Muñeka Joy Taisipic represented Guam at the recently concluded Miss Universe 2016 beauty pageant in the Philippines. At 18, she was one of the youngest among the 86 candidates from around the world.
It is said that Taisipic is of Filipino descent but she herself has not confirmed this. Many Filipino fans noticed her features and some even claim that she looks more Filipino than Miss Philippines Maxine Medina.
Born in the village of Yona, Taisipic loves volleyball, rugby and paddling. She graduated from Notre Dame High School and is currently studying at the University of Guam taking pre-physical therapy.
In an interview Pacific Daily News, Taisipic was asked to give advice to future pageant contestants. The young beauty queen said it is important to not take anything for granted during the journey to the crown as it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
On the other hand, Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen gave advice to the newly crowned Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere. Like Mittenaere, Sen won her crown in the Philippines.
"I wish Miss France a great year of reign, but more importantly, she will have Philippines that will love her because I know this feeling," Sen told GMA News. "If you win in the Philippines, you will have the love of the Philippines for all your life."
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach crowned Mittenaere as her successor on Jan. 30, Monday, at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines. Miss Haiti Raquel Pelissier was first runner-up while Miss Colombia Andrea Tovar was second runner-up.
On Jan. 18, Wurtzbach participated in a dinner program in Baguio City, Philippines, which was hosted by Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup. Distinguished people of the city welcomed them along with Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart, Miss Universe 2016 host committee chairman Chavit Singson, and some Miss Universe 2016 candidates including Mittenaere, Pelissier, Tovar and Taisipic.
Have a glimpse of the Miss Universe 2016 event in Baguio here: