1. She's got a background in interior design. According to Maxine's profile courtesy of Binibining Pilipinas, she graduated from the Philippine School of Interior Design and De La Salle-College of St Benilde. She has experience designing residential condominiums.
2. She is member of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP). Like her 2016 batchmates Kylie Verzosa (Bb Pilipinas International) and Jennifer Ruth Hammond (Bb Pilipinas Intercontinental), Maxine is a member of PMAP, an organization formed by top models back in the late '80s. Members of the organization include models Kelsey Merritt, Katarina Rodriguez, Miss World Philippines 2014 Valerie Weigmann, and more.
3. Maxine tried for the 2012 edition but didn't push through. According to fashion designer and Aces and Queens fashion consultant Bessie Besana, Maxine was supposed to be part of the 2012 roster of candidates but didn't push through due to contractual obligations. This was also confirmed by Aces and Queens mentor Jonas Gaffud on his Instagram post.
"We made Maxine join in 2012 but had to be disqualified because of contracts from commercials. Also, she was not ready that time. For 3 years after that we have been pushing her to join. It was Direk Jeff Jeturian who discovered her. So finally when she said yes this year, we were all elated," he said.
4. Her aunt is also a former beauty queen. Maxine is not the only beauty queen in the family. Her aunt, model Gem Padilla-Thomas, was also a former Bb Pilipinas title-holder as Miss Universe Philippines 1990.
In a chat with Rappler via Facebook, Gem shared what she believed made Maxine stand out in the competition.
"In my opinion, she stood out because while we could see her physical beauty and grace, we all saw her inner beauty shine through as well. It was evident on stage that she was there not just to compete for a title but to enjoy the moment as well. She came across as very much herself, very natural. When Kylie's name was called I knew already that Max got the most sought-after title," she said.
She also has this simple reminder for Maxine. "Don't forget to have fun."
5. She's a doting tita. As posted on her Instagram, Maxine loves to be with kids – whether her nephew, niece, godson, or goddaughter.
6. She is very close to her sister. Meet Ferica, who according to her Instagramaccount, is a host and the First Thomasian Nursing Youth Ambassadress in 2014.
Source : http://www.rappler.com/
