It’s been nearly a week since Pia Wurtzbach won the much coveted title of Miss Universe. But social media is still abuzz about what could very well be one of the most dramatic coronation nights in the history of the pageant.
But while thousands watched the show live and millions more were glued to their TVs, Cheryl Alonzo Tyndall, Pia’s mom, chose to remain in her London home.
She told ABS-CBN, “My God, it’s like a roller coaster. Nung sinabi nung host na the Miss Universe is Miss Colombia, oh my God. Papatayin ko na talaga ‘yung laptop ko. Pero for some reason, hinayaan ko lang umandar. So pasulyap-sulyap lang ako, kasi matutulog na ako noon, 3 a.m. na ‘yun. Tapos maya-maya sabi nung host, ‘I would like to apologize.’ Sabi ko oh my God, what’s going on here?”
No Hard Feelings
When host Steve Harvey began apologizing, Cheryl shared that she knew Pia had won, “Inisip ko si Pia talaga ang nanalo kasi ang galing niya eh. Magaling siya. Nung sinabi na ‘the first runner-up is Miss Colombia, and the Miss Universe is the Philippines.”
On why she chose to stay home instead of flying to Las Vegas to be there to support Pia in person, she said, “…talagang baka kaya hindi ako nagpunta sa Las Vegas kasi maha-high blood talaga ako. Buti na lang nandito lang ako noon sa bahay para kapag nahimatay ako, nasa bed ako. Tuwang tuwa kami.”
On the controversial crowning moment, she is quick to tell ABS-CBN that she harbors no ill feelings towards host Steve Harvey.
“Hindi ako nagalit sa host kasi nag-apologize. Hindi ko siya ma-judge kasi sinabi naman niya he will take the responsibility,” said Cheryl. “Right then and there, talagang inayos niya. Hindi talaga siya dapat i-judge for me.”
A Mother’s Instinct
In an interview with GMA News, Cheryl revealed that even before the pageant started she knew that Pia would go all the way to win the title.
“Magaan ‘yung feeling ko,” admits Cheryl. “Bago mag-umpisa ‘yung pageant, naghuhugas pa ako ng pinggan tapos naiisip ko, ‘Naku kokoranahan na si Pia mamaya.’ Feeling ko mananalo ang anak ko. Magaling siya at determinado, positibo. Lagi niyang sinasabi, ‘Ma, kapag Miss Universe na ako…’ Laging ganun ang sentence niya.”
Currently, Cheryl is living in London with Wurtzbach’s sister Sarah, who flew to Las Vegas to watch the show live at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino to support Pia.
Sarah told GMA News, “Biglang nakita namin may nagkakagulo sa backstage, lumabas si Steve at nag-apologize agad. Talagang ‘Oh my God!’ sobrang happy namin, umiiyak kami.”
On what advice she would give Pia during her year-long reign, Cheryl said, “Huwag kalimutang tumanaw ng utang na loob sa mga supporters, sa mga tumulong sa kanya habang ginagawa niya yung trainings. At siyempre huwag kalimutan magdasal kay Lord. Just be herself, magpakabait siya doon sa New York. Alam ko naman mabait siya.”
A Dream Fulfilled
“Siyempre, tuwang tuwa; over the moon talaga. At last, natupad na ‘yung mga pangarap niya,” Cheryl told GMA News.
She is admittedly an avid fan of beauty contests and because of this passion, she instilled a love for them in Pia as she was growing up.
“Nakikipanood siya so later on, sinusuot na niya yung high heels ko so sabi ko ‘sige, lakad ka dun’ tapos balik siya, tapos tatanungin ko siya, ‘what is the essence of a woman?'” shared Cheryl.
After the coronation, an ecstatic Pia sent her mom a text message, saying: “Ma, oh my God, Miss Universe na yung baby mo.”
READ: What kids must learn to become ‘confidently beautiful with a heart’
If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!
May katanungan tungkol sa pagpapalaki ng anak? Basahin ang mga artikulo o magtanong sa kapwa magulang sa aming app. I-download ang theAsianparent Community sa iOS o Android!
