A decade has passed since Maxine Medina proudly represented the Philippines at the 2016 Miss Universe pageant — and she has never looked better or been more fulfilled.

While many beauty queens chase the next crown, Maxine charted a different course — embracing motherhood, building an acting career, and venturing into the world of online selling. The pageant stage is firmly behind her, and she wouldn't have it any other way.

Maxine Medina (Images courtesy of Instagram)

"I can be a judge and give advice — but joining another pageant, huwag na muna," Maxine said at the launch of DM Studios, a live commerce and creator agency aimed at professionalizing live selling and connecting brands with influencers. The agency is owned by power couple Diane Medina and Rodjun Cruz.

She was candid about her unlikely path to the pageant world. "It wasn't my wildest dream to join pageants. But it was a big step when I joined Binibining Pilipinas and Miss Universe," she said. "Even my cousins were surprised. I was really camera-shy — but I was grateful for their support."

Modeling, too, was never part of the plan — but once she found herself in front of the camera, the people around her began encouraging her to try pageants. "I was so scared when I was on stage competing in Binibining Pilipinas. But I was grateful for all the supporters," she recalled.

Looking back, she credits the experience with transforming her sense of self. "I don't think I was the beauty queen type. But joining pageants really gave me confidence."

Maxine Medina with her husband Timmy Llana and their baby boy Timothy Mateus Ezekiel

For young women dreaming of the pageant stage, Maxine had simple but heartfelt advice: "Push your dreams. Be yourself and be authentic. Explore everything because it may only happen once — once lang yun. So pursue your dreams."

She also reflected honestly on her own journey, acknowledging she could have been better prepared. "Unlike the beauty queens today, they compete as early as 16, and they are simply wow. I was 21 when I first joined Binibining Pilipinas. It was never my dream, but I wanted to try and see where I would be successful."

These days, however, the pageant world is firmly in her rearview mirror. "I am focused on my baby," she said. "Mommy duties first."

Now 35, Maxine is married to Timothy Llana, and together they are raising their baby boy, Mateus Ezekiel — Zeke for short. She describes motherhood as one of the most challenging yet rewarding chapters of her life.

"I salute all the moms because motherhood is not an easy life. When I see young moms working so hard, I really admire them," she said with sincerity.

At the launch of DM Studios. From left: Maxine Medina, and celebrity power couple Diane Medina and Rodjun Cruz.

As for expanding the family, she smiled and didn't hesitate. "Yes! Maybe one more baby."

Beyond motherhood, Maxine has found a thriving second act in live selling — earning as much as P4 million in a single night during one of her sessions. She openly credits her pageant background as a key asset in this new venture.

"Since I am in the beauty and mommy categories in live selling, it's an advantage that I was a former beauty queen. I give tips and share advice based on whatever knowledge I have in these categories," she said.