A decade after the crown: Maxine Medina's journey beyond Miss Universe
Ten years have passed since Maxine Medina graced the Miss Universe stage as the Philippines’ representative in 2016. Today, Maxine radiates fulfillment, thriving in new roles far beyond the pageant spotlight. While many beauty queens set their sights on the next competition, Maxine blazed her own trail. She’s embraced motherhood, pursued a career in acting, and carved out a niche in the booming world of online selling. The pageant chapter of her life is closed, and she’s content to leave it behind. At the launch of DM Studios, an agency for live commerce and influencer collaboration founded by Diane Medina and Rodjun Cruz, Maxine reflected on her pageant journey. “I’m happy to judge and give advice, but joining another pageant? Not for now,” she said with a smile. Pageantry was never her goal. “I never dreamed of joining pageants,” Maxine admitted. “It was a huge leap when I joined Binibining Pilipinas and Miss Universe. Even my family was surprised, since I was always camera-shy...