Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach: A Heart and Mind Behind the Crown

In December 2015, the Miss Universe pageant witnessed an unprecedented event that shook the world. For the first time in its history, the host mistakenly awarded the crown to the wrong contestant. The precious artifact was initially given to Ariadna Gutierrez from Colombia, and the audience erupted in applause. However, a few minutes later, the crown was passed to Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach from the Philippines, who had already accepted the title of first runner-up and seemed to have come to terms with her second-place role. In an exclusive interview with our magazine, Pia shared her feelings at the moment the results were announced and her plans for her year as Miss Universe 2015.

Discovering Belarus

When asked about her knowledge of Belarus and its famous figures such as Svetlana Alexievich or Victoria Azarenka, Pia expressed her love for visiting churches during her travels. She mentioned the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier in Grodno as one of the most beautiful cathedrals she has seen in photographs and expressed her desire to visit it. Although she is not very familiar with tennis, she admires Victoria Azarenka’s unique style of play. Pia also shared her love for reading and her intention to read Svetlana Alexievich’s “The Unwomanly Face of War.”

The Moment of Truth

Pia described her emotions when she was announced the true Miss Universe 2015 as a whirlwind of shock, happiness, and concern for Ariadna Gutierrez. She explained that she felt a mix of emotions, as the moment was both a dream come true and a situation that caused her to worry about Ariadna’s emotional state. Pia mentioned that they do not communicate often but that she had congratulated Ariadna on her birthday before the New Year.

About Pia

Pia shared some details about her life, including her education, family, and aspirations. She attended a school that allowed her to pursue her acting career while still a student. In college, she discovered her passion for culinary arts. Pia’s parents divorced when she was very young, which brought her, her mother, and her sister closer together. Her mother inspired her to be strong and independent. Pia’s ambitious plans include conquering Hollywood and playing a Bond girl.

Making a Difference

As the third Miss Universe from the Philippines, Pia aims to use her title to raise awareness about the HIV epidemic among the youth in her country. She also wants to help her fellow Filipinos, who frequently face natural disasters such as typhoons, by providing them with both material support and the strength to overcome these challenges. Pia believes that being Miss Universe is not just about physical beauty but also about having a heart and a mind. She emphasizes the importance of being thoughtful, caring for others, and being proud, useful, and selfless.

Secrets to Beauty and Love

Pia’s beauty secrets include enjoying food while being mindful of what she eats, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising, and nourishing her mind through reading and learning. She finds solace and strength in her spirituality and communication with God. Pia believes that love is about tranquility and clarity, and that having spirituality, family, and the ability to follow one’s dreams helps one stay afloat and in harmony.

Overcoming Challenges

Pia shared that one of the most challenging aspects of her life was being a young girl trying to earn money. However, she embraced the experience and learned from it. She enjoyed working as a model and seeing herself on TV screens but also loved going to school and feeling like a regular girl. Pia believes that the difficulties she faced helped her become the person she is today.

Culinary Delights

As a graduate of a culinary school, Pia does not have a single favorite dish but enjoys everything, especially sweets and desserts. She loves exploring different cuisines and learning new recipes as a way to challenge herself and grow. Pia’s advice for maintaining a healthy weight is to drink water and enjoy food in moderation, as life is too short to limit oneself.

Final Words

Pia expressed her gratitude to the readers for their interest in her and her hopes to visit Belarus one day to try authentic Belarusian cuisine and admire the beautiful architecture. She wished everyone the best in 2016 and looked forward to meeting her readers. Pia concluded the interview by saying, “I love you all!”

For more information about the Miss Universe organization, visit their official website here.