Pia Wurtzbach applauds ‘plus-sized’ Miss Peru candidate

Prior to attending the grand coronation night of Miss Peru 2016 on Sunday, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach entertained several questions from the press, who welcomed her warmly on her first trip to Latin America. 

One of the questions asked was about Mirella Paz, one of the candidates of the pageant, who is said to be the first plus-sized candidate to progress in Miss Peru.

According to Pia, “She may not be what society's standards are of a beauty queen should be. But that's what the people think. And that's not reality. I think that she shows what a real woman is, who is confident in herself, who joined the pageant without hesitations. And I think that's the symbol and a perfect example of what a beauty queen should be."

“We always talk about that we're not just beautiful in the outside but also in the inside and that's what exactly she did," she added.

The Filipina beauty queen proceeded to share her experience as a beauty pageant candidate who was criticized for being overweight.

She said, "I won on my third try in Miss Philippines and I was one of the heaviest candidates. I was scrutinized for that but I used it as motivation before going on to Miss Universe.”

"It's not only about your body, but also your personality, and your face, and your attitude. And I always say that I'm also a curvaceous woman. And if I was able to make it as Miss Philippines and in Miss Universe not being the skinniest—so if I can do it, so can anybody else,” Pia added.

Mirella went on to win a spot in the beauty pageant's Top 10.

In an Instagram post, Pia called Mirella an inspiration, and applauded the courage and confidence she displayed as she participated in this year's Miss Peru.

She also shared that the plus-sized aspirant will be participating once again in her country's pageant to try and take home a crown.

“The inspiration! The one who made a statement! I applaud this girl for fighting for what she wants. That's what it's all about. Happy to know that we'll be seeing Mirella again at the next Miss Peru pageant! Felicedades! Your presence alone on that stage made a huge statement globally. Congratulations,” the current Miss Universe said.

Valeria Piazza won the Miss Peru 2016. title. 

During her trip, Pia ran through the Bridge of Sighs in Barranco, Lima and tried authentic ceviche. She was also received as a "distinguished guest" by the mayor of Lima, Luis Castañeda. — Bianca Rose Dabu/AT, GMA News