Pia Wurtzbach praises, defends first plus-sized Miss Peru candidate

'I applaud this girl for fighting for what she wants. That's what it's all about,' says Pia of Mirella Paz, a plus-sized beauty who did well in the Miss Peru pageant

MIRELLA PAZ. Mirella, the first plus-sized candidate to progress in the Miss Peru pageant, makes it to the top 10. Screengrab from Instagram/missuniverse

MANILA, Philippines – Prior to the coronation night of Miss Peru where she is a judge, Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach was asked by members of the media various questions during the press conference for the pageant.

Pia was asked about the participation of a candidate named Mirella Paz, who according to reports was the first plus sized candidate who progressed in the Miss Peru pageant. She made it to the top 10.

"She may not be what society's standards are of a beauty queen should be. But that's what the people think. And that's not reality," Pia said. (Watch the video above, posted by Beauty Beauty channel on YouTube.)

"I think that she shows what a real woman is, who is confident in herself, who joined the pageant without hesitations. And I think that's the symbol and a perfect example of what a beauty queen should be."

Pia added: "We always talk about that we're not just beautiful in the outside but also in the inside and that's what exactly she did."

Pia then shared about how she was criticized for being overweight when she joined Binibining Pilipinas 2015.

"I won on my third try in Miss Philippines and I was one of the heaviest candidates. I was scrutinized for that but I used it as motivation before going on to Miss Universe," she said.

Pia said that what she went through proved that it was not just about the looks but also one's personality.

"And I always say that I'm also a curvaceous woman. And if I was able to make it as Miss Philippines and in Miss Universe not being the skinniest – so if I can do it, so can anybody else."

BEAUTY STANDARDS. Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach talks about being a curvy woman in the pageant world where skinny is pretty, following the participation of Mirella Paz, a plus sized candidate in Miss Peru. File photo by Rob Reyes/Rappler

Mirella did not win (the crown went to Valeria Piazza), but Pia posted this message on Instagram after the competition.

"The inspiration! The one who made a statement! I applaud this girl for fighting for what she wants. That's what it's all about. Happy to know that we'll be seeing Mirella again at the next Miss Peru pageant! Felicedades! Your presence alone on that stage made a huge statement globally. Congratulations."

– Rappler.com

http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/specials/miss-universe/130579-pia-wurtzbach-miss-universe-mirella-paz-peru-plus-sized-candidate