Maxine Medina’s journey: teenage struggles to morena confidence and motherhood

From overcoming teenage insecurities to embracing motherhood, the Miss Universe 2016 titleholder shares her journey of self-love and the importance of family support.

From beauty queen to new mom, Miss Universe 2016 Maxine Medina has always captured attention with her poise and charm. Behind it all, however, is a story of teenage insecurity and self-discovery: one that many morena girls can relate to.

“I just want to share,” Maxine told radar Entertainment in a recent interview. “I’ve been through a lot before. If you could see my pictures back then, you’d understand why my cousins witnessed all my insecurities.”

Overcoming colorism and teenage insecurities

Her struggles went beyond typical teenage challenges. “She was actually bashed because of her color,” recalled her cousin, actress-TV host Dianne Medina. “Whitening cosmetics were so popular back then. She felt her skin wasn’t accepted.”

Teen acne and humble beginnings added to her self-doubt. “I cried a lot,” Maxine admitted. “I looked up to my cousins, silang mapuputi, and followed their guidance. I was open to trying skincare, taking care of myself, even workouts to get rid of toxins.”

Family support played a big role. Watching her cousins, mother, and grandmother embrace their natural beauty inspired Maxine to embrace her own morena skin. “Even without makeup, when your skin looks good, you feel fresh, light, and beautiful in every natural way,” she said.

Advocating for morena beauty and modern skincare

Today, morena beauty is being celebrated in ways it wasn’t when Maxine was growing up. “I wish my time had this,” she confessed. “Back when I was 16, I started researching skincare. If these products existed then, insecurities could have been eased. I’m happy the current generation knows how to take care of themselves.” 

This belief extends to her advocacy for healthy, glowing skin, including through My Saiko Skin, a Japanese-inspired line she and her cousin, beauty and wellness entrepreneur Anna Perez, are endorsing.

Navigating motherhood and family traditions

Maxine is also navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood. She and her husband, Timmy Llana, welcomed their first child, Zeke, in August 2024. 

On balancing work and family, Dianne offered this advice: “You don’t have to do everything perfectly; just be present, especially with your children.” Anna added: “Enjoy it. Children grow up fast. Take care of him, but also enjoy the journey.”

Grateful for her family’s support, Maxine shared: “They’re my core group. We went through a lot, and I wouldn’t have done it without them.”

A legacy of pageantry and showbiz excellence

Family legacy runs deep. “Our moms and dads are eight siblings,” Dianne explained. “We’re 30-plus cousins. Our aunt, Jem Padilla, was Miss Universe Philippines 1990. Ate Anna also became a ‘Noble Queen.’”

The family’s influence extends into showbiz as well. Their aunt, Edna Diaz, competed in Miss Philippines in the 1970s before pursuing a career in film. Following her footsteps, Maxine entered pageantry and acting, and their nephew, Gian Franco Wang, appeared on “Pinoy Big Brother.” Maxine’s cousins are commercial models, while actors Rodjun Cruz (Dianne’s husband) and Ravyer Cruz are part of the extended family network.

Even as a former beauty queen, Maxine celebrates the next generation. “Ahtisa (Manalo) was already there,” she said, referring to the recent Miss Universe third runner-up. “She’s beautiful and smart. I’m so proud of her. She worked so hard and became Binibining Pilipinas International and Miss Universe Philippines. That was more than what I achieved, and I’m really proud.”

For Maxine, self-love and family support go hand in hand with practical care. She has often highlighted her favorite skincare routines, including My Saiko Skin, now available at Mitsukoshi BGC, Mercury Drugstores, and Rose Pharmacy.

 

 

I’ve been through a lot before. If you could see my pictures back then, you’d understand why my cousins witnessed all my insecurities.

Maxine Medina