IN PHOTOS: Pia Wurtzbach's 3-year Miss Universe journey

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – It was a show-stopping, emotional victory for Pia Wurtzbach, who won the Miss Universe crown for the Philippines Sunday night, December 20.

But things were not always easy for the 26-year old Filipino-German actress, model, and TV personality, who had to go through 3 tries before finally winning the Binibining Pilipinas pageant back in March for a shot at the Universe crown, just like her predecessor, MJ Lastimosa. (FULL LIST: Winners, Bb Pilipinas 2015 coronation night)

Right after she became Miss Universe Philippines, she said, “I was first runner-up in 2013 and I didn’t make it last year. Now, I finally did. It was a long journey getting here. I’m not going to waste this.” She has lived up to her promise to do her best for the country – and soon, the Philippines will welcome her back with open arms.

She now follows in the footsteps of Filipina Miss Universe winners Gloria Diaz (1969) and Margarita Moran (1973) – ending a 42-year drought for the Philippines in the prestigious pageant.

Let’s take a look at her journey, in photos.

Then 23, Pia, a set out for her first try at Bb Pilipinas in 2013.

Bb Pilipinas 2013 season: 1st runner-up finish

Photo courtesy of Binibining Pilipinas

SWIMWEAR COMPETITION. Pia Wurtzbach at the 2013 press presentation at Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Photo by Manman Dejeto/Rappler

NATIONAL COSTUME COMPETITION 2013. Photo by Manman Dejeto/Rappler

Parade of Beauties, 2013. Photo by Edric Chen

Bb Pilipinas 2014 season: Top 15 finish

Undeterred, Pia tried again in 2014. She did finish in the top 15, but that year was MJ Lastimosa’s year to shine.

Pia at the public presentation on January 31, 2014. Photo by Mark Cristino/Rappler

Pia at the press presentation on February 19, 2014. Photo by Jose Del/Rappler

Pia walking the runway in casual wear. Photo by Mark Cristino/Rappler

Pia in her national costume. Photo by Mark Cristino/Rappler

2014 LOSS. Pia did not place in 2014, but finished in the top 15. Photo by Mark Cristino/Rappler

Bb Pilipinas 2015 season: Pia wins the Miss Universe Philippines crown

Finally, in her third and final try, Pia won the Miss Universe Philippines title at the 2015 Bb Pilipinas pageant. She continued training in the hopes of a strong finish at Miss Universe pageant, competing against international beauties for the big win.

Photo by Mark Cristino

Miss Universe and the finish line

Following her Binibini win, Pia immediately began training for the Miss Universe finale – the culmination of all of her years of hard work.

Right off the bat, she made a strong impression in the preliminary rounds. But offstage, she quickly made friends with her fellow candidates, posting pictures with her friends while updating fans on the competition on social media.

Let’s take a look at some of her pictures:

Photo from Miss Universe

Pia in her Yamamay swimsuit. Photo from Miss Universe

National Gift Auction tonight. Of course I brought pearls. Cultivated and framed from the rich seas of the Philippines. #MissUniverse #MissUniverso #ConfidentlyBeautiful

A photo posted by Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (@piawurtzbach) on Dec 10, 2015 at 8:35pm PST

Here are photos of Pia at the preliminaries:

Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Miss Philippines 2015 on stage in fashion by Sherri Hill during the opening of The 2015 MISS UNIVERSE® Preliminary Show at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Wednesday, December 16, 2015. Photo courtesy of HO/The Miss Universe Organization

Photo courtesy of HO/The Miss Universe Organization

And here she is at the Miss Universe coronation night:

Despite a major mix-up where host Steve Harvey accidentally announced Miss Colombia as the winner instead of Pia, all ladies onstage kept their composure as the issue was sorted out and Pia was crowned.

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 20: Miss Philippines 2015, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (2nd R), who was mistakenly named as First Runner-up reacts with other contestants after being named the 2015 Miss Universe during the 2015 Miss Universe Pageant at The Axis at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on December 20, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP