As Miss Universe coronation comes closer to its fruition, Maxine Medina is facing another pressure from some Filipino fans. Netizens express their disappointment towards Maxine for her “grammatically incorrect” English communication skills.
Ariella Arida, one of Maxine’s friends adviced the country’s representative to set aside the negative comments.
“Feeling ko part na [talaga ang bashing] `pag lalaban ka [sa mga pageants]. During my time, bago ako mag-fly to Moscow, I had this one interview na talagang doon din ako na-bash,” Arida shared her experience during an interview with GMA News’ News-To-Go Friday.
Arida hopes that someday, representatives from the Philippines would be allowed to use their native tongue during the question and answer portion.
“Sana there will be a time na makapagsalita tayo sa sariling wika natin. Tapos lahat ng tao sa buong mundo—buong universe—naririnig nila `yung native language,” Arida said.
Arida also revealed that its not the contestant’s choice to communicate in English. She clarified that someone is making decisions on what language should they use.
“At the end of the day, may mga kailangan ka talagang sundin na rules. Kasi hindi naman po sa aming decision eh, even if we really want to do it. Mayroon pa ring nagdedecide for us,” she explained.
Arida encouraged Filipino fans to support Medina and asked for their understanding for being a beauty queen is not an easy thing.
“Hindi nila narerealize na behind all these things, sobrang hirap nang pinagdadaanan ng isang girl to represent the country,” she said.
Meanwhile, Maxine admitted her weakness on Tonight With Boy Abunda and asked for Filipino people’s support.
“Ako kasi, naniniwala ako sa sarili ko ngayon. Konti na lang, maniniwala na ako sa kapalaran,” she confidently said.
“Eversince naman, I know my weaknesses, and now I’ve been working hard for it, and now I’m ready. I’m getting better.”
