MANILA, Philippines - Miss Philippines Maxine Medina made a gaffe during the preliminary round of the 65th Miss Universe pageant when she said that the terno was invented by former first lady Imelda Marcos.
In a short video taken during the contestants’ visit to Vigan where they modeled the ternos in a street parade earlier this month, Maxine was heard saying in the video that “the terno was actually invented by our former first lady, Imelda Marcos. She invented these butterfly sleeves and they use it to cover their face.”
Netizens were quick to react on social media, reminding Maxine that Marcos did not invent the terno.
Medina quickly corrected her mistake. She admitted in an interview that she had used the wrong word.
In an interview with News5’s MJ Marfori, Medina said she meant to use the word “popularize” not invented.
“Siguro mali lang yung word na nagamit ko (Maybe I just used the wrong word) but Ms. Imelda Marcos popularized (those) butterfly sleeves,” Maxine said.
During her term as a first lady, Marcos often wore the terno at functions and state visits.
According to historians, the traditional dress traces its roots way back to the 19th century when the Philippines was still under Spanish rule.
Reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, one of the hosts of the preliminary competition, defended Medina.
Wurtzbach said it was an honest mistake and Filipinos should rally behind her now that the coronation event is getting nearer.
The possibility of getting an interpreter cropped up once again, as Medina might increase her chances to bring home the crown if she speaks in the native language.
Medina said she was open to the idea and would make a request if she has to.
She said she believes it’s perfectly okay to use an interpreter, thinking that it would help her chances in the competition.
Earlier, Medina was bashed on social media because of what netizens said was her poor command of the English language. Some people gave unsolicited advice that she should get an interpreter.