THREE Miss Universe 2016 candidates – whose countries were the Top 3 finishers last year – said last Saturday that they were not in any way pressured about winning the crown as the coronation night approaches.
Instead, the candidates from Colombia, Philippines, and USA said that they are enjoying their experiences and bonding moments with the other girls from around the world.
“Actually I’m excited to perform once again. I miss my family a lot. Usually, Sunday is my family day,” said Miss Philippines Maxine Medina, during an exclusive chat with the candidates after their rehearsals at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Medina promised her fans to do all her best for a back-to-back victory at the 65th Miss Universe pageant on Jan. 30.
“I promise to do all my best and I’m hoping for a back-to-back title,” the 26-year-old beauty queen from Quezon City said.
Miss USA Deshauna Barber, of Washington D.C., said that she is enjoying every moment of her experience in Manila.
“We all have our lives outside the pageant. But I’m here to enjoy myself. Whether I win or lose, I’m gonna go back to just being happy and I hope all the girls will do the same,” Barber said.
Barber, 26, is the first woman actively serving in the US Army Reserve to win the title of Miss USA.
“I notice that a lot of them are so sweet. They are genuine and I having a wonderful time,” she said. I think that’s the way you handle pressure.”
Barber added that she is extremely honored to represent USA in the prestigious beauty pageant.
Miss Colombia Andrea Tovar said that she really felt sad that last year’s Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez lost the crown to reigning Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.
“I really felt bad about the situation. But now Ariadna is an amazing person and she has a Hollywood movie,” said Tovar.
Tovar, 23, said that Gutierrez told her to enjoy the moment and experience in Manila.
“I love the Philippines. I love Manila. I love Baguio,” she said.
Tovar, who graduated with a degree in industrial design and photo production, also said that she is not pressured by the pageant.
During the 2015 Miss Universe beauty pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada, Steve Harvey announced that Gutierrez won the pageant when in fact it was Wurtzbach. Miss USA then placed second runner up.
