Pinoys still proud of Maxine and Philippines' successful hosting

MANILA, Philippines — She might not have pulled off a back-to-back Miss Universe victory, but Maxine Medina earned the respect of her fellow Filipinos.

Medina advanced to the Top 6 of the competition Monday at the SM Mall Of Asia Arena in Pasay and was asked by host Steve Harvey what she thinks is the most significant change she's seen in the world for the last ten years.

"I saw the people being in one event like this, in Ms. Universe. It's something big to us that we are one as a nation, we are all together." Medina said.

Her answers, however, were not enough for her to make the final cut. Colombia's Andrea Tovar, Haiti's Raquel Pelissier and eventual winner Iris Mittenaere of France advanced to the final round.

Despite the early exit, Philippine personalities and netizens expressed their appreciation for Medina, who received some criticisms for her English speaking skills.

We are proud of you @maxinemedina! Thank you for representing our country! #MissUniverse #Philippines

— Miriam Quiambao (@miriamq) January 30, 2017

To our very own @maxinemedina THANK YOU! With or without the crown, you've made us very proud! We love you! Chin up! Taas-noo! #MissUniverse

— Anne Curtis-Smith (@annecurtissmith) January 30, 2017

We are proud of you, Maxine! Your journey will continue to inspire & empower Filipinas to go after their dreams.

— GRACE POE (@SenGracePOE) January 30, 2017

Thank you for representing the Philippines with grace, Maxine! #ForThePhilippines

— Megan Young (@meganbata) January 30, 2017

"We are one". Good job parin Maxine!!  #YanAngPinoy #65thMissUniverse

— L.A Tenorio (@LA_Tenorio) January 30, 2017

Thanks so much Maxine Medina!!! You still made us proud!  #MissUniverse #Philippines

— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) January 30, 2017

#MissUniverse congrats Maxine! And congrats to all the women up there! All beautiful and strong women. Make us proud :)

— Solenn Heussaff (@solennheussaff) January 30, 2017

Good job Maxine!!! We are very proud of you!!!!

— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) January 30, 2017 

They also commended the country's successful hosting of the pageant and for that, the country is the "real winner."

Philippines, our country, is the real winner here! We put on a great show! Thanks to the DOT, and all the sponsors for bringing Miss U here!

— Patricia Hizon (@patriciahizon) January 30, 2017

So proud of Miss Philippines @maxinemedina ! Congratulations Miss France! Time to celebrate #Philippines amazing job hosting Missu 2017 

— Fille C. Cayetano :) (@FilleisFly) January 30, 2017

Congratulations Philippines for hosting the Miss Universe. And I think we did great! #MissUniverse #WearTheCrown

— Tonyo (@antonyostark) January 30, 2017

Congratulations to the #Philippines as well for a job well done in hosting #MissUniverse

— Miakka Lim (@Miakka) January 30, 2017

This was the third time the Philippines hosted the 65-year old pageant. Miss Universe was first held in the Philippines in 1974 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay and in 1994 at the Philippine International Convention Center.