In the last 50 years, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) was tasked to look for and crown the country’s representative to the Miss Universe pageant. But in December 2019, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) announced that the Philippine candidate to the pageant will be selected by a brand-new panel of experts under the MUP Organization.
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach is a Filipina-German model, actress and a beauty queen who is one of the four Filipina models to have won the Miss Universe title for the country. The diva who is known for breaking a 42-year drought for the Philippines but also because of Steve Harvey mistakenly announced that Ariadna Gutierrez of Colombia won and Pia was 1st runner-up. Steve later corrected his mistake, announcing Pia as the real winner of Miss Universe 2015.
One of the reasons why Pia is admired by millions of people all over the world is because she has stayed true to her personality and has advocated about gender equality post pageant. In the history of beauty pageants for Philippines Pia will always be remembered as the one who brought crown home after a huge gap with her optimism, dedication, confidence and humble nature. She is currently working on a movie (according to her latest social media posts) and hosts her own travel show ‘Pia’s Postcards’.
The diva was recently spotted at an event organized by the homegrown fast-food giant Jollibee, which launched her as an endorser for its classic and spicy tuna pie. She was asked about her thoughts on the delegate who will be titled Miss Universe Philippines 2020 and represent Philippines at Miss Universe 2020 stage. Pia was quick to answer that. “I think the next Miss Universe Philippines should be spicy. We’re done with the sweet era and we’ve done that already”.
Pia explained, “I feel like a Miss Universe, when she walks into a room, she catches your attention right away… Sweet is something that’s given because as an advocate, as a Miss Universe, you should be relatable to people, you should be authentic. And that makes you sweet. But I think you should also have that ‘it’ factor, that confidence. And that’s where I think spicy dapat.”
Pia also expressed her support to both Miss Universe Philippines and Binibining Pilipinas franchise. She conveyed her regards and support to all the delegates in both the franchise and gave a little tip; “Don’t focus too much on changing your accent or trying to have perfect English, because that’s not what they’re looking for. They’re looking for somebody who can express themselves – whether perfect or not in English.” Para, you know, the youth or the little girls looking up to us will also be proud of where they came from.” she ended.
The first edition of Miss Universe Philippines i.e. Miss Universe Philippines 2020 will be hosted on 3rd May 2020 in Mall of Asia Arena, Bay City, Pasay, Metro Manila. Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados will crown her successor by the end of the event finale.
The Miss Universe Philippines organization is headed by national director Shamcey Supsup-Lee. Along with Shamcey; the team of Miss Universe Philippines includes Jonas Gaffud as the creative director, Lia Andrea Ramos as the Head of Women Empowerment and Charity, Nad Bronce who is a lawyer by profession as the Head of Legal Affairs, Albert Andrada as the Design Council Head, and, Mario Garcia as the Head of Business Development and Marketing.
As a separate organization Miss Universe Philippines will encourage Filipina women to become empowered individuals, who also embody the mission of being agents of meaningful change wherever they are. The organization has already announced the beautiful 52 delegates who will be competing for the title of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 and their chance to represent Philippines at Miss Universe 2020.