GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
Maxine Medina's mom and sis talk about her big transformation
If there are people already proud of Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina even before the competition proper begins, it will be the members of her loving and tight-knit family.
The Filipina beauty queen's family has witnessed her preparations for the prestigious international pageant, and while it has admittedly been hard, they are proud of how Maxine has transformed since she won the Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2015 title last year.
From being a shy girl, the model-turned-beauty queen has turned into someone who can "talk to a lot of people and carry herself."
"She's fine, she's doing well, fighting. Nandoon na ang confidence niya... She exceeded my expectations and we're all proud of her," Maxine's mother Marife Medina said in an interview with News To Go on Wednesday.
According to Marife and Maxine's younger sister Ferica Medina, they are aware of the negative comments about the beauty queen—even Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz's infamous "one in a million chance" statement.
Knowing how Binibining Pilipinas is Maxine's first pageant experience ever, the family chose to focus on her supporters and echo all positive feedback to boost the candidate's morale for the upcoming prestigious international pageant.
"I have nothing against (Gloria Diaz) because that's her opinion, at kani-kaniya tayong opinion about it. Kung 'yun ang pinaniniwalaan niya, wala tayong magagawa. Pero sa akin, I do believe that my sister will win. Magfo-focus na lang ako sa supporters at doon sa mga naniniwalang kaya niya," Ferica said.
The proud sister added, "Ako, I'm very positive about (the bashers) kasi, that way, nakikita namin kung saan niya mas kailangang galingan. Thank you din sa bashers dahil nagiging sikat ang sister ko... I think, once sumali ka naman ng pageant, that's normal na may bashers, may supporters. Mas nagfo-focus kami ngayon sa supporters niya."
While she has put hard work to turn her weaknesses around, Maxine has also made sure that her strengths will shine on the coronation event.
Her modeling experience continues to be an advantage in the competition as her own brand of "beauty queen walk" catches the attention of many.
"'Yung kaniyang walk is her strength. Nabansagan siyang “alta walk.” Forte niya 'yun," Marife shared.
WATCH: Maxine Medina practices her ‘Miss U’ walk in humble studio on Christmas
Support, advice
With only a few days left before the coronation event, the family has been squeezing in quality time with Maxine to make sure she feels all the love and support for her.
Her mother's last advice: "All I can tell you is always pray. Be humble. Feet on the ground. We love you and we're always at your side."
For her sister Ferica, like all Filipino pageant fans, it's about "Bringing home the crown!"
"Don't listen to negative things. Just do your best, Hindi ka ilalagay ni God diyan if it's not meant for you," she said.
A photo posted by Maria Ferica Rosario Medina (@fericamedina) on
Watch the 65th Miss Universe coronation event live on GMA on January 30, beginning at 8 a.m. —Bianca Rose Dabu/KG, GMA News
