Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach speaks at live press conference as new Miss Universe

The crowd waited patiently to hear the first words from the newly crowned Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach from the Philippines. Wurtzbach was crowned Miss Universe 2015 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, and aired live to a global audience of over 1 billion on FOX for the first time ever.

She entered the press room in a dazzling sapphire blue gown with cut outs along the back in elegance and poise, which complemented her stunning beauty. Having just endured an absolutely tragic on-stage mix-up as to who won the crown of Miss Universe, she was very apologetic to the crowd as to the mishap.

When one reporter asked her why she apologized, she responded that “she now represents the Miss Universe organization” and so speaks in that capacity. What shined through in her comments was her humility, compassion and good sense.

She expressed that “she wanted to win” but that she very much was concerned for the emotions of Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutiérrez Arevalo. Miss Colombia had been crowned Miss Universe for only minutes later the crown was literally taken from her head and placed on the head of Miss Philippines. As a reporter watching live, I am not sure if Miss Colombia, who had used an interpreter throughout the question portion of the contest, understood what truly was happening. It was one of the most heart-breaking television moments I have witnessed. Miss Philippines spoke intelligently as she explained that Steve Harvey had apologized and that he made a human mistake- one that any of us can make.

It was a true treat to watch this beauty speak up close. I was impressed with her ability to respond to a crowd of riled up journalists, many of which were not happy with the events of the evening. She was so well spoken, and divinely beautiful. She really carried herself in a manner of befitting royalty and as a teenage girl myself, I found her inspiring as a female and a person.

However, I found it sad that she was stripped of a normal press conference. So, I wanted to share a bit about the newly crowned winner.

Wurtzbach is a Filipino-German actress and model, born in Stuttgart, Germany and grew up in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. She finished her secondary education with the ABS-CBN Distance Learning Center and studied culinary arts at the Center for Asian Culinary Studies in Metro Manila, Philippines. She is currently a stylist and writer for the lifestyle section of a leading newspaper in her country.

Since no one asked the question, let me share that the detail on the dress; a stunning royal blue gown that was the creation of Filipino designer Albert Andrada. The designer shares that “my inspiration for Pia’s costume and evening gown is all about ‘The Pearl of the Orient.’ The mermaid gown has a very simple front because I want Pia’s beautiful face to shine. The back reveals opulent details of sun rays made of beads, sequins and crystals, which represent the sun rising in the middle of a serene blue sea. Tiny sapphire colored crystals are mixed with the beadwork and cascade towards the front of the gown, representing beautiful sands of our beaches. Made of silk gazaar, the gown has a hem of draped multiple folds at the back, which are like fins of the different beautiful fishes found in Philippine waters. The color blue represents the tranquility of the deep blue Philippine seas as well as a tribute to Pia’s queenly beauty.”

Congratulations Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, the new 2015 Miss Universe. You are an inspiration to your girls worldwide for not only for your beauty, but also for your grace and intelligence. Pagbati.