Press Release
December 22, 2015

Pimentel hails Wurtzbach victory, cites her courage, confidence

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III today hailed the victory of Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach in the just-concluded Miss Universe contest in Las Vegas, Nevada as the triumph of the Filipino's indomitable spirit, and her own dedication and dogged determination.

Pimentel praised the TV host/actress for her courage and confidence, saying her amazing victory amidst the excitement and suspense of the contest which ended in a dramatic mix-up is a source of pride and inspiration for a nation long waiting for a Miss Universe title.

Wurtzbach ended a 42-year old title-drought for the country in the Miss Universe beauty pageant at the Axis theatre in the city of lights since Margie Moran won the coveted crown in 1973 in Athens, Greece following the auspicious victory of Gloria Diaz in 1969 in Miami, Florida.

"It was destiny and determination because she had dreamed of the crown since childhood and after three attempts at the pageant. And suddenly the moment had come. She was just persevering and hard working," said Pimentel of the Filipina's conclusive victory.

Pimentel, in particular, underscored the strong resolve of Wurtzbach, who hails from Cagayan de Oro City, to make her childhood dream come true in a field of 79 other contestants who had vied for the crown following her victorious stint earlier to represent the country as Miss Philippines.

He said the tremendous poise and grace displayed by the Filipina in the middle of the mix-up before she was declared the rightful winner was a shinning reaffirmation of her humility and her grace under pressure as she had gamely wore a big smile after being declared the first runner-up.

But when the pageant's host Steve Harvey corrected his own epic gaffe that the true winner was Miss Philippines and not Miss Columbia Ariadna Gutierrez, Wurtzbach kept her poise before stepping forward to the cheers of the crowd and a stunned global television audience.

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