I've always been an avid Miss Universe fan ever since I can remember (a.k.a. the Miriam Quiambao year); I've always been fascinated about the glamour, elegance and the beauty behind of it all. You can all probably conclude that it's my life long dream to become Miss Universe, but unfortunately I didn't grew past the height requirement. Hahaha! So when Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach won Miss Universe last December 20, 2015 in Las Vegas in the most untraditional coronation moment in history, I feel like I won too! I'm pretty sure every Filipina and bekis feel the same way as well. She's probably the most memorable Miss Universe in history not only because of the coronation mishap but more about her journey and hardships she went through to get the most coveted crown in the universe.
The things I learned from our new Miss Universe that inspired me to be my own Miss Universe:
1. Playing dumb is out, brainy is the new black.
Playing dumb for me, was never cool. A woman who speak her mind full of compassion and curiosity is something that never go out of style. Someone who is not just smart but street-smart.
2. Don't be assuming. Be humble.
When Steve Harvey announced the wrong winner and corrected his mistake, Pia didn't walked infront of the stage right away until she was told to by the floor directors (and a very encouraging Miss USA and Miss Bulgaria) to do so. Sometimes we should refrain from being assuming so we don't end up hurt (this applies to matters of the heart too! hahaha!).
3. Hardwork is essential.
Pia didn't have a fairy godmother that transformed her into the Miss Universe that she is today, she worked her butt off to get that body, that look and that over-all persona. She even mentioned going to the gym almost everyday! Please, I can't even commit to a relationship let alone gym.
4. Great things didn't magically fall into her lap.
Please refer to number 3 for reference! But what I like about her is that she never gave up. She tried, failed and finally succeeded the third try as Miss Philippines. I can imagine the disappointments and the questions in her head when she failed twice but that didn't stop her from going after what she really wanted. To someone like me who get easily discouraged with a little setback in life, that is really awe inspiring and makes me want to conquer my biggest fears and just take the leap of faith and succeed. Hahaha! If only it's easier said than done, but seeing all that she did I know it's possible!
5. She only listen to opinions of people who matter to her. All other opinions = delete.
I usually care a lot about how people think of me or what they say about me, and I get really upset when it's ugly; I let their opinion take over my life and it makes me sad. But Pia learned the art of deadma, especially when she got bashed for "stealing" the crown which is rightfully hers in the first place. She learned to only listen to her inner circle, and I think I will adopt that mentality in my life too from now on to have a happier life. Hahaha!
6. She's let God take over.
After failing twice on Binibining Pilipinas, on the third try she just gave it all to God, even telling in an interview "if it's for me - it's for me, I'm just gonna relax" and it worked! and she even added that finally everything made sense! This one is particularly hard for me, I hate that I have little or no control over my life. Sometimes when I tell God to take over, I can't help but think about it over and over again not realizing I'm questioning God's abilities. From now on, I'm gonna let it all go and let God take over and relax and stop thinking about it again and again.
