After 42 years of waiting, finally, the Miss Universe 2015 title was bagged by a Filipina beauty queen, Pia Wurtzbach.
She indeed brought so much joy and pride to fellow Filipinos and deserves to be treated like a queen. Therefore, Cagayan De Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez decided to propose a resolution that would exempt Pia’s earnings from tax.
As quoted in the Manila Bulletin report, the lawmaker said that after 42 years, Pia – who was raised in Cagayan De Oro – should be exempted from tax as our way of showing gratefulness to the honor she brought to our country. Furthermore, the tax exemption is extended to Pia’s expensive crown.
The Czech Republic-made crown reportedly costs $300,000 and composed of diamonds, blue topaz, expensive crystals, gold, and blue sapphire.
The senior lawmaker also expressed his hope for the BIR Commissioner Kim Henares will not say otherwise. If you remember, most of our athletes, including our Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was not exempted and was allegedly criticized for not paying the taxes correctly.
He also added that the title of Ambassador of Goodwill shall be bestowed to Pia Wurtzbach since she grew up in Cagayan De Oro City.
Moreover, the whole Cagayan De Oro – the entire Philippines rather – is looking forward to welcoming Pia when she comes back from New York.
What does Pia win aside from the title?
I was curious to know what these beauty queens get aside from being touted as the most beautiful woman in the world. So, I made a quick research online and I found out from an article shared by GMANewsOnline.com that aside from the title, Pia also gets a year-long salary (as Miss Universe) and luxurious accommodations with living expenses in a New York apartment during her reign.
Apart from that, she will also receive the following:
- 1-year scholarship from the New York Film Academy College of Visual Performing Arts
- modeling portfolio by the official photographer of the pageant, Fadil Berisha
- Dermatology and skin care services
- Dental services
- Health and nutrition consultation
- Personal services that include membership to Gravity Fitness at Le Parker Meridien Hotel
- Hair services from John Barrett Salon
- One year supply of haircare products and tools from CHI Haircare
- Skincare products from Image Skincare
- Shoe wardrobe by Chinese Laundry Shoes
- Swimwear from Yamamay
..and the list goes on. Well, Pia deserves it as she also worked hard to achieve her and the country’s life-long dream, to be the Miss Universe.
Lastly, I must admit that while the gesture is promising, I hope that this should be applied to all Filipinos who will bring honor to our country.
What are your thoughts about this? Share them in the comment section below!
