Pia Wurtzbach backs Vickie Rushton: ‘I hope she can try again’

MANILA, Philippines — The question and answer portion of a beauty pageant can be nerve-wracking even to the most prepared contestant.

This was Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s comment on Binibining Pilipinas 2019 candidate Vickie Rushton’s failure to bag a crown in the pageant.

Screenshot from @piawurtzbach on Instagram

“My heart also breaks for Vickie. I hope she can try again. I believe this girl is smart. Nerves can happen to even the best of us,” Wurtzbach said Monday in an Instagram story.

“It’s not easy to compete. Keep your chin up, Vickie,” she added.

Rushton made it to the Top 15 and was asked by judge and actor Daniel Padilla, “Why is mental health as important as physical health?”

The beauty from Negros Occidental answered, “Mental health is as important as physical health, because of our inner being. Having self-love is important. And as a woman, I can inspire and empower the people to take care of themselves, to take care of their mind as well as their health. Because they will be as effective.”

Actor Jason Abalos explained why her girlfriend got distracted during the pressure-packed question and answer portion.

“Pinaghandaan niya talaga to, hindi lang sya handa sa fans ng ibang candidates na nag ingay nong sya na ang sumasagot sa QnA,” Abalos said.

READ: Jason Abalos explains why Vickie Rushton got distracted during Bb. Pilipinas Q&A

Rushton also joined Binibining Pilipinas last year but only finished first runner-up. (Editor: Eden Estopace)