MANILA, Philippines – After returning to the country last week, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach made her first public appearance at the press presentation of the 2016 Binibining Pilipinas candidates in Novotel, Tuesday, March 29.

Pia shared her advice with the candidates and also recalled the first time she joined the pageant.

“Some of you may be first-timers and I’ll never forget the first time I ever joined Bb Pilipinas. That definitely changed me for the better. Though I came in 1st runner-up, not exactly a title-holder, I still learned a lot from it. Please don’t forget the essence of pageants,” Pia said, joining her Bb Pilipinas 2015 batchmates onstage.

“Diba palagi natatanong iyan sa (Isn’t that always asked in) Q and A –  what is the essence of pageants? Why do girls join pageants? And the answer would be because it is a platform for you to open doors for other opportunities in your life. And don’t forget that. That’s not just a Q and A answer for you to win a crown. That’s actually something you really have to believe in, that all of this is temporary…We have to plan ahead and for now, just enjoy the moment, enjoy the moment while you’re here, because you’ll never get this moment back again.”

Pia added: “And make the most of it like what we did. And know exactly what you want, be firm and have fun with it. Because from where I’m sitting over there (pointing to her seat in the panel), I can tell which girls are genuinely having fun.”

Some words from the reigning @MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/PKiW1meQKj

— alexa villano (@alexavillano) March 29, 2016

Although no schedule has been given, Pia will be present at the coronation night on April 17. A fashion show at the Kia Theatre is scheduled on April 6 and the Parade of Beauties on April 9. 

The 40 candidates were presented to the media with Bb Pilipinas International Janicel Lubina, Bb Pilipinas Supranational Rogelie Catacutan, and Miss Intercontinental 1st runner-up Christi Lynn McGarry serving as hosts. – Rappler.com