Maria Mika Maxine Medina, Miss Universe Philippines 2016

On top of the Philippines’ Universe, Maxine Medina is.

Step by step crowning of Maxine by Joy Arguil

Going into the announcement of winners, people at the Smart Araneta Coliseum were relatively silenced except for the supporters of Kylie Verzosa who were convinced that their idol has the #1 position already in the bag. But when she was named as the new Bb. Pilipinas International, it was already clear at that point that Maxine would get Universe.

True, Binibini 29 did okay with her Q&A but all my colleagues agreed that Binibini 31 answered in a far more confident and winning style. Methinks, though, that the judges – which included Miss USA Olivia Jordan – must have already been eyeing the former right from the start. Keep in mind that there is a strong possibility of the Miss Universe Organization having a say as to which Binibini is their choice as Pia’s national successor. While this is no longer a secret to many, my personal take on the whole pre-final scenario was already circling around the one candidate who ticks all the required boxes of the bigger competition.

I love Kylie Verzosa dearly. But my passionate heart was saying that Maxine Medina is the one with the MU Peg all conveniently sorted out for the decision-makers. And that is also the reason why I really went out on a limb for this Interior Designer who will face an uphill battle for a back-to-back in Miss Universe 2016.

For now, let us give Maxine and all the other ladies the chance to rest from all the demands and pressures of Bb. Pilipinas.

And I need to rest myself. The spirit is willing to blog more, but the body needs some good sleep.

Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach asking Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina and Bb. Pilipinas International 2016 Kylie Verzosa to wave to the audience