Maxine Medina waxes poetic as reign ends: ‘Women can rise above everything’

Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2016 Maxine Medina will be doing her farewell walk tonight and as she prepares to pass the crown to the beauty queen, she leaves this piece of advice for the candidates: "Take pride and have faith in how far you can go ... Smile, smile, and smile!"

 

Passing on my crown tomorrow and I will never forget what the Universe taught me. Thank you my fellow Filipinos for choosing me to be your representative and be part of the historical event the Miss Universe 2016. It was a wonderful journey that I will treasure forever. ???????????? To all the 40 candidates this is your chance to give it all. Take pride and have faith in how far you can go. The best advice? SMILE SMILE AND SMILE .????

A post shared by Maria Mika Maxine Medina (@maxine_medina) on

Apr 29, 2017 at 8:40am PDT

In another post on Sunday, just hours before the coronation night, Medina wrote a message of empowerment for the women dreaming of representing the Philippines in international pageants.

"To all the girls, who ever will be chosen to represent our country, remember that we can be anything, we can do everything," she wrote. "Goodluck to you all Binibinis!"

 

I will always remember this day when all my fellow filipinos support and cheer for the country. In ups and downs, the cheer I hear from you my kababayans had made me the best version of what I've showed you on that stage. It was indeed an amazing step to showcase the strength of us women that we can rise above everything. To all the girls, who ever will be chosen to represent our country, remember that we can be anything, we can do everything. Goodluck to you all Binibinis! The best journey I've been with my country thank you! ANG SARAP MAGING PILIPINO. ????????

A post shared by Maria Mika Maxine Medina (@maxine_medina) on

Apr 29, 2017 at 9:43pm PDT

Medina didn't forget to thank the people who cheered for her "through the ups and downs" of competing in the Miss Universe pageant, adding, "It was indeed an amazing step to showcase the strength of us women that we can rise above everything."

Throughout the competition, Medina maintained a sweet disposition amidst criticism—from no less than a former Miss Universe at one point—and remained grateful for the support of her family and fans.

As her reign comes to an end, Medina expressed great pride in the adventure she had. "The best journey I've been with my country thank you! ANG SARAP MAGING PILIPINO."

Medina finished in the Top 6 of the 65th Miss Universe competition, exiting after the first Question and Answer portion. — Aya Tantiangco/BM, GMA News