Pia Wurtzbach is Ginebra’s 2019 calendar girl

MANILA, Philippines — It may not seem so at first, but Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Ginebra San Miguel have a number of things in common.  

Pia has the typical Filipino trait of resiliency. She joined Binibining Pilipinas thrice, but did not emerge as the top choice to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant until her third attempt.

Ginebra, the oldest consumer liquor brand in the country (it marks its 185th year in 2019), has shown the same never-say-die spirit that has made it a familiar brand in the country and elsewhere.

Its long history has made it easy for Pia to say “yes” to Ginebra’s offer to be its calendar girl for 2019. The liquor brand’s durability in the market has also made it easy for her to get the Miss Universe pageant’s nod to the endorsement.

“I didn’t have to explain anything. They (Ginebra executives) were in contact with Miss Universe (officers),” said Pia.

She added that Ginebra showed the pegs for the photo shoot, sent the brand’s history, and “it all came out very well.”

Her favorite drink is gin and tonic, which she garnishes with juniper berries and peppercorn. The flavor is sweet and spicy, which she said, “suits my personality.”

The country’s third Miss Universe (after Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Margie Moran in 1973) is by no means done with her story. She told the media of her plans to outdo herself. 

She is brimming with plans for 2019.

“I want to see how far I can go with my body and fitness. I tell myself I’m gonna be fit next year. This is it. But it never happens. This time, there’s less pressure, because I’m not competing (in a pageant).”

Closely related to this are plans to join a marathon.

As for her showbiz career, Pia reveals that she is taping a reality show for ABS-CBN, and waiting for teasers to come out. She also had a meeting with Star Cinema for a movie project.

Press people, however, were prevented from asking questions about the controversy involving Pia with Gerald Anderson and Bea Alonzo.