Pia Wurtzbach overcomes past failures, bashing to become Miss Universe

Third time is really the charm for Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, the 26-year-old who confidently (and with heart) walked the stage to take what she feels is her destiny.

When she took over the official Miss Universe Facebook account to answer questions from fans, the recently crowned winner showed her unwavering determination to win.

If you will be crowned as Ms. Universe 2015, who would you think among the candidates is the most deserving to have that crown more than yourself? (from Ferdie Isip)

"More than myself? I wouldn't join Miss Universe if I thought somebody else deserved it more than I do. I mean, that's why we are all here, right? We're here to win. And to doubt myself is to doubt the decision of the judges for choosing me as the winner. Being a Miss Universe is a responsibility more than anything else. If you're chosen as the winner, don't doubt it. It's your destiny!"

Her never-say-die attitude finally paid off and in a most dramatic turn of events, too. After pulling Miss Columbia in for an embrace and accepting her title as first runner up, the beauty queens were called back to the stage. The host, Steve Harvey, uttered an apology and announced that Pia Wurtzbach is Miss Universe 2015.

Pia also made good with a promise she made in May, after Manny Pacquiao lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the Fight of the Century:

Kalma lang guys. Ako bahala. Babawi tayo sa Miss Universe!!

— Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (@PiaWurtzbach) May 3, 2015

Her fans cheered her on, but some criticized her when they interpreted her confidence and will to win as arrogance. Keeping her grace, she admitted that she might have had bad timing with her "joke" and apologized to those she offended.  

Pia has had a lot of practice with negative comments, as some dubbed her "trying hard" for repeatedly joining Binibining Pilipinas.

"People are saying na trying hard daw ako. Yeah, I try hard talaga. I try very hard. I try very hard because this is what I want," she said after winning the title on her third try.

The crown on her head is proof that sometimes, a lot of determination makes all the difference. --Aya Tantiangco/JST, GMA News