A year later, Miss Universe 2015 top 3 reflect on the night that changed their lives

On December 21, 2015, the lives of three women were forever changed on the Miss Universe stage.

In a series of photos posted on her personal Instagram account Wednesday, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach gave a detailed account on the night her dream came true.

"Coming into the competition, I was ready to do my best to make my childhood dream come true. I really wanted to be Miss Universe," Wurtzbach wrote on the first photo she shared. "I wanted to proudly represent the Philippines and bring back home the crown."

In the second photo, she revealed that she was "dying in anticipation" when the Top 10 was being announced, and she was the 9th to be called. Wearing a bikini at the time, she felt like the work she had put in to get the body she had paid off—and she rewarded herself with pizza for it.

 

Throwback to the night that was about to change my life forever. Coming into the competition, I was ready to do my best to make my childhood dream come true. I really wanted to be Miss Universe. But as I was doing the years of training prior that night, I realized that there was something more to attain here than personal achievement. I wanted to proudly represent the Philippines and bring back home the crown. This was when I was called for top 15 at the start of the competition. And behind me is yes, a baby photo of me. Shown during our short video intros. ????????????

A photo posted by Pia Wurtzbach | Miss Universe (@piawurtzbach) on

Dec 20, 2016 at 10:06pm PST

 

Let me tell you, it wasn't cool to be the 9th country called during top 10! ???? I was dying in anticipation. My heart was pounding and I remember thinking "how am I ever gonna get the chance to do final question if I don't pass swimsuit round first!" BUT all the hardwork paid off as I get into top 10 and eventually finding out that I actually ranked pretty well for this round. ???????? Thank God for my trainers. @gymbassy and of course, the ever so strict, @johncuay ???? So, as a reward, I ordered a whole pizza for myself. As my celebratory meal. No regrets. Sorry, Papa J. ????????????#dikonamaninubos #grabekayo #notobodyshaming ????????

A photo posted by Pia Wurtzbach | Miss Universe (@piawurtzbach) on

Dec 20, 2016 at 10:34pm PST

In another photo, she showed off once more the now-iconic blue evening gown by Albert Andrada. Aside from recounting the story behind the dress, Wurtzbach once again declared her pride in wearing Filipino couture.

 

It's about time for Filipino designers! Months before competing I thought about what change I can do to the Bb Pilipinas organization to improve and help future Miss Philippines'. It didn't take long before I made a promise to myself that after years of not really having a choice on our final look, it's about time we show a Filipino made gown. Especially at Miss Universe. Tangkilikin ang sariling atin, diba po? The story behind this evening gown is long but quite interesting. Maybe one day I can tell a more detailed story. Basically this blue @albertandrada gown almost didn't make it in time for the final night because of flight cancelations due to bad weather in Manila. But to the rescue was another Filipino designer who is based in LA, @theolivertolentino. He lent me his beautiful red gown that I wore for the preliminary competition. (Judges select top 15 to compete for final night during prelims. I wouldn't have made it this far onto the competition if I didn't pass that round.) But then this blue gown finally makes it 2 days before the final night and with a little lambing I'm finally getting our national director, Madam Stella's permission to wear Filipino designers. Years of saving my brownie points from Madam Stella and she finally agreed. But on one condition, "Just make sure you win." ???? After all the drama and getting doubted for my color of choice, I stood by my gut feel and advance to the next round ???? Wahey! #insertbbp2014answerhere #pressurenamanmadam #challengeaccepted #luckycolor ????????

A photo posted by Pia Wurtzbach | Miss Universe (@piawurtzbach) on

Dec 20, 2016 at 11:14pm PST

"After all the drama and getting doubted for my color of choice, I stood by my gut feel and advance to the next round," Wurtzbach stated.

Miss USA 2015 and Miss Universe 2015 second runner-up Olivia Jordan also wrote a coronation night anniversary post, sending love to her former roommate.

"I was so lucky to get you as a roommate, friend, inspiration and role model. Congratulations on a wonderful year!" Jordan said.

 

Sending love across the sea to Queen P on her #MissUniverse anniversary ??????????? @piawurtzbach I was so lucky to get you as a roommate, friend, inspiration and role model. Congratulations on a wonderful year!???? #congrats #piawurtzbach #missuniverse2015 #reminiscing #pic @zacgrimaldo #mua @theperfectface

A photo posted by Olivia Jordan | MissUSA 2015 (@theoliviajordan) on

Dec 20, 2016 at 5:25pm PST

Meanwhile, Miss Colombia 2015 and first runner-up Ariadna Gutierrez—for whom the night was a heartbreaking roller-coaster of happiness and then disappointment—kept her anniversary post simple.

 

Un año atrás???One year ago???

A photo posted by Ariadna Gutierrez (@gutierrezary) on

Dec 20, 2016 at 7:43am PST

Sharing a photo of herself during the evening gown competition, Gutierrez wrote, "one year ago" in Spanish and English. — Aya Tantiangco/BM, GMA News