factors that helped Filipino beauty queen Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach bag the Miss Universe crown in Las Vegas, Nevada last December, according to Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran.

During Wurtzbach’s homecoming special at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Thursday night, Moran said “being in the right place at the right time” helped Wurtzbach end the country’s 42-year title drought in the prestigious pageant.

“And it came during a time when she was more mature because she has a gift of God that came with the experiences in her life - while growing up, working, being a breadwinner,” Moran told television host Boy Abunda, when asked what she thought was Wurtzbach’s edge among other candidates.

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Wurtzbach joined Binibining Pilipinas thrice before finally being crowned as the country’s representative to Miss Universe on her third attempt. She emerged first runner-up in 2013 and finished in the top 15 the following year.

Moran also commended Wurtzbach’s “wisdom” and “confidence” in speaking.

“She speaks with wisdom, and I think that gives her also the confidence, and loving whatever she does,” Moran said.

“And having a definite advocacy gives her very good qualities representing our country, the Philippines, this day,” she added, referring to Wurtzbach’s advocacy of raising HIV/AIDS awareness in the country.

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Moran, the Philippines’ second Miss Universe, was among the Filipino beauty queens from the past decades who joined Wurtzbach in her homecoming at the Big Dome. At one point of her long overdue victory walk that capped the night, Wurtzbach was joined by Moran on stage as the audience cheered.

Reliving the moment, former Miss Universe, Moran also shared to the crowd her fondest memories when she was crowned Miss Universe, decades ago in Greece.

The 62-year-old beauty queen said she owned the moment and felt like a Greek goddess, noting how she was the crowd favorite despite few Filipinos in the audience.