International Author Pia Wurtzbach Tops A Best Seller List

Pia Wurtzbach has celebrated many wins and milestones throughout the years she’s been part of the entertainment and pageant industries. And now, she’s basking in the new experiences that come with her being a newly minted author. 

Last September, this Miss Universe 2015 titleholder finally released her debut novel, Queen of the Universe, and she’s over the moon about it. A project that was years in the making, the book published by Tuttle Publishing came to fruition at the perfect time, giving this actress, host, beauty queen, and entrepreneur a newfound purpose. 

“I’m so excited that the book is finally out for everyone to get their hands on. For everyone to read. It’s been a long time coming. Really, we planned this back in 2019. We were ready to launch in 2020. We decided to put things on hold, but good things take time. So now, we’re here. Fast forward to now, the book is finally out,” Pia told us during an intimate dinner to celebrate the launch of her book and latest Metro digital covers.

Publishing a book is an achievement in and of itself. And for Pia, it is a definite bonus to be able to tick an item off her bucket list while inspiring people along the way. Her goal from the get-go is to have a creative outlet and connect to her fans, followers, and even book lovers and casual readers through a fictional story that mirrors certain parts of her life. The creative process and the related events after were all too exciting for Pia, so much so she was not too focused on the thought of winning awards or getting recognition for her work.

When Queen of the Universe was released, it initially snagged the No. 4 spot on the National Book Store Best Sellers list (Fiction - International Publication) for September. That was already such a treat for Pia. “I’m under the category of international authors. So, ang mga kasabayan ko, some big names and some authors, writers that, you know, have been releasing books often,” Pia said. “So, to be part of that list was a big deal. To be part of Top 5.” 

So, imagine how overjoyed she was when, during a book signing event in Cebu, she received the great news that her book climbed to the No. 1 spot of the abovementioned Best Sellers list at the time. “To be told na I was at No. 1, I just couldn’t believe it. I was so excited,” she exclaimed. 

For this project, Pia is represented by her literary agent ABS-CBN Books, best known as the publisher of titles from bestselling authors such as Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Charo Santos-Concio, Vice Ganda, Alex Gonzaga, and Binibining Mia. “Queen of the Universe” is ABS-CBN Books’ first international deal.

Recalling the moment she learned about that feat, Pia shared, “We were in Cebu to do a book signing there, and they said before the program started. I sat down already in front of the crowd, and everybody was there. The mall was full. And then they said, ‘Oh, we have a little surprise for you.’ I was like, ‘What’s going on? Who’s going to show up?’ I thought somebody was going to show up and surprise me. And they were like, ‘We got the numbers, and you’ve made it to the Best Sellers list of National Book Store’ which, by the way, is a list that all authors really look forward to because it’s a legit list that changes monthly. And they said that, ‘Your book is no. 1’ at the moment, and I was like, ‘Wow!’”

That was a fulfilling feeling that was new for Pia, and it made her glow with happiness. She felt a sudden jolt of energy that made her want to do more as an author. “I was like, ‘Okay, let’s do the book signing. Each one of them, let’s all take selfies. Let’s take pictures.’ I want to talk to everyone. I felt so energized when I heard that bit of good news. So, it’s giving me now the motivation to keep going, to keep promoting. Ah! I did not expect that. I mean, I was happy enough that the book was going to be launched, but I didn’t really have any expectations of reaching No. 1.”

And it’s just the beginning of more unforgettable memories and milestones for our very own “Queen of the Universe.” She’s just in her second month as an author, and she had already concluded her first international book tour in Singapore; Dubai will be her next stop.  Aside from the Philippines, the book is now in Singapore and will be available in the US, Australia, Canada, UAE, and the UK this year. Its e-book version is available worldwide starting today, November 7.

“Right now, I’m just going to be focusing on promoting the book… So, these next few months will be a lot of traveling, a lot of book promotions.” Pia shared. “I’m so grateful.”  

Pia is busy preparing for the year ahead, as 2023 is about to end. “You’ll be seeing more of me. I hope you guys don’t get sick of me yet,” she concluded with a beaming smile.      

Grab a copy of the “Queen of the Universe” at National Bookstore and Fully Booked branches in the Philippines and at Kinokuniya and Times Bookstores in Singapore. US-based readers may order a copy on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

Photography by Erron Ocampo - Metrophoto for Brands