Maxine Medina was almost a Bb. Pilipinas contestant in 2012

She can now say it’s the luckiest disqualification of her life.

In an interview with Jeff Fernando of Push after being crowned as Miss Universe Philippines on Mon, Apr 18, Maxine Medina said she was almost part of Binibining Piipinas in 2012.

“That was four years ago, matagal na. I joined Binibini in 2012 pero hindi natuloy because of my conflict sa contracts ko,” she said.

In fact, Maxine was already announced as one of the official contestant of the 2012 Bb. Pilipinas pageant (she was candidate number 12). However, she was disqualified and replaced due to an endorsement contract that conflicted with the pageant sponsors.

Janine Tugonon was eventually named Miss Universe Philippines that year. Another 2012 candidate, Mary Jean Lastimosa, was named Miss Universe Philippines in 2014.

“I decided to join the Binibini [this year] to prove myself,” the interior designer and model said.

What would have happened if Maxine ended up participating in the 2012 Bb. Pilipinas pageant? Who knows. But the 25-year-old beauty queen has her eyes set on winning a back-to-back Miss Universe victory for the Philippines.

“Rest assured that i will do my best to improve more and to be the pride of my country. Hopefully a back to back win with the reigning Miss Universe,” she said in an Instagram post hours after her Bb. Pilipinas win.

First of all I would want to thank God for giving me an opportunity to experience this wonderful journey. I’m proud that I was able to reach at this point because I wanted to do something not only for myself but for my country as well. It was not in my wildest dream that i would be able to become a beauty queen knowing that it’s only my first time to join a prestigious pageant such as Binibining Pilipinas. Indeed, I was so nervous last night being in front of thousands of people. It was not that easy to stand and carry yourself but with the help and guidance of the lord I was able to overcome my fear. Thank you to my family and friends for being the best FAN ever! Also, thank you to my mentors ACES & QEENS for believing in me and supporting me all through out my journey to the crown. To MAXINATICS THANK YOU SO MUCH! Rest assured that i will do my best to improve more and to be the pride of my country. Hopefully a back to back win with the reigning Miss Universe @piawurtzbach with the help of the Lord. #binibiningpilipinas2016 #maxinatics #missuniverse2016

A photo posted by Maria Mika Maxine Medina (@maxine_medina) on Apr 17, 2016 at 8:27pm PDT

We’re rooting for you, Maxine!