Annabelle McDonnell of Misamis Oriental - What is your biggest insecurity and how did you address it? “My socioeconomic status has been one of the biggest insecurities that I've had. Seven years ago, I was just a meager, marginalized orphan, starving and trying to make her way through. But now, when you see me, think about how I’ve worked hard and studied even harder to be here and to aspire to conquer the universe. Thank you so much.”
Michelle Marquez Dee of Makati - What is your greatest fear, and how do you try to overcome it? “Honestly, my greatest fear is making a fool out of myself sometimes. But I conquer that by always putting myself in that kind of similar situations. Actually, just joining a pageant was something I was very scared about because of the pressure. But I’m standing here in front of you, hoping to be your next Miss Universe so that I can make my country proud once again, ang minamahal kong Pilipinas.”
Ma. Katrina Llegado of Taguig - If you could teach Filipinos one thing, what would it be and why? “It would be, start loving yourself. Me, as a person, I have a lot of flaws. I am not perfect. And I may not be the perfect Miss Universe but I am here, trying to conquer my fear, trying to be a better person, and pageant really helped me to be a transformed woman, to be truly uniquely beautiful. And I think that is what I’d be having in Miss Universe. That is my greatest…”
Celeste Cortesi of Pasay - If you could stop time for a day, how would you spend it? “If I could stop time, I would spend it with my family, especially my mother. It’s been two years, I didn’t see my family because they live in Italy. And I came here in the Philippines just by myself. So if I had the chance to spend one day, I would definitely be with my mom and I would just tell her how much I love her and I miss her. Thank you.”
Pauline Cucharo Amelinckx of Bohol - What is that one life-changing decision that you’ve made, and what was its impact on your life?“The life-changing decision I’ve made was to join Miss Universe Philippines again. Despite being bashed for my body, being doubted by people, I found strength in myself. And this story can be a testament for other people to draw strength from, too. That a second chance can be just as sweet, and you can still achieve your ultimate a second time around.”
