MANILA - Using delaying tactics can help Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina ace the question and answer portion, a former titleholder said.

According to Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, Medina can ask the host to repeat the question. By doing so, she'll get extra time to collect her thoughts and think of a good answer.

"I told her nga eh, when they ask you the question, I'm sure she'll get into the 5 finalists or whatever, you take a step back and ask them to repeat the question. That will give you time to breathe," Diaz said on ANC's Headstart.

"Delaying tactics. But meanwhile, isipin mo na. Kasi napapansin ko that there are many ways now that people can delay it, then think of the question," she added.

Diaz also said Medina should consider speaking in a language she is comfortable with.

"In Binibining Pilipinas, you know I've been asking them, because we get girls from Zamboanga, from [other places]. I've been asking them, okay, you can talk in Chavacano, and get an interpreter, but I think in Binibining Pilipinas, they did not want, or they did not allow. Now, since it is naman Mr. Chavit (Singson), yes, she should ask for whoever she wants. If she wants to speak in sign language, she should speak in sign language. Whatever is comfortable," she explained.

Medina earlier said she is open to get a translator for the pageant's question and answer portion in order to score a back-to-back Miss Universe title for the Philippines.

Medina has been criticized for allegedly having poor communication and English skills after she committed several grammatical errors during a press conference last week.