Third time lucky for Philippine pageant winner

By Euden Valdez/Manila Times“Think before you click.”That was the fitting statement of  the present Miss Universe-Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach at the Bb. Pilipinas 2015 Coronation Night on Sunday at Araneta Coliseum, amid a series of mean posts about her on various social media sites.The witty phrase was actually part of Wurztbach’s response in the Question and Answer section where Rep. Leni Robredo of Camarines Sur asked her, what she thought about Internet censorship.Her answer: “I think we should be careful with what we post online, especially our thoughts and our opinions (so) that we don’t hurt anybody. Especially selfies, we have to be careful with what we post, especially with our bodies and our faces. So always think before you click.”Apparently unknown to the beauty titlist, she was actually under intense cyber-bashing for the duration of the coronation night. Many appeared to dislike the fact that it was the third time Wurztbach joined, what is regarded as the country’s most prestigious beauty pageant.The 25-year-old German-Filipino actress-model was a runner-up in 2013 and failed to even barge into the Top 5 in 2014.“The more entries you send, the more chances of winning. Congrats Pia Wurtzbach. Charot! #BbPilipinas2015,” tweeted comedienne Ethel Booba (@IamEthylGabison).A Twitter fan account of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago (@MarengMiriam) posted, “Congrats Pia Wurtzbach for winning the Loyalty Award!”Rene Napenas of the public information office of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts commented on Facebook that Wurztbach appeared to be playing around especially during her walks for the swimsuit and long gown competitions.Not surprising though, Wurtzbach seemed to defend herself in her Instagram account after winning. In her “first selfie as Miss Universe Philippines,” the caption she wrote was: “Dreams do come true! In God’s perfect timing!”In an interview with ABS-CBN, Wurtzbach said: “I was first runner-up in 2013 and I didn’t make it last year. Now, I finally did. It was a long journey getting here. I’m not going to waste this.”She promised to make the most of her reign, saying: “I always said that when I win, I’m going to be the busiest queen.”It was a close fight between Wurtzbach and Janicel Lubina, who won the Bb. Pilipinas-International title.Lubina, a 19-year-old from Palawan who said she once worked as a household worker like her mother, was a crowd favourite. An Agence France-Presse dispatch called her the “Philippine Cinderella.”She was named Best in Swimsuit and Best in Long Gown. Rounding up the Top 5 who will represent the Philippines in international pageants were: Rogelie Catacutan as Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational, Christi Lynn McGarry as Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental and Ann Lorraine Colis as Bb. Pilipinas Tourism.Heavy favourite Teresita Ssen “Wyn-Wyn” Marquez, daughter of actors-turned-politicians Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno, only made it to the Top 15. She won Best in Talent and Best in National Costume. Her paternal aunt, former Miss International Melanie Marquez, was quoted as saying before the pageant that “it’s the (pageant organiser’s) loss” if Wyn-Wyn loses.Hannah Ruth Lulu Sison and Kimverlyn Suiza finished as first and second runners-up, respectively.Other special awards were given to Toni Alyssa Hipolito, Miss Friendship, and Caneille Faith Santos, Miss Photogenic.One of the bigger surprises of the night was the announcement that Binibining Pilipinas Charities Incorporated (BPCI) will finally accept national costume designs from Filipino designers. Chosen designs will then be used by the winners in international pageants.Host of the night Toni Gonzaga also wore dresses made by renowned Filipino couturier Michael Cinco.