Pia Wurtzbach: 'It’s okay to get an interpreter'

MANILA, Philippines — Does Miss Philippines need an interpreter?

Besides performance in the long gown and swimsuit competitions, the question and answer portion in Miss Universe weighs heavily in choosing the next queen.

Many of the Philippines’ bets before, including Janine Tugonon and Miriam Quiambao who both landed as first runner-up, reportedly almost snagged the crown, if not for their answers in the Q&A that though satisfactory, did not ring a bell to the judges as the top winners’ answers did.

The Philippines’ representative this year, Maxine Medina, reportedly has “poor” English skills, which makes many netizens worry about the country’s chances of winning back-to-back. Among those who suggested that Maxine should get an interpreter was Film Development Council of the Philippines chair Liza Diño.

Some pageant analysts believe that having an interpreter became the leverage of past winners, such as Venezuela, which has the most Miss Universe titles. This is because the interpreters allegedly make the contestants’ answers better.

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, on the other hand, is not in favor of using an interpreter.

“Based on my experience, it’s easier to answer the question in English kasi nauubos ang oras sa interpreter,” she said in a recent interview with Dyan Castillejo on ANC.

While many candidates dread the Q&A, it is actually her favorite part, she said, because she gets to show her true self in her answer.

“When the judges ask questions, they’re not really looking for a perfect answer, but they just want to know more about you. They’re interested in the girl inside you and your life outside the competition,” she explained.

It is a plus if a candidate can speak English not only to win in the contest, but because after having the title, “a whole year of Q&As” await the winner and the interviews are mostly done in the US, Pia expounded.

“Most of the time, I have to come up with answers on my own. I have to write my own answers. During pageant night, what really matters is the Q&A because it’s the skill you’ll use the entire year. After answering your question (in the pageant), you’ll answer more (after the pageant).”

Apart from learning the language, Pia said it also pays to always be updated about your country and the whole world in general. After a year of doing so, she felt like she grew much as a person.

She, however, acknowledged that getting an interpreter is an option during coronation night.

“Go with what you’re comfortable with,” she egged on.

“Don’t listen to others’ answers. Focus on yourself. Don’t get distracted. Have a presence of mind,” she advised candidates. “Don’t try to answer as many questions as you can because it’s not about the more you answer, the more chances of winning.”

She said, she has been generous in giving tips to Maxine like “Try to stay calm.”

“I’ve been very direct to the point because she also has dreams. Everyone in the pageant has dreams,” Pia espoused.

With a full schedule ahead of her, including a project with Asia’s Next Top Model and offers in New York, Pia said she cannot wait to pass on the crown. As she declared: “I’m excited to see another girl fulfill her dream!”