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Miss Universe Philippines candidate from Davao City, Alaiza Flor Malinao, proudly answered in her native language during the opening statement of Top 16 of the 2020 Miss Universe Philippines.

Host KC Montero asked Malinao, “Throughout this journey, you have discovered that you are a phenomenal woman who is conditioned for greater. How can you create a positive and lasting impact to the world around you?”

Malinao answered (as translated by Miss Universe Philippines), “I joined the pageant because I want to show my real self.”

“It is the norm that pageants use English as the medium but I proudly speak Cebuano tonight.

"This is my way to encourage everyone, every probinsyana to speak up using their native language.

“[I] believe we need to help and give voices to women especially if they need our help.”

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 - Davao City on her opening statement!🔥 Indeed, she's a phenomenal woman! Bisdak at its finest!🔥#MissUniversePhilippines2020 #alaizamalinao pic.twitter.com/hjZn8uYqsR

-- 𝖒𝖆𝖗𝖝 (@johnmarxxxx) October 25, 2020

Malinao was part of the Top 16 alongside Miss Biliran Skelly Ivy Florida, Miss Albay Paula Ortega, Miss Bohol Pauline Amelinckx, Miss Aklan Christelle Anjali Abello, Miss Iloilo City Rabiya Mateo, Miss Cebu City Tracy Maureen Perez, Miss Cavite Kimberly Hakenson, Miss Cebu Province Apriel Smith, Miss Misamis Oriental Caroline Joy Veronilla, Miss Mandaue Lou Dominique Piczon, Miss Taguig Sandra Lemonon, Miss Quezon City Michele Theresa Imperial Gumabao, Miss Romblon Maria Fee Tajaran, Miss Pasig City Riana Agatha L. Pangindian, and Miss Paranaque City Ysabella Ysmael.

The Miss Universe Philippines 2020 coronation was aired on GMA Network earlier.

Watch the replay telecast tonight at 10:30 p.m. on GMA-7.