Beauty queen and campaigner Pia Wurtzbach’s debut novel “Queen of the Universe” topped National Book Store’s bestselling books (Fiction – International Publication) list in October.
“This is a pleasant surprise. I found out two days ago during the book signing in Cebu. I was like ‘wow, totoo ba?’ I was so proud and this gives me more motivation and energy to keep promoting it and talking about it and doing what we love to do,” Pia said at a book signing event organized by the Center of Advanced Dentistry (CAD) held at The Vault in BGC.
“Queen of the Universe” ranked fourth at National Book Store immediately after its launch in September and made it to No.1 a month after its launch. It is also the leading book on e-commerce site Lazada as of writing.
“We are in the process of reprinting now,” happily shared the former Miss Universe.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Nelda Eufemio of CAD described Pia as an inspiration to many, very much like the book’s lead character.
She said, “I remember when PIA first came to CAD, she was a young woman with a big dream. Pia went on to win the Miss Universe pageant and has since been a shining example of what it means to be a queen. She serves as a role model for young women everywhere, and is a true inspiration to me, just like the main character of this book. We should all read it!”
Pia’s novel, ABS-CBN Books’ first international deal as a literary agent, is published by Tuttle Publishing, one of the oldest American publishers in operation and the world’s largest publisher of books about Asia.
The fiction read is set against the rich backdrop of Manila’s glittering urban life and centers on a character named Cleo who has to face challenges after challenges amid the dizzying world of beauty pageants.
When asked about her similarities and differences with the book’s protagonist, Pia said they have a similar drive to strive and succeed.
“Cleo is very stubborn and she doesn’t give up. She knows that she wants to make it to prove herself to the industry. She really has a goal and that’s where we are aligned,” Pia narrated. “I think ang differences namin is she makes a few mistakes along the way and in her pursuit of success, she will have to make some decisions on her love life. Di ako relate dun kasi masaya naman ang love life ko.”
“Queen of the Universe” is currently available in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia and will be available in Canada on November 7, in Dubai on November 9 and the U.S. starting November 14.
Pia will also be launching the book in Singapore via “Tea Time with Pia Wurtzbach,” happening on November 5 (Sunday), 2pm at Design Orchard. Interested parties may pre-register here: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/
For more details on “Queen of the Universe,” like ABS-CBN Books on Facebook at www.facebook.com/abscbnbooks and follow it on Instagram @abscbnbooks. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.
