Pia Wurtzbach’s 26-years-old mentor, Jonas Gaffud revealed on a Facebook post: “ She was only able to fit her gown last Friday when Filipino designer Albert Andrada arrived in Las Vegas. It fit her perfectly and that was the only time I was able to teach Pia in her evening gown only that at the lobby of the hotel. Good thing she was trained well back home prior to the competition. Thank you @alberandrada. The rest is history as she went on to become the Philippines’ third Miss Univrse.”

Andrada, who also made Wurtzbach’s national costume, said he is really happy because he knew this is just the beginning of a good journey for their homegrown designers in international beauty contests.

His Facebook post reads: “Awwww I was so touched! As soon as Madam SMA saw Pia’s gown for the finals, she took my hand and held it so hard w/a whisper… “thank you”. Got teary eyed not only because I am happy, but I know that this is the beginning of a good journey for the Filipino designers in international beauty contests.”

A day before the preliminary competition, Wurtzbach also had a wardrobe “emergency”. According to an article published by Philippine Daily Inquirer, the off-the-rack gown allegedly brought by people behind Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) didn’t fit Wurtzbach.

The Philippine team called Los Angeles-based Filipino designer Oliver Tolentino for an immediate and decent alternative gown , as wearing an ill-fitting gown would have likely ruined Wurtzbach’s chances to advance in the prestigious beauty pageant.

She really stood by her words that she believes she has a good chance to win the crown for the Philippines.

Before she went to Las Vegas, she said in an interview: “We have good training here in all aspects, in the gym, walking, styling. Binibining Pilipinas, they also like to make sure that you are prepared in all aspects. I think I have a good chance because of the training that I have been doing here.”