Pia at the Senate for special tribute
The reigning Miss Universe addresses members and employees of the Senate after receiving her copy of a special Senate resolution commending her on her victory. PHOTO Maila Ager
(Updated) The Senate honored Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach on Monday with a resolution, congratulating and commending her for winning the crown.
Wurtzbach herself received a copy of Senate Resolution 111, citing the beauty queen “for honoring the Philippines with the prestigious Miss Universe 2015 title on December 20, 2015,” handed to her by Senate President Franklin Drilon in a simple ceremony held at a committee room in the Senate. Senator Sonny Angara also attended the event.
“It’s really such an honor to be here today. As everyone knows, we have been waiting for this crown for a long time now; it’s been 43 years…” she told a jam-packed room.
“I don’t think a lot of people really know how such a big deal Miss Universe is for the Philippines. It brings a lot of honor and a lot of pride to the country.”
Wurtzbach, who had been a way for two months, could not contain her joy when she saw the room full of Senate officials, employees, and media men.
“It’s great to be back. I’m very excited to see everybody. It’s my first time to see everybody up close and I’m very happy, I’m truly honored to be here today in your presence. So thank you so much for having me here today,” she said.
“When I was walking on stage that night in my blue gown wearing the sash that says ‘Philippines,’ seeing everybody with their Philippine flags, it was really a memorable moment and I’m really just so proud to be a Filipina,” the beauty queen added.
Before his speech, Drilon said in jest that Wurtzbach’s visit “has generated more interests than the Mamasapano hearing.”
“I have never seen a committee room so full of people,” he said.
Turning serious, the Senate leader expressed how the country was very proud of Wurtzbach’s victory.
“Like our boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, Pia unites our nation at a time when various issues divide us. Except that she comes in a prettier package than Manny Pacquiao…” he said in his speech, which drew laughter from the crowd.
“Pia, we all know that your journey towards the Miss Universe crown was not easy. Beneath all the smiles and the glitz and glamor, there was hard work–pure hard work. Your fierce faith in God, determination and the strong support of the people who love you and who believe in you, brought you to where you are now.”
Drilon said Wurtzbach’s composure was ‘admirable” while the pageant’s host, Steve Harvey, was trying to correct his blunder.
“Indeed you are the breath of fresh air. In that nerve-wracking moment, you have shown the world, not just the beauty, but also the grace and elegance of the Filipino woman,” he said.
The Senate leader also assured the beauty queen that the chamber is supportive of her main advocacy, which is to fight HIV.
“I can assure you that the Senate is one with you in this campaign. We will work on legislation that will boost this campaign. And we also a have a champion in the Senate, our very own Pia, Senator Pia Cayetano,” he said.
“Your story has inspired millions of our countrymen. I hope she will continue use her voice to influence the Filipino youth in nation-building. Today, we need heroes to unite us and the Senate finds in Pia that hero that we need to unite us. Once again, thank you very much for bringing pride and honor to our country,” Drilon added.
