Harvey pokes fun at previous flap; Pia grateful

MANILA, Philippines - Her name may have briefly escaped pageant host Steve Harvey when it was time to announce the winner, but Pia Wurtzbach said he deserves her gratitude for making her the “most popular Miss Universe” – and the most remembered.

Meeting Harvey onstage, Wurtzbach said Harvey’s gaffe may have earned her greater publicity than she had expected.

Miss France Iris Mittenaere won the pageant held at the MOA Arena in Pasay City yesterday.

In last year’s pageant, Harvey mistakenly announced Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez as pageant winner instead of Wurtzbach. He apologized for the mistake but got bashed severely on social media.

True to the promise of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), there was no repeat of Harvey’s gaffe. But there was no shortage of reference to the controversial incident during the three-hour program.

The American TV host poked fun at the flap, playfully opening the live show, “Hello, Manila! I know what you’re thinking...”

The incident was included in the video tribute to Wurtzbach, after which Harvey told the audience: “I didn’t ask to replay last year. It was not my idea. Who the hell thought it was a good idea?”

Harvey then told Wurtzbach: “Last time we were on the stage together, you were first runner-up for about 28 seconds. That was a crazy night.” 

In response, she said, “Steve, I never got to say thank you, but thank you for making me the most popular Miss Universe.”

Near the end of the show as Harvey was about to announce the winner, Wurtzbach went up to him and jokingly handed him a pair of eyeglasses so he wouldn’t misread the card.

She finally had her “victory walk” at the MOA  Arena before the wild cheers of her fellow Filipinos. 

“It really exceeded my expectations. It was a remarkable year, and I’d really grown as a woman. I learned so many things. This opened a lot of doors for me. Actually, I just signed with IMG so I’m very excited about that,” she said, referring to the New York-based talent management agency.

“I do hope everyone keeps on supporting me even after I’ll be passing on the crown,” said an emotional Wurtzbach, who would be “going straight to work” post-Miss Universe.   

“I think it’s really about time we put the Philippines back on the world stage. We have so much talent, we’re just waiting to be recognized,” she said.

“We have so much beauty, we have so much to offer, welcome, welcome everyone to the Philippines.”  

Clad in a blue gown when she made her farewell walk, Wurtzbach also expressed gratitude to the people who supported her during her reign. 

“Miss Universe has offered me tremendous opportunities to draw attention to the issues close to my heart, such as bullying and HIV/AIDS awareness,” she said.

“On top of my thank you list is my mother. I am the woman I am because of the woman you are. To my sister Sarah, you are my rock. Paula, Ester, Shaun and the rest of the MUO team, you are family to me. To my Miss Universe sisters, I’ll see you soon. To the Worldwide Pianatics, salamat!” she said.

“To the next Miss Universe, fasten your seat belt. At the end of your reign, you will have grown in confidence, maturity and faith. For me the title was a dream come true, but the work continues,” she added.

“Kababayan, maraming salamat po. Mahal ko kayo. Thank you for everything,” the 27-year-old beauty queen continued.

Wurtzbach is the third Filipina to win the Miss Universe crown.

Redemption complete

For Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo, Harvey “did more than redeem himself.”

Apparently, stretching the humor of last year’s comic sideshow, Harvey was shown briefly before the pageant huddled with unnamed individuals planning his escape route in the event of another slip-up.

“Steve truly has a way with words, and he clearly won the heart of the Filipinos. He was apologetic but at the same time humorous,” Teo said in a statement.

She said Harvey wasted no time in seeking amends for his blunder during last year’s pageant.

“All’s well that ends well. He did just great to make this Miss Universe experience truly a memorable one,” Teo maintained.