Palace hails Pia’s win

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

“OVER 42 years and today, once more the Philippines shines forth with joy and celebration,” Malacañang said Monday as it joined the entire nation in celebrating Binibining Pilipinas Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach’s coronation as Miss Universe 2015 in Las Vegas.

Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma called Wurtzbach’s triumph an “honor that is shared by the entire Filipino nation.”

Wurtzbach is the “embodiment of the Filipinos’ intelligence, talent and skill that has also gained recognition in many fields of endeavor by the global community,” Coloma said.

The Cagayan de Oro native’s victory is a “most welcome Christmas present to a grateful and hopeful nation,” he added.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the new Miss Universe “not only serves as a tremendous source of pride for our people, but also holds up the banner of our women and of our country—as a true representative of what the Filipina can achieve.”

“Indeed, this triumph is the result not only of her beauty but also of her passion for positive change, as one who is confidently beautiful with a heart,” he said.