MANILA -- Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina looked every bit as stunning and confident as she paraded in her swimsuit and evening gown for the preliminary rounds of the 65th Miss Universe competition.

The 26-year-old was in top form as she made a case for the crown, twirling and strutting down the stage at the Mall of Asia Arena in her green and white striped swimsuit.

#MissUniverse Philippines, Maxine Medina, sure knows how to work a crowd.

Watch it live: https://t.co/k3LnQhcRaU pic.twitter.com/R4ejWl7RGV

— Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (@MissUniverse) January 26, 2017

Maxine Medina during the swimsuit competition of the #MissUniverse preliminaries. #MissUatMOAArena pic.twitter.com/P6aVeD21cP

— MALL OF ASIA ARENA (@MOAArena) January 26, 2017

A photo posted by Queens of the PHILIPPINES ✨👑🇵🇭 (@queens.ph) on Jan 26, 2017 at 4:03am PST

Medina also drew loud cheers in her elegant emerald dress, designed by Rhett Eala, and with her amazing walk that showed off the fringes of her outfit.

Many praised the Filipina for appearing radiant despite the criticisms she faced in recent weeks over her alleged poor English skills, helping her land on the top local trending topics on Twitter.

A video posted by Rhett Eala (@rhetteala) on Jan 25, 2017 at 10:41pm PST

A photo posted by Rhett Eala (@rhetteala) on Jan 26, 2017 at 4:58am PST

She rocked the swimsuit competition! Confidently beautiful indeed! #MissUniverse #Philippines pic.twitter.com/pUz5pg3upV

— Jan Enriquez (@JanEnriquez) January 26, 2017

ang ganda mo, maxine! 😫😍🇵🇭#MissUniverse #Philippines pic.twitter.com/X8XqQuDqGI

— Sharlene San Pedro (@shar_sanpedro) January 26, 2017

Di pa masyado confident si Maxine sa swimsuit. Pero keri pa yan sa long gown. Laban girl! Lets pray for her. #Philippines #MissUniverse

— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) January 26, 2017

Ayan ang ganda ni Maxine sa long gown. Pero konting tusok pa bes. Wag kang matakot. Tusukin mo silang lahat. #MissUniverse #Philippines

— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) January 26, 2017

From Pia to Maxine!! Magalona Family is the bestest! Charot! #MissUniverse #Philippines

— PAUL LOPEZ III BLOG✍ (@Paul_Lopez_) January 26, 2017

Maxine is representing the Philippines! The Filipinos! Let us all support her by tweeting and retweeting!!!#MissUniverse #Philippines

— GIO • CALI • MEAW🎬 (@Enriiquegil17) January 26, 2017

Based on what I witnessed tonight, I'm confident that Maxine Medina will make it to the top 12! #MissUniverse #Philippines

— Chikkaness Ave (@ChikkanessAve) January 26, 2017

Indeed, Maxine Medina nailed the Preliminary Competition. It is REALLY POSSIBLE FOR HER TO WIN THE CROWN! #MissUniverse #Philippines

— Kenneth Dimaculangan (@kennetkennet) January 26, 2017

Many underestimated Maxine and seeing her looks for tonight's preliminary, she proved you all wrong! SLAYYYYY! #MissUniverse #Philippines ❤️

— Vince ⚠🔰 (@guykidfourrr) January 26, 2017

The top 12 of the 65th Miss Universe competition will be determined partly by public votes. One can cast theirs on the official website of the Miss Universe competition.

The result will be announced at a coronation night, scheduled on Monday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Photos Courtesy of Solar, LCS, MUO