Below are the questions asked by the judges and the answers of the finalists as

they were deliver.

Question for Christagale Borja: What kind of day would describe the best day in
your life?

Christagale Borja: "It will definitely be this day. This is the moment I've been
waiting for. I've been challenged mentally, physically, and emotionally. I moved
from Great Britain back to the Philippines, left my stable job, my career, and this is
what I'm fighting for and this is the best day of my life."

Question for Sirene Sutton: Is it right for parents to demand support from
children in exchange for raising them?

Sirene Sutton: "Will you please repeat the question? Yes, it's right for parents to
demand. No."

Question for Katarina Rodriguez: What is your definition of a winner?

Katarina Rodriguez: "My definition of a winner is somebody who understands that

winning isn't just because of the real way, it's because of the responsibility that
comes along when you win and how you execute the job after you win. I think a
winner is somebody who knows how to inspire others, who is kind, and brave, and
so ever curious."

Question for Mariel De Leon: What activity perceived to be male-oriented can

you do as well, if not better, than males?

Maria Angelica "Mariel" De Leon: "Well I think I can box better than males. I
believe I can do anything better than males because it isn't about gender at all. It's
about your abilities, your strength, your weaknesses, and your confidence within
yourself. With that, you can achieve anything."

Question for Elizabeth Clenci: If you are caught in a heavy, terribly frustrating
traffic, what are the best ways to make your time productive?

Elizabeth Clenci: "If I'm caught in traffic, what I usually do is read or I sleep, 'coz
time is of essence so I feel like when you're stuck in traffic, you really need to make
use of your time. So, I read or I sleep or I talk on the phone with a loved one."

Question for Larah Grace Lacap: The making of a beauty queen is about
transformations. What are the most significant transformations you have gone
through in your pursuit to become a beauty queen?

Larah Grace Lacap: "The most significant change I've had before joining
Binibining Pilipinas is I'm more motivated in what I wanted to do and I am more
physically fit than before because I know that what I wanted to do will make me a
better person."

Question for Kristel Guelos: Hidilyn Diaz, Olympic silver medalist, exemplifies
the physical strength of the Filipina. What kind of strength as a Filipina can you
show to the universe?

Kristel Guelos: "As a medical practitioner and as a Binibining Pilipinas candidate,

I can show the universe the dedication and passion I am having right now. And
that is what I can share to others to become an influence of goodwill and to
motivate others to become the better, the best version of themselves."

Question for Rachel Peters: This week, the Philippines hosted the ASEAN
Summit. If you were invited to speak, what would have been your message to the
leaders?

Rachel Peters: "I believe that one of the biggest problems that our country faces
today is divisiveness in politics, in religion and also in culture. And I believe that it
is something that is the same across the world. And that is something I would want
to address. I believe that when people can learn to tolerate each other's differences
and respect each other's opinions, then we will just be a stronger nation and world."

Question for Gabriella Ortega: What fear do you have that you would like to
conquer, and why?

Gabriella Ortega: "The fear that I have that I would like to conquer is the fear to
fail. That's something that is happening to me in this journey because I receive so
much love from my relatives, it was so overwhelming. And I thought, 'Oh if I'm
going to fail, what's going to happen?' But then I thought, what you have to do is
embrace the people that love you because they accept your failures and your
achievements in life and here I am in the Top 15."

Question for Charmaine Elima: What is your view on cursing or pagmumura?

Charmaine Elima: "My view about cursing is something that we should avoid. It
is something that other people can hear from the older ones. The things that
children should not hear because the children follows what the older people
says. So for me, my view about cursing is something that we should avoid in our
everyday lives so instead of cursing - that's negativity - we should be more focused
about positivity and promote and embrace life as we should..."

Question for Maria Camille Manalo: A high percentage of students are being
bullied in schools every day. What is your message to the bullies and their parents?
Maria Camille Manalo: "My message to the bullied students is no matter what you
came from, from being bullied, just stand up, prove to them that they're wrong and
then no matter what happen to you, prove to them that you can stand up on your
own. Give them your best shot. And that's all."

Question for Nelda Ibe: Death penalty has been a big issue concerning the
Philippines in the recent months. Are you for or against death penalty?

Nelda Ibe: "Well, I believe that we should not condemn life. We are sinner but
then, we have to give importance to the life that God has given us. So, my stand
is, I am against of it. Because we should celebrate what God has given us, and
that is life."

Question for Chanel Olive Thomas: Many countries have already legalized
same-sex marriage. Do you think the Philippines should follow? Why or why not?

Chanel Olive Thomas: "As a Christian, I do believe that marriage is between a

man and a woman. However, I do believe that everyone, every single person in
the world deserves to be with whoever they want. And if they want to get married,
that is fine."

Question for Juliana Kapuendl: The Philippines has become a powerhouse in

the pageant world. What do you think are the main reasons that made this
possible?

Juliana Kapuendl: "I think the main reason that the Philippines became the
powerhouse of pageants is because of resilience. Like our previous beauty
queens, even though they failed on the first time in joining Binibining Pilipinas, they
tried second and third time, they emerged victorious not only in our country, but in
the whole universe."

Question for Jehza Mae Huelar: What is the role of a beauty queen in a country
that lacks unity?

Jehza Mae Huelar: "I think that the role of a beauty queen is not just winning the
crown but also to become the voice of the people. I believe that I can use my voice
to the people who have affected by the war in my city and to those who are affected
by the earthquake in Mindanao. So I will use my voice to become the influence,
the influential voice to the other people and it would unite our Filipinos.

The candidates were judged on their intelligence, poise, and personality. The
points they earned in this category made up 20 percent of their final score.
Bb. #35: Sandra Lemonon

Saavedra: “What are your insights on the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’
program?”

Lemonon: “The insights of the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program.

Actually, I studied so much for this Q&A, but suddenly that’s something that I really
don’t know much about. But, at least I’m here trying to answer a good question.
Thank you!”

Wurtzbach then commented after Lemonon’s response: “Oh, I love her honesty.
That’s better than lying.”

“That’s true,” echoed her co-host, Richard Gutierrez.

Bb. # 11: Maria Andrea Abesamis

Brown: “Boracay has its hazardous environmental situation. What is your view on
this issue?”

Abesamis: “My view on this issue is that it’s a big matter right now. We need to
conserve our natural habitat and our isles as a Filipino and a Filipina. Because we
live there. We live in the country. There are locals there and we’re supposed to
take care of it. Thank you.”

Bb. #14: Samantha Mae Bernardo

Anderson: “What do you think is the biggest misconception about beauty pageant
contestants?

Bernardo: “I think the biggest concept, misconception in beauty pageants today

is that we’re just beautiful. But we are not. We are confidently beautiful. We’re
compassionate and we’re very competent. We are in a year wherein we have
surpassed odds about women. And we continue to prove ourselves in a society.
We can be at home, raising a family, or an office having a career. Or just like me
here, joining pageants, celebrating our femininity. Thank you!”

Bb. # 24: Edjelyn Joy Gamboa

Valdez: “If inner beauty is emphasized in beauty pageants, then why are there
physical requirements upon joining it?”

Gamboa: “Okay, honestly speaking, there’s no requirement, there’s no beauty

requirement in a competition like this. Everyone is accepted as long as you have
a good heart, as long as you are confident with your looks, and then you’ll be a
part of Binibining Pilipinas. Thank you.”
Wurtzbach then commented: “It’s for everyone! I like that.”

Bb. # 3: Murielle Adrienne Orais

Lopez: “This year marks the graduation of the first-ever batch of K-to-12 students.
What is your message to them?”

Orais: “My message to the students is that you have to focus on your studies,
because their parents are very working hard for their education. I believe that
education will give them knowledge and experience and it will give them a better
future. Thank you.”

Wurtzbach nodded with Orais: “I believe that, too!”

Bb. # 1: Vickie Marie Rushton

Ravena: “Do you believe hazing and fraternities has its own good? Why and why
not?”

Rushton: “I believe that any violence is no good, because one person alone can
stand up for herself or himself. And as a Bb. Pilipinas, I can be that influence to
spread the word that violence is not acceptable. Thank you.”

Bb. # 32: Eva Psychee Patalinjug

Echiverri: “What is the role of beauty queens in the pursuit of our country’s
economic success, if any?”

Patalinjug: “A role of the beauty queen is to be a voice. I am here to make a

message to all of you. In these times of uncertainty…taking over our country, we
have remained steadfast and have faith in all of its challenges. As a united nation,
what we should do is to set aside our political differences, economic and social
preferences. Let our love and loyalty to our country rise above all, in the hopes of
making a peaceful country. Thank you.”

Gutierrez then commented: “Very well said!”

Bb. # 17: Maria Athisa Manalo

Quigaman: “How should a beauty queen respond to ruthless criticism?”

Manalo: “A beauty queen should always respond to criticisms constructively. We

beauty queens are public figures and we put ourselves in a position to be judged.
But nonetheless, we should always, we should always filter which comments we
should accept and what we should not. Thank you.”
Wurtzbach then said: “Good save! I love that!”

Richard added: “Nice recover!”

Bb. # 19: Michele Theresa Gumabao

Drilon: “What can you do to fight fake news?”

Gumabao: “I know that fake news is very rampant nowadays, but in order to fight
these, we must first, know what we are reporting, know what we are reading and
at the same time, be accountable for what we say, especially online. And I hope
that media always filters their news, their resources to always deliver truth and
authentic news. Thank you.”

Wurtzbach then commented: “Well said.”

Bb. # 31: Jehza Mae Huelar

Kim: “What do you think is the most important quality of a millennial woman?”

Huelar: “I think the most important quality a millennial woman have is to have a
vision. With her vision, she should have this attitude and perseverance so that she
can achieve her goals. And if she’s good at vision, she will be able to express
herself freely. So I would hope that all the millennial out here would really adhere
to our culture and our tradition so that we can inspire others, we can impact people.
Thank you.”

Bb. # 26: Wynonah Van Joy Buot

Anderson: “Name one great Filipino artist you truly admire and why?”

Buot: “One great Filipino artist I truly admire would probably be Toni Gonzaga.
Although she’s a celebrity and we have a stereotype when it comes to celebrities,
I truly admire her because she follows a certain path when it comes to her life. She
actually has a successful career, a complete family, and she did these all together
by following her parents. And that’s one important thing that we millennial must
learn. You will never fail in life when you follow your parents. Thank you!”

Wurtzbach said: “I’m going to remember that!”

Gutierrez then seconded: “Shout out to mom and dad!”

Wurtzbach added: “I love you, mommy!”

Bb. # 21: Anjame Magbitang

Lopez: “When is the right time to listen and when is the right time to speak?”

Magbitang: “It’s time to listen if you respect the people who will talk and then you
will try to speak after the people who talk to you speak because there must
be…The best version...”

Bb. # 38: Karen Juanita Gallman

Quigaman: “Do you agree that a third restroom should be built for transgenders?
Why or why not?”

Gallman: “I definitely agree there should be a third restroom for transgender

because us women would like a privacy and also with men, and we have a
separate room for the transgender. It just serves as an equality and privatization.
Thank you.”

Bb. #15: Juliana Kapeundl

Drilon: “Misogyny or bias against women has been very prevalent lately. How
should this be addressed?”

Kapeundl: “I think this should be addressed by empowering women. We women,

we have to think that we are not just women. We don’t need labels. As mother,
daughter, sister, we have our own individuality and we have to use it to our
advantage and let our strengths shine. So, as women, we have to empower our
co-women an equality with men in the future. Thank you.”

Bb. #20: Catriona Elisa Gray

Kim: “After the devastating war, Marawi is now on its way to recovery. What is
your message to the young women of Marawi?”

Gray: “Thank you for that question. My answer and my message to the women is
to be strong. As women, we’re the head of the household and we have amazing
influence not only in our families, as mothers, sisters and friends, but also in our
community. If we could get the women to stay strong and be that image of strength
for the children and the people around them, then once the rebuilding is complete
and is underway, the morale of the community will stay strong and high. Thank
you.”
 Miss Universe 2013:

 What would happen to the world if we could no longer use the internet?
 What is your opinion about places that do not allow women to vote, or drive cars?
 What is the most significant thing we can do help elect women to political offices
around the world?
 What can be done about the lack of jobs for young people starting their career around
the world?
 What is your biggest fear and how do you plan to overcome it?

Miss Universe 2014

 If you were given 30 seconds to deliver a message to a global terrorist, what would
you say?
 What’s the biggest change you’d like to see for young women in the next generation?
 If you could remove the swimsuit competition from the Miss Universe pageant, would
you? And why or why not?
 One of three women will experience violence in her lifetime. What can be done to get
that number down?
 Probably all the time, people have asked you, what can men learn from women, but
I’d like to know what could women learn from men?
 What is the greatest contribution of your country to the entire world?

Miss Universe 2015 (The questions were relevant to respective countries of the
contestants)

 Earlier this year, there was a controversy in Philippines about the United States
reopening a base in your country. Do you think the United States should have a
military presence in your country?
 Having experienced terrorism first hand yourself, what is the best way for government
to combat this rising threat?
 Australia is taking its first step towards legalizing marijuana. Do you think that is a
good idea? Why?
 Drug abuse continues to be one of the world’s most serious problems. What do you
think is the best way to handle this issue?
 Few issues in the United States are more polarizing than gun ownership. The
argument really heats up after major tragic events such as San Bernardino and Sandy
Hook. What is your position on gun control?
 Why should you be the next Miss Universe
 Miss Universe 2016

 What is the most significant change you’ve seen in the world in the last 10 years?
 Name a current or past world leader whom you admire and why.
 What are you most excited about and what most concerns you when it comes to the
presidency of Donald Trump?
 Why do you believe that violence is so prevalent in today’s society and what can we
do about it?
 If you were able to participate in the Women’s March on January 21st, what would
you have been marching for?
 Given today’s worldwide refugee crisis, do countries have an obligation to accept
refugees or do they have a right to close their borders?
 Name something over the course of your life that you’ve failed at. And, what have you
learned from that experience?

Miss USA (The questions pertaining to US politics have been omitted. Only the
questions relevant to global issues are mentioned)

 Do you agree that narcissism is an epidemic and today’s youth are turning into hyper-
entitled, self-absorbed generation? (Question has been modified)
 Why do you think crimes such as sexual assaults among college students have been
swept under the rug for so long and what can colleges do to combat that?
 In 30 seconds, say anything you want to our political leaders.
 Do you think political correctness is hurting or helping this country and why?
 One of the biggest challenges facing the world is social and economic inequality. How
do we narrow the gap between the rich and the poor? (Question has been modified)
 Define ‘confidently beautiful.
 As a pageant winner, you will be representing your country worldwide. How would you
like the global community to view your country? (Question has been modified)
 Advocates for women’s rights have been leading the conversation this year. Which
specific issue regarding women’s rights is most important to you?
 Suicide recently became the second-leading cause of death among teenagers. What
actions would you take as a pageant winner to help struggling teenagers?
 Social media allows us to share every aspect of our lives, but it can also cause us to
be hyper aware of how we measure up to others. Do you believe that social media is
ultimately a positive or a negative?
 Do you think affordable healthcare for all citizens of the country is a right or a privilege
and why? (Question has been modified)
 What do you consider feminism to be and do you consider yourself a feminist?

The key to success in Q&A round is “practice”. It’s important for pageant aspirants to
watch the telecast of international pageants such as Miss Universe and take notes of
the questions asked during the pageant. The answers given by previous contestants
can become ready reference to future contestants. Most of the questions in Miss India
or Miss Diva pageants are similar to the questions asked during Miss Universe and
Miss USA. Hence watching these events shall be a home work for all the aspiring Miss
India contestants.