How Alaiza Malinao responded to Pia Wurtzbach’s push for her to join Miss U PH again
Alaiza Malinao — a finalist at the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 competition who have birth to her first child in 2021— has something to say to Pia Wurtzbach.
This was after the Miss Universe 2015 titleholder named Alaiza among the beauty queens whom she would want to see back on the pageant stage again after the Miss Universe Organization changed its eligibility criteria.
Last month, the Miss Universe Organization announced that it now permits mothers, married women, pregnant contestants and women of all ages to participate. The change in the rules is expected to take effect next year.
READ: Michelle Dee teases beauty queen cousin Winwyn Marquez after Miss Universe scrapped age limit
In a recent interview, Pia said she hopes Alaiza and Christi McGarry, who was crowned Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental in 2015, to join the Miss Universe Philippines competition now that eligibility rules will permit women of all ages and status to compete.
Pia said of Alaiza: “I’ve been seeing her posts. She’s very open (about her life), she shares about motherhood, she’s a working mother now. I can envision it. I don’t know if it’s her goal. Sorry Alaiza if I’m putting you on the spot, but I’m sure I’m not the only one.”
Besides her Top 16 finish in the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 pageant, Alaiza also landed in the Top 15 of the Binibining Pilipinas 2015 competition — the same pageant where Pia was won her Miss Universe Philippines title.
But it seems Alaiza, despite Pia’s push, isn’t too keen on returning to the pageant scene.
Addressing Pia, Alaiza said: “Thank you sa suporta since BBP days… But Pi, sorry ha. I think I can continue to share inspiring things about motherhood even without the Miss Universe platform.”
She added, “I also don’t think the MUP platform wants me. We’ve been on that road before.”
Alaiza added that she would “rather spend my time with my family.”
“They’re all I want and need to live a happy and fulfilled life. My boys are my crown and they mean the whole Universe to me.”
Alaiza gave birth to her second child in September.
Meanwhile, Pia believes the Philippines is ready to win its fifth Miss Universe crown. Michelle Dee will represent the country at the 72nd Miss Universe in El Salvador on November 19.
“We’ve produced winners. We have that advantage. And what I love about Michelle, she’s very clear about her vision, she knows what she wants, and she also says it,” Pia said.
