In less than two weeks, Maxine Medina will be vying for the Miss Universe crown.
But the fact that she’s even competing is astonishing in itself, as her mom Marife revealed that it almost didn’t happen.
In an interview with DZMM, she revealed that she initially didn’t give Maxine permission to join the Binibining Pilipinas pageant, or any pageant for that matter, until she finishes her studies.
A photo posted by Maria Mika Maxine Medina (@maxine_medina) on
“Hindi ko po pinayagan noong una,” said Marife, who describes herself as a strict parent. “Kasi sinabi ko, ang rule ko po [ay] makatapos muna siya ng pag-aaral.” She also shared how Maxine wasn’t even allowed to date while she was still in school.
When Maxine graduated from college, with a degree in Interior Design, she was finally free to pursue her dreams of becoming a Beauty Queen.
At 26 years old, she was named Miss Universe Philippines on her first try.
A photo posted by Maria Mika Maxine Medina (@maxine_medina) on
“We’re always at her side. We make it a point na ‘pag weekend, we pick her up and magbo-bonding kami with her. We go to mass together and we have lunch,” continued the supportive mom. “We don’t talk about pageants kasi kawawa naman po siya eh, talagang bugbog na. Kaya chill lang po. Gusto ko po kasing ma-feel niya na parang regular pa rin ang buhay niya. Na chill lang siya with the family.”
As for her message for her daughter, Marife said: “All I can tell her is to always pray and be humble. Put your feet on the ground and everything will be in place, I told her. ‘Yun naman ang parating sinasabi ko sa kanya, and be yourself. Win or lose, in my heart, ikaw pa rin. You’ll always be my Miss Universe.”
READ: What kids must learn to become ‘confidently beautiful with a heart’
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