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Pia Wurtzbach visits Senate


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Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach on Monday morning paid a courtesy call to the Senate.
 
Wurtzbach arrived at the Senate building in Pasay City shortly before 11 a.m.
 
 
The Miss Universe proceeded to the Senate after receiving a Key to the City of Manila from Mayor Joseph Estrada.
 
Wurtzbach is also expected to visit Malacañang.
 
Radio dzBB's Nimfa Ravel reported that several employees of the Senate took the chance of having selfies with the Miss Universe.
 
Several people were seen taking pictures of Wurtzbach with their smart phones as the Miss Universe wait for the arrival of Senate President Franklin Drilon.
 
Senators gave Wurtzbach a copy of Resolution 111, which acknowledges the "honor and pride" that she brought to the country for winning the Miss Universe crown.
 
The resolution states that the Filipina beauty queen’s positive attitude and strong determination to fulfill her dream despite her defeats are positive example and great inspiration to the people, particularly the youth, that no dream is impossible as long as one puts her or his heart and mind in it.
 
“Her firm belief that being a Miss Universe is both an honor and responsibility to humanity as well as an opportunity to show the universe that she is confidently beautiful with a heart is a clear manifestation of her deep concern over the fate of her fellowmen,” it states.
 
Wurtzbach lost twice in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant, before earning the right to represent the country in the prestigious beauty contest.
 
In a short speech after receiving the copy of the resolution, Wurtzbach shared what she felt when she saw Philippine flags being waved while she was walking on the stage during the coronation night at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.
 
“I don’t think a lot of people know how big of a deal Miss Universe is to the Philippines, bringing a lot of honor and pride to the country,” she said.
 
She said she felt like she has been away for a long time although it has only been two months since she left the country to compete in the Miss Universe pageant.
 
“It’s great to be back and I’m very excited to see everybody. This is my first day seeing everybody up close and I'm very happy and truly honored to be here today in your presence,” she said.
 
“It is really such an honor to bring pride to the country. When I was walking on stage that night in my blue gown wearing the sash “Philippines,” seeing everybody waving the Philippine flag, it was really a memorable moment and I’m really just to proud to be a Filipina,” she added.
 
'Pia unites our nation'
 
In his message, Drilon said Wurtzbach’s victory is a great reason to celebrate “for a country that is very proud of the intelligence, talent, and beauty of its women.”
 
He even joked the similarities and differences between Wurtzbach and boxing champion Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao.
 
“Like our boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, Pia unites our nation at a time when various issues divide us. Except that she comes in a prettier package,” he said.
 
He also said that the beauty queen’s composure while host Steve Harvey was trying to correct his mistake was admirable.
 
“Pia is a breath of fresh air. In that nerve-wracking moment, you have shown the world, not just the beauty, but also the grace and elegance of the Filipino woman,” he said.
 
Harvey initially announced Miss Colombia as the Miss Universe crown's winner. A few minutes after he realized he had committed a big blunder, the American comedian went back on stage and announced that Wurtzbach was the winner.
 
Drilon, meanwhile, assured Wurtzbach that she has an ally in Senate in her advocacy in the fight against HIV.
 
“I understand that Pia has made the fight against HIV her main advocacy. I can assure you that the Senate is one with you in this campaign. We will work on legislation that will boost this campaign. We also have a champion. Our very own Pia, Senator Pia Cayetano,” he said. —Amita Legaspi/ALG, GMA News