Pia Wurtzbach explains why she’s auctioning off Miss Universe memorabilia

Pia Wurtzbach opened up about her decision to put her Miss Universe memorabilia up for auction after being asked by some social media users whether the items matter at all to her.

In the comments section of her Instagram post about the upcoming charity auction, the Miss Universe 2015 titleholder said the items are “more sentimental to me than anything I’m auctioning off” but noted that letting go of them doesn’t mean they’re not important to her. “I have a plan of turning them into something more memorable and lasting,” she explained.

Pia, in another comment, said that she received the items “during a very important time in my life.”

“Since then, I’ve been so blessed,” she continued. “I can’t think of a better way to give it back to the same community that helped me become who I am now.”

The former beauty queen is set to auction off clothes and accessories she used in her journey to the highly coveted Miss Universe crown, including the silver dress she wore when she was announced as a Top 15 finalist, sashes from Binibining Pilipinas to Miss Universe, and her notebooks containing all her thoughts and notes that helped her become the winning queen she is today.

The exclusive auction dubbed "Love Gala, Eternal Elegance: A Night of Timeless Love" will take place on Dec. 3. Proceeds will go to the Youth Center for Taguig.

According to her, the center will create a safe space for young people to access education, prevention, and treatment related to HIV.

"The City of Taguig is committed to prioritizing HIV through its various initiatives in the STI, HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Program. I can’t wait for this highly anticipated event. Mark your calendars—this is definitely something to look forward to! Para sa ating lahat ito," the beauty queen highlighted.

Pia won Binibining Pilipinas in 2015 on her third attempt. She then represented the Philippines and won Miss Universe 2015, becoming the first Filipina to take home the highly coveted Miss Universe crown in four decades.