Photo of Pia Wurtzbach hugging Maxine Medina gives netizens collective ‘awwws’

After passing on the crown to her successor, Miss Universe-France Iris Mittenaere, 2015 Miss Universe-Philippines Pia Wurtzbach was quick to run to the back part of the stage to hug Miss Philippines Maxine Medina who made it as far as the top 6 finalists in the competition. (Pictured) (Photo: jonasofmercator/Instagram/PNA)

MANILA –After passing on the crown to her successor, Miss Universe-France Iris Mittenaere, 2015 Miss Universe-Philippines Pia Wurtzbach was quick to run to the back part of the stage to hug Miss Philippines Maxine Medina who made it as far as the top 6 finalists in the competition.

Several photos of the two Filipino beauty queens hugging surfaced online minutes after the coronation of the new Miss Universe and drew collective ‘awwws’ from several netizens.

One of which was a photo shared by beauty queen trainor Jonas Gaffud on his Instagram captioned: “Thank you so much @piawurtzbach for the gesture of comforting @maxine_medina #forthephilippines #missuniverse.”

In the comments section, a netizen with the username @ohayomonmon said that the Filipinos were proud of Medina despite failing to make it to the top 3 finalists.

“You represented our country very well. Nothing more we can ask of you,” he said.

Another netizen with the username @jollybeeh, meanwhile, thanked Wurtzbach and felt touched by the hug she gave Medina they shared.

“Thank you Pia for making us proud and for being beautiful with a heart. How touching moment to comfort Maxine! Congratulations Maxine for doing your best.”

Wurtzbach wore a cobalt blue ball gown by Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco while Medina wore a gown with a silver bodice and a red skirt designed by Filipino designer Rhett Eala.

Fans were quick to point out that the colors of their skirts resembled the two predominant colors of the Philippine flag.

Wurtzbach made her final walk thanking her family, friends, supporters called “Pianatics” and the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), for believing in her. She vowed that even with her reign over, her work continues.