Pia Wurtzbach reflects on 10 years since Miss Universe win: "It changed my life"

Published 21 Dec 2025 at 10:35 PM

by Chris Franco

4 min read

Pia Wurtzbach shared a deeply personal post on Instagram reflecting on the 10th anniversary of her Miss Universe journey
The beauty queen admitted she hesitated to post because revisiting that time requires a lot of "honesty" about what it means to her now
She emphasized that the "truest measure" of the pageant is how it gives women confidence and the power to believe in themselves
Pia credited the people behind the scenes for making her experience transformative and meaningful beyond just winning the crown

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Ten years after her historic and unforgettable win in 2015, former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach took to Instagram to share a vulnerable look back at the experience that changed her life forever.

Pia Wurtzbach reflects on 10 years since Miss Universe win: "It changed my life" (@piajauncey)
Source: Instagram

Posting a side-profile photo of herself wearing the iconic DIC crown, Pia admitted that she had "gone back and forth" about sharing her thoughts because of how much the title still weighs on her heart.

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"I’ve gone back and forth about posting this because revisiting Miss Universe forces me to sit with what it meant to me then and what it means now. And that requires honesty. What I know for sure is this. My Miss Universe experience changed my life in real and lasting ways," Pia wrote in her caption.

She explained that while the crown is a massive achievement, the real value of the experience came from the people who guided her and made her feel that she "mattered not just as a winner, but as a woman going through something transformative."

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Pia also touched upon the criticisms that beauty pageants often face, but she stood firm in her belief that the platform's power lies in its impact on the contestants. According to her, a title means very little without the right people behind it.

"The truest measure will always be the women who walk away saying, 'That changed me. That gave me confidence. That opened doors. That made me believe in myself,'" she shared.

Even though she has moved on from the world of pageantry, Pia promised that she will "always care about what Miss Universe can represent when it is done with intention." She reminded her followers that the women are not just part of the show—they are the heart of it.

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Ending her tribute with a message of deep appreciation, she addressed the team that supported her journey, saying, "You remain family to me." Looking forward, Pia expressed her hope that the pageant can continue to change lives in the ways that matter most.

Pia Wurtzbach is a Filipino actress, model, and beauty queen best known for winning the Miss Universe 2015 title. She began her career in show business at a young age, appearing in television shows and films under ABS-CBN. Before her Miss Universe victory, Pia competed multiple times in Binibining Pilipinas, ultimately earning the title that allowed her to represent the Philippines on the global stage. Her Miss Universe win was historic and widely celebrated, especially after the now-iconic coronation moment that drew international attention and became a defining event in pageant history. Beyond pageantry, Pia Wurtzbach has built a successful career as a fashion icon, entrepreneur, and advocate. She is vocal about HIV/AIDS awareness, women’s empowerment, and mental health, using her platform to promote education and compassion.

As previously reported by KAMI, Pia Wurtzbach attended the 2025 British Fashion Awards as a guest of Bulgari, marking her first London red carpet. She stunned everyone in a couture blue gown by designer Robert Wun, her signature color. Wurtzbach also shared her excitement on Instagram, calling the night “a night I’ll never forget." Beyond fashion, she continues to champion causes like HIV awareness and mental health advocacy, things that her fans continue to admire her for on several social media platforms.