MANILA – Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach took to Instagram to laud Mirella Paz Baylon, who is reportedly the first plus-size contestant to make it to the Top 10 of the Miss Peru pageant.

Following her short stay in the Philippines, Wurtzbach visited Peru where she sat as one of the judges in its annual beauty competition.

Sharing a photo of them on Instagram, Wurtzbach referred to Baylon as an “inspiration” and “the one who made a statement.”

“I applaud this girl for fighting for what she wants. That's what it's all about. Happy to know that we'll be seeing Mirella again at the next Miss Peru pageant! Felicedades,” she said.

A photo posted by Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (@piawurtzbach) on Apr 24, 2016 at 1:52am PDT

Wurtzbach said Baylon’s “presence alone on that stage made a huge statement globally.”

It was Valeria Piazza who won in this year’s Miss Peru pageant.

Aside from sitting as one of the pageant’s judges, Wurtzbach also had a good time in Peru as she was able to try their delicacies.

She also went to see the popular Bridge of Sighs in Barranco, Lima.