Maxine Medina among Missosology’s hot picks for Miss Universe

The Philippines' representative to the 65th Miss Universe pageant Maxine Medina emerged on top of the Pre-Arrival Hot Picks list on the beauty pageant forum missosology.org.

According to pageant observers, a back-to-back win for the Philippines is not impossible, given Maxine's unique beauty and the support of her countrymen, which is only boosting her confidence and making her more eager to win the crown.

“Although magaganda 'yung candidates for the 2016 Miss Universe, aside from the homecourt avantage, iba kasi 'yung hitsura ni Maxine. There's also the modelling advantage for her, so I think, Maxine is comfortable competing here in Manila,” pageant expert Ferdinand Abejon said in an interview on 24 Oras.

Following Miss Philippines in the Hot Picks list from Missosology are Miss Thailand Chalita Suansane, Miss Venezuela Mariam Habach, Miss Brazil Raissa Santana, and Miss Colombia Andrea Tovar.

Much like last year, Colombia's candidate might be one of the Philippines' candidate's biggest competitors.

Abejon said, “Malakas ang laban ng Colombia, and I think they would want to get the title because of what happened last year.”

Miss Colombia 2015 Ariadna Gutierrez-Arevalo was mistakenly announced as the winner by host Steve Harvey before a correction was made and Pia Wurtzbach was awarded the crown.

A few weeks before the pageant, Maxine continues to spend most of her time preparing for the prestigious competition, eager to give Filipinos a back-to-back win.

“I've been up 24/7 for the country, and I will do my very best... We can do this!” she said.

The 65th Miss Universe pageant will start with several activities in Vigan, Baguio, Boracay, Cebu, Batangas, and Davao, and conclude with the Grand Coronation Night on January 30, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena. — Bianca Rose Dabu/BM, GMA News