Wins Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2015
Wurtzbach is the crowned winner of Binibining Pilipinas – Universe 2015. It is the third time that she joined the pageant, winning first runner-up in 2013 and landing in the Top 15 in 2014. She represents Cagayan de Oro City and bested other 33 contestants during the Bb Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night at the Smart Araneta, Quezon City. Her answer to the question about internet censorship during the Q&A portion of the pageant:
We should be careful with what we post online. Always think before you click.
Miss Philippines wins Miss Universe 2015 after mix-up
In the final stages of the 64th annual competition for Miss Universe in Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, Harvey initially reads Miss Colombia as winner. After she is crowned however, Harvey returns to the stage and corrects himself.
Ok folks, I have to apologize the first runner-up is Colombia. Miss Universe 2015 is Philippines!
First interview as Miss Universe 2015
Wutzbach officially starts her reign appearing on ABC’s Good Morning America. She talks about the controversial announcement mix-up and her thoughts on sharing the crown.
I think it would be a little bit difficult for two girls to share a crown, but I have high hopes that this will give great opportunities for me and Miss Colombia and the rest of the contestants.
Takes first Miss Universe walk
Considering the unique circumstances of her victory, Wurtzbach finally takes her long overdue Miss Universe walk on American talk show Live with Kelly and Michael. Kelly:
Pia, you never had the chance to do your walk. You know, the famous walk. Do you want to do your walk for us now.
Forgives Harvey
Wurtzbach appears on The Steve Harvey Show titled Miss Universe: The Truth more than a month after the Miss Universe 2015 fiasco. Wurtzbach:
Don’t beat yourself up for this anymore. Come on. Let’s move forward, let’s be happy.
Harvey:
I want some healing to be done. for you and for Miss Colombia. I want that more than anything. So, thank you for coming. I thought you were an absolute class act. Absolute class act.
Rom-com emoji quiz
Wurtzbach sits down with Bustle to guess romantic comedies using only emojis as her clues.
Sleep. Rain. City. Sleepless in Seattle?
Returns to Philippines
Wurtzbach returns to the Philippines after winning the Miss Universe 2015 pageant in Las Vegas. She arrives in NAIA Terminal 2. Bb. Pilipinas officials, the media and pageant supporters welcome her.
I’m so happy, I couldn’t sleep last night because I was so excited to finally come home. I don’t want to reveal too much about my experiences because I want to save those for the press conference that will happen tomorrow, so please come. I’m so happy that I’ve come home again here in the Philippines. It feels like I’m going to compete again.
Shares best advice
At the homecoming press conference, Wurtzbach says that the best advice she received on her journey to the crown was from 2011 Miss Universe 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup.
She said you should know when to peak. You should save your energy for moments that really matter. The competition can be very exhausting. There are times that you should pull back to save your energy for important moments like the preliminaries and the pageant night.
Winnings taxable in Philippines
The cash prize and other awards received by Wurtzbach for winning the Miss Universe title are subject to income tax according to Philippine revenue official.
We, too, are elated and proud that she won the Miss Universe title but we have to implement the law. Wurtzbach’s earnings from within and outside the country form part of her gross earnings subject to the maximum income tax rate of 32 percent.
Wurtzbach:
I am aware just like any employee that I have to pay taxes. I have never missed it when I was with ABS-CBN, Binibining Pilipinas. When I start working in the US, I’d be doing that as well.
Wants to get tested for HIV
As part of her HIV advocacy, Wutzbach says she will be tested for HIV.
The first step is get yourself tested and to let yourself be informed. I have plans of getting tested myself, too. If I take the first step, then maybe others can follow suit. So I hope that they do, they really do.
Homecoming parade
Crowds of people come out to show support for Wurtzbach, who brought home the Miss Universe crown after 42 years, at a homecoming parade through Manila. The model wears a green terno and waves the Philippine flag from her float which resembles her crown.
I hope I can be an inspiration to all of you, not to give up and to always keep studying and respect your parents and treat each other fairly.
Philippine Senate honors
Wurtzbach visits the Philippine Senate for a courtesy call and to receive Senate Resolution 111 congratulating and commending her for giving honor to the country. Senate President Drilon:
For a country that is very proud of the intelligence, talent and beauty of its women, this is indeed a great reason to celebrate. Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach exhibited not only classic Filipina beauty but also intelligence with her response to the final question. I understand that Pia has made the fight against HIV her main advocacy. I can assure you that the Senate is one with you in this campaign. We will look on legislation that will boost this campaign. We also have a champion. Our very own Pia, Senator Pia Cayetano.
On Wurtzbach joining politics, Drilon:
Given her politically conscious responses to the questions, I am not surprised. You know the question was very political – the presence of the American bases, the presence of American troops, the matter of the HIV, her views on a number of critical issues. I have advised her that if she’s really interested in joining government, she would be a very strong advocate of issues that she has expressed her opinions on. And, I advised her to first try her hand in some appointed position where she can push her advocacy, rather than join the politics in an elections.
Visits President Aquino
Wurtzbach pays courtesy call at Malacañang. She is accompanied by her mother and Miss Universe President Shugart. After talking with the President, Wurtzbach gives a short press conference.
It’s an honor to be in the presence of the President, of course, especially now that I’m here as Miss Universe, bringing back the crown for the Filipino. He congratulated me and I congratulated him for a successful term.
House approves tax exemption
The ways and means committee of Philippine Congress approves House Bill 6367, which seeks to exempt Wurtzbach from payment of taxes arising from her winnings from the international pageant. The Bill filed by the Cagayan de Oro representative is approved unanimously. During the hearing, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) lawyer says there will be no double taxation on Wurtzbach’s earnings from the pageant as long as she submits the necessary documents.
The US may have already taxed Wurtzbach on the prizes she received there. If she wants the tax she paid there credited in the Philippines, she has to submit the documents as proof of the same.
Philippines victory walk
Wutzbach does a homecoming victory walk, in place of the one she missed in the 64th Miss Universe pageant. Wearing her crown, she smiles and waves in front of the thousands of fans in Araneta Coliseum, a place where her dream of becoming Miss Universe started. This is the final event in Wurtzbach’s homecoming itinerary.
Wraps up homecoming visit
After spending a week in the Philippines, Wurtzbach returns to the United States to continue fulfilling her responsibilities as Miss Universe.
I’ll be back soon. It’s very sad that I have to leave so soon. But like I said, this is a responsibility and I have duties now. I will continue making all of you proud!
Covers Super Bowl 50
Wurtzbach is in San Francisco for her assignment as Inside Edition‘s special correspondent for the Super Bowl 50. She covers the night’s events with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes previews, and game coverage.
I’ll be the special correspondent all week long so be sure to tune in to catch exclusive coverage by your truly.