Miss Universe 2015 Highlights: 6 Things To Know About Winner Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (Besides Steve Harvey Snafu)
The 2015 Miss Universe Pageant was anything but ordinary. Besides the controversy and publicity surrounding the pageant's very public separation from former owner Donald Trump, the live telecast on Sunday night was an exercise in confusion. In all the chaos surrounding host Steve Harvey's incorrect announcement of the winner of the pageant, it's easy to overlook the woman who walked away with the coveted award. But despite the misunderstandings, mistakes, and miscalculations, a new model has indeed been crowned Miss Universe -- and Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is ready to begin her reign. Here are some fascinating facts you should know about the new Miss Universe.
She's Fillipina-German
Congratulations to the winner of @MissUniverse, Filipino-German Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach! @PiaWurtzbach https://t.co/wT71e8Vvaf
— German Embassy (@GermanyinUSA) December 21, 2015
Pia Wurtzbach may have represented the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant, but she's very proud of her dual heritage. Her father is German, and Wurtzbach herself was born in Stuttgart. Her international background seems appropriate for someone who has been crowned Miss Universe.
She Entered Her First Pageant In 2013
Binibining Pilipinas Throwback. Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Miss Universe Philippines 2015 pic.twitter.com/FrZ6HSJQjz — Miss Universe 2014 (@MsUniverseCrown) June 24, 2015
Although she handily took the title of Miss Universe with a grace that hints at years onstage, Wurtzbach actually didn't start competing in pageants until 2013. She earned her chops as a model and actress instead, which explains her onstage presence (and ability to roll with the punches when the unexpected occurs).
She's Got A Culinary Background
A photo posted by Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (@piawurtzbach) on Nov 7, 2015 at 4:54pm PST
Her acting and modeling history might come as no surprise, but would you believe that Pia Wurtzbach is also a trained chef? Miss Universe studied at the Center For Culinary Studies, where she got a degree in Culinary Arts. Although with her new title and responsibilities, she might not have a lot of time to whip up her favorite recipes.
She Was A Child Star
#TBT #throwbackthursday #twins hahaha @pauleenluna I see a Nokia 7650 A photo posted by Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (@piawurtzbach) on Feb 18, 2015 at 7:02pm PST
By the age of 11, Miss Universe was already making a name for herself (and building up a truly impressive resume). Under the name Pia Romero, Wurtzbach began her acting career on kids' variety shows and musical programs. As she got older she transitioned to popular teen dramas, and eventually broke onto the big screen in award-winning movies like All About Love and the acclaimed All My Life.
She's One Of The Oldest Miss Universe Winners
One more look at the crowning of #MissUniverse 2015, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. pic.twitter.com/IQDfZcdX9k
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 21, 2015
At 26, Pia Wurtzbach barely made it under the wire to get her crown. Why? According to the rules and regulations of the Miss Universe Pageant, contestants must be at least 18 and under 27 to compete. By and large, most Miss Universe winners skew to the younger side of the scale; the last time someone won at the age of 26 was way back in 1998.
She's A Writer
#BTS for Inquirer Lifestyle wearing @lesleymobo #hmbalmaination make up by @gerypenaso #UsingMacCosmetics hair by @janbenj13 styling by @ketsupluis on location at @dusit_manila A photo posted by Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (@piawurtzbach) on Nov 7, 2015 at 4:43am PST
On top of being an actress, model, chef, and pageant winner, Pia Wurtzbach regularly writes a column for one of the leading newspapers in the Philippines. Her smart and savvy beauty articles have made her a popular contributor and helped her connect with her legions of fans (and no doubt proved useful on the pageant trail).
