WHEN Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maria Mika Maxine Perez Medina played host to 11 Miss Universe beauties in Manila last month, she stood out with her unmistakable beauty and grace.
Next week, the 85 delegates will begin to arrive from all over the globe to gather for the most beautiful day in the universe at the Mall of Asia Arena on January 30, and Maxine can’t wait to enjoy this experience of a lifetime.
Last Tuesday, at Felicidad Mansion Events Place in Roosevelt, Quezon City, a “despedida” party was thrown for our lovely Miss Universe bet. Everyone who attended – Los Angeles-based Dennis de Vera who organized the event, Maxine’s parents, family and friends including Miss Grand International 2016 1st runner-up Nicole Cordoves, her model-friends from the Professional Models Association of the Philippines, her Aces & Queens family led by ace mentor Jonas Gaffud, and media friends – arrived ahead of the agreed time to surprise an uninformed Maxine who was earlier whisked to a nearby bistro before being brought to the venue.
It was an intimate gathering for Maxine, who is aiming to succeed reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach for a rare back-to-back win.
“Maxine is so excited for Miss Universe,” said Maxine’s beautiful mom, Marife Perez-Medina, a former ramp and commercial model. “She is very positive and even takes bashings on the Internet as constructive criticisms to correct her weak points.”
“Maxine is not pressured at all that she is vying for the title currently held by Pia,” added Maxine’s dad Maximo Medina, who was also a commercial model (for a popular brand of liquor). “She is only too happy and grateful that Miss Universe is being held here because she will be supported by her kababayan …you know, the home court advantage. I will be happy if Maxine places second or third because we have already won the crown. But if she succeeds Pia, that will be a big bonus from Above, an answered prayer.”
Aside from regular gym workouts, Maxine is also polishing her catwalk and communication skills under the guidance of her Aces and Queens mentors.
During the party, almost everyone couldn’t help but notice Maxine’s youngest sister Ferica, 23, who is equally tall and beautiful. We learned she is busy preparing for her Nursing Board Exams.
Maybe next year, when she is, hopefully, a registered nurse already, Ferica might decide to join Bb. Pilipinas and continue the legacy of beauty in the Perez-Medina family.
Maxine will be officially “sent off” to Miss Universe by Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. on Tuesday with a press conference at Novotel in Quezon City.
Meanwhile, the journey to the 65th Miss Universe will begin with the arrival, fittings and registration of delegates on January 12 and 13.
The delegates will visit Vigan City on January 15 for the Philippine Terno Competition followed by a Governor’s Ball at SMX Convention Center the next day. A swimsuit show will be held in Cebu City on January 17.
The delegates break into separate groups for location filming in Albay, Baguio City, Batangas and Davao on January 18-19, and will return to Manila for a grand fashion show at the SMX Convention Center on January 21.
On January 23, the delegates will visit Malacañang Palace and pay a courtesy call on President Duterte, followed by the National Gift Auction Night at Conrad Hotel in the evening.
On January 24, the delegates will showcase their cultural heritage at the National Costume Competition at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Preliminary interviews and rehearsals will be conducted on January 25 and 26, followed by the Presentation Show at MOA Arena on January 27, where the delegates compete in their swimsuits and evening gowns. The top 15 delegates with the highest scores from the preliminary interviews, swimsuit and evening gown competitions will advance into Monday’s finals.
The finals at MOA Arena on January 30 at 8 a.m. will be broadcast by Fox/Azteca, Solar, GMA and ABS-CBN. TV5 will exclusively broadcast the Presentation Show on January 27. Steve Harvey will host the event with Ashley Graham as backstage commentator. An American singer of Filipino descent will also perform on stage.
