If you've been on social media lately, chances are you've come across Neal Alday's artwork inspired by a photo taken by Richard Juan of Pia Wurtzbach hugging Maxine Medina after the Miss Universe pageant. The illustration shows Pia and Maxine in stunning blue and red gowns with yellow stars and a sun hovering above them, as an homage to the Philippine flag.
In an interview with ABS-CBN news, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde art student shared how painting has been a part of his life even as a young kid. And his latest piece was a way for him to express his disappointment at Maxine's loss as well as to inspire others to rise from life's setbacks.
As for the viral artwork's title, he said: "I haven't chosen a title yet but 'Solidarity' has a nice ring to it, so that's that. I mean, even Maxine's message is, 'We are one' — win or lose."
"I haven't chosen a title yet but 'Solidarity' has a nice ring to it, so that's that. I mean, even Maxine's message is, 'We are one' — win or lose."
After Neal uploaded a photo of the painting, celebrities like Vice Ganda, who has 4 million Instagram followers, took notice. Soon, the Binibining Pilipinas pageant page shared it on Facebook, where it earned thousands of likes and shares in a matter of hours.
Though the young art student's first intention was to express his dismay while inspiring hope, he managed to do something more. Through his art, he managed to encourage unity among Filipinos, a majority of whom were not pleased with Maxine's final Q&A round, which many believe cost her a spot in the top 3.
As for the moment which inspired the art, Pia shared what she whispered to Maxine with ABS-CBN news:
"Sabi ko sa kanya, 'Mars, ang maganda dito, walang kakalat na video sa YouTube na nagkamali ka sa Q and A', kasi yun yung pinaka-inaalala niya. Sabi ko, 'Walang mambabash sa'yo kasi hindi ka nagkamali. She wasn't crying, she was actually okay... She was really worried about making everybody proud," recounted the former Miss Universe, adding that Maxine was under intense pressure to achieve the back-to-back win.
READ: Look: Avid Miss Universe fan creates stunning Pia Wurtzbach dolls
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