Palace congratulates Pia Wurtzbach on Miss Universe victory

MANILA, Philippines – Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on Monday morning welcomed the victory of the Philippine bet for Miss Universe, Pia Wurtzbach.

“Today, the whole country unites in celebration over Ms. Pia Wurtzbach’s coronation as Miss Universe in the 2015 pageant in Las Vegas, USA,” Lacierda said.

Wurtzbach ended the 42-year drought of the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant as she was crowned the country’s third Miss Universe.

The Palace official said the whole country shines for Wurtzbach’s triumph.

“Over 42 years and today, once more the Philippines shines forth with joy and celebration,"

Lacierda also recognized Wurtzbach’s beauty queen journey as prior to this coronation night, it was her third try to enter the Binibining-Pilipinas Universe before she was able to snag the 64th Miss Universe crown.

He also mentioned that Wurtzbach represented the Filipina’s beauty by showing her beauty, intelligence and elegance to the world.

Earlier in the question and answer portion, Wurtzbach mentioned how she wanted to make positive change and to be recognized as “confidently beautiful with the heart.”

“Throughout her journey, Ms. Wurtzbach showcased to the world the characteristic beauty, intelligence, and elegance for which Filipinas are renowned. In the first few moments of the original announcement, she showed tremendous poise and control, and even more tremendous graciousness when the real verdict was finally announced. We congratulate her for this success as the third Miss Universe of the Philippines, following in the footsteps of Ms. Gloria Diaz and Ms. Margie Moran-Floirendo,” Lacierda said.

“The tremendous support our countrymen have given Ms. Wurtzbach, from her Binibining Pilipinas title to the weeks leading up to the pageant, helped propel her to become a pageant favorite, and eventually led to her winning. In bagging this victory, Ms. Wurtzbach not only serves as a tremendous source of pride for our people, but also holds up the banner of our women and of our country—as a true representative of what the Filipina can achieve. Indeed, this triumph is the result not only of her beauty but also of her passion for positive change, as one who is confidently beautiful with the heart,” he added.