MAXINE Medina, the country’s representative to the 2016 Miss Universe beauty pageant, said that she will surprise everyone as she enjoys her journey to the prestigious beauty contest which will be held in Manila on Jan. 30, 2017.
While she admitted there was pressure in competing for the pageant, Medina said that she is slowly transforming pressure into excitement.
“Right now, I am enjoying my journey to the pageant. I’m training hard for the Miss Universe contest. And siguro lalabas nalang ‘yun. I will surprise everyone,” said Medina, during a press conference at the Gateway Art Gallery, Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City last Wednesday.
Days after she was crowned by her successor Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach as the country’s next representative to the Miss Universe contest in April, Medina was bashed for her communication skills.
The 26-year-old beauty queen from Quezon City said that she just ignores her bashers and continues with her training for the prestigious beauty pageant. She admits she really have to work on her communications skills.
Months later, several veteran mediamen who followed her in the local competition said that Medina has improved a lot.
“Maxine has improved so much. She has gained confidence,” said Jay Patao, a pageant columnist for a national daily.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the Philippines will have a back-to-back win in the Miss Universe contest. Every day she gets better,” said Francis Calubaquib, a mediaman who is also one of the trainers of Mutya Johanna Datul, the country’s first Miss Supranational.
“She’s working hard on her communication skills and it shows. Now she talks with eloquence and confidence,” according to Noli Berioso, of pageant website OPMB Worldwide.
“Before she’s quite shy, now she’s determined. Laban kung laban na. Give her the crown,” said Celso Caparas, another pageant reporter for a major daily.
As of Aug. 4, 44 candidates have been listed as official candidates for the 65th Miss Universe contest.
Dethroned candidates
Three representatives to the Miss Universe pageant in Manila have been dethroned on several issues.
The latest to be dethroned was Miss Honduras Universe Sirey Moran Castro for her diva-like behavior, according to Fox News Latino website.
Moran is determined to fight her way back, the news website said.
In a statement to “El Heraldo,” Moran said: “Being able to compete for Miss Universe has always been a dream of mine.
Representing the country of Honduras is such an honor and something I take very seriously. The support I am getting from the community is truly amazing. I hope to be able to compete for Miss Universe and represent my home country of Honduras.”
Recently, original delegates from Puerto Rico and South Korea have been stripped of the title and will send new representatives to the contest in Manila.