On Monday, the 65th Miss Universe took place at Mall of Asia Arena, Metro Manila and Philippine bet Maxine Medina failed to bring home the crown like everyone hoped she would. But did she really fail the country? Besides, what Maxine did was for everyone.
Maxine has received plenty of negative comments. But did she do anything wrong? or do the people lack sight of the positive side of Maxine?
Sure she is no Pia Wurtzbach, but here are reasons why Filipinos should still to love her:
- She is a Filipina
"I felt like a royalty when I walked in my national costume last night. The inspiration behind this creation include the colorful Muslim vinta, the corals, and the South Sea pearls of Mindanao. The centerpiece of the costume is the P1.0MM headress adorned with pearls from @jewelmer It is also created by @rhetteala Thank you for all your support last night. You all have molded me into becoming the best version of myself. #pilipinas#parasabayan #4M4MU"
Maxine was born and raised in Quezon City Philippines, which makes her a full Filipino. She doesn't just carry the beauty of Filipina's through her physical appearance, but through her mind, heart and soul.
2. She has a beautiful heart
In partnership with Operation Smile Philippines, the Bb. Pilipinas 2016 Queens | https://normannorman.com/tag/operation-smile/
In her spare time Maxine has visited children with cancer at Veterans Memorial Medical Center and supported ‘Operation: Smile’ in Sta. Ana Hospital. She also showed her love for children by teaching them organized by Gawad Kalinga and participated in relief operations to typhoon victims within the Philippines.
3. Maxine works hard
"Game on! #swooshlife" | Instagram | Maxine Medina
Maxine used to be a quite and shy girl but after her training became a woman who "talk to a lot of people and carry herself." She did not just work hard to get her English and her walk as perfect as possible, she also had to keep her body fit and healthy.
4. Maxine is creative
Instagram | Maxine Medina
Maxine grew up with her family in her grandmother's house, and never had her own space. She studied Bachelors Degree for interior designing from the Philippines School of Interior Design in De Le Salle-College of Saint Benilde. The beauty queen chose this course because she loves creating space. In her up-close video, she said "Space affects how we heal, how we work, and how we deal with our life."
5. Maxine kept calm
"I feel so blessed to have the honor of representing my country the Philippines. I gave and offered my best, my heart and my soul as I stepped out on the stage to represent the entire nation at this year's Miss Universe Pageant! I am so proud to have been given the opportunity of wearing the Philippine sash for a month of hosting this historical event. After seven months of preparations, through ups and downs, when I go to sleep, I am at peace and comforted knowing that the entire country believes in me. Yesterday, when I was called to be part of the top 6 finalists, I knew that I could make it because I believe in myself. I KNOW THAT I AM CAPABLE AND I ROSE FROM THE CHALLENGES that I've been through. Most importantly, I know that my fellow Filipinos also think that I CAN. I am fortunate to be part of this momentous gathering of the most beautiful women in the universe that took place in our country. To have experienced this milestone makes me very happy because I was able to bring the Filipino nation together as one. To my fellow candidates, it is a privilege to share this wonderful journey with you. Sa aking mga kababayan at kapwa Filipino, maraming salamat po sa lahat ng suporta at pagmamahal na ipinakita ninyo sa akin! EVERYTHING I DO IS FOR OUR PHILIPPINES! MABUHAY PO TAYONG LAHAT. MAHAL KO KAYO. WEARING : @rhetteala" | Instagram | Maxine Medina
Maxine received plenty of negative comments about the way she communicates in English. But Despite the bashing Maxine never fought back or showed any negative reactions. She walked the stage her own way, and answered the Q&A the way she wanted, despite the amount of hate she received. Top 6 seems like a low place to be but out of 86 it's a job well done. Still she waved at her fellow Filipino's like no one said nothing, this shows how much she loves the country. And that is something to be proud of.
Hopefully everyone will see the Miss Universe in Maxine Medina.
(Vanessa Wright)