In an interview with ABS-CBN TV show "Bottomline" on Saturday evening, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach held back her tears when asked about the organization president Paula Shugart compliments about her. She also turned emotional during a special tribute dinner "Queen of the Universe" held at Sofitel Hotel the following evening, Jan. 22.
According to an article by Inquirer.net, Shugart described Wurtzbach as a "hard act to follow" as she defined Miss Universe and "made it her own". "Bottomline" TV host Boy Abunda quoted the Miss Universe Organization president who also said that she will "definitely miss her" and will be crying as Wurtzbach turns over the crown on Jan. 30.
Wurtzbach, in the "Bottomline" interview on Saturday, Jan. 21, turned emotional and described Shugart's speech as the "best compliment" since that was exactly what she wanted to do as a Miss Universe. She also pointed out how she just wanted to be herself instead of imitating other titleholders before her.
"I want to be remembered as a different kind of beauty queen, not very rehearsed and robotic. I just want to be myself. And to hear that [from the Miss Universe President Shugart]... it's really the best thing," Inquirer.net cited Wurtzbach in her "Bottomline" interview.
The Miss Universe 2015, who will still be working with the organization as an ambassadress, also expressed that she will continuously do her best even after she turns over the crown. Aside from her stint in Miss Universe, Wurtzbach will appear as a special guest in the fifth cycle of "Asia's Next Top Model", Inquirer.net reported.
Moreover, on Sunday, Jan. 22, Wurtzbach was given a special tribute by her mentors from Aces and Queens and Mercator Artist and Modeling Management at Sofitel Hotel, Rappler reported.
During the "Queen of the Universe" event, the Miss Universe 2015 expressed her pride for her country and gratitude to those who helped her as a beauty queen. For Wurtzbach, her bringing home the crown and the competition were the best ways to give back to the Filipinos for all the love and support.
She went on to acknowledge Miss Universe 2015 host Steve Harvey for her unconventional win and jokingly told the crowd that although she did not have her first walk as Miss Universe, she will have the "best final walk in her home country."
Wurtzbach then again turned emotional as ended her speech with inspiring words.
"I hope whoever you are, whatever that you believe in, you know, whatever age you are, whatever situation that you're in, if you have a dream, you hold on to that dream, because you'll never know when that dream will come true," Rappler quoted Wurtzbach in the "Queen of the Universe" event which was attended by her family including her sister Sarah, niece Lara and boyfriend Swiss-Filipino car racer Marlon Stockinger.
Watch Pia Wurtzbach's "Bottomline" interview below.