Photo courtesy of Tecno
As TECNO’s newest brand ambassador, the fashion maven and philanthropist talks about folding clothes in suitcases and flipping perspectives
In the last three years, Pia Wurtzbach has traveled more than she ever has in her entire life. It’s not just fashion week that beckons the 35-year-old, it’s brand collaborations and philanthropic endeavors that bring her to different parts of the world. “I’ve literally been living out of a suitcase,” she confesses. “Right now, whenever I pack, it’s more than just choosing outfits or making sure I have my essentials. I’ve learned it’s about deciding which parts of my life I’d like to carry with me.”
While many admire her outfits on social media, Pia Wurtzbach’s travel essentials go beyond just staying prepared. “I feel like I no longer subscribe to the idea that I have to feel ‘ready’ all the time,” she shares. “I ‘leave room’ in my suitcase for new experiences and memories, literally and metaphorically.”
Such a mindset mirrors the functionality of flip and foldable devices, the versatility needed in fast-paced environments, folding seamlessly to fit different scenarios. With the launch of TECNO’S PHANTOM V Flip2 5G and V Fold2 5G, these smartphones are designed to seamlessly transition between roles, just like Wurtzbach does in her multifaceted life. Whether folding for compact use or flipping for a fresh perspective, these devices cater to fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyles.
In an exclusive interview with Vogue Philippines, Wurtzbach reflects on how moments of “flipping” and “folding” have shaped her journey, offering insights that parallel TECNO’s latest devices.
A flip of perspective
It has been known that the TECNO brand ambassador’s life-defining “flip” moment came in 2015 when she won Miss Universe, altering her life’s trajectory. “Suddenly, it wasn’t just about me anymore; it was about how I could use this platform to make a difference,” Wurtzbach shares. That life-changing moment shifted her focus from personal achievement to advocacy, inspiring her to champion causes like HIV awareness and mental health initiatives.
This transition in her life shows how a “life flip,” whether in perspective or purpose, can lead to monumental changes. It’s also a philosophy mirrored with the TECNO PHANTOM V Flip2 5G. With a 6.9-inch AMOLED main screen and a 3.64-inch cover display, the flip phone provides both functionality and flair. Powered by the MTK D8020 processor and boasting 16GB RAM (with 8GB extended RAM) and 256GB storage, it’s built for users who, like Wurtzbach, need a versatile tool to navigate their dynamic lives.
One of the flips in Wurtzbach’s life is shooting her own content, making photography and filming an essential part of her career now. The PHANTOM V Flip2 5G supports this with its 50MP ultra-wide and main rear cameras, 32MP front camera with eye-tracking autofocus, and RAW HDR algorithms for vivid, lifelike shots even in low light, while the classic DV mode for filming adds a touch of nostalgia. With hands-free gesture shooting, the cover screen selfie, and pro-grade portraits with the Universal Tone Algorithm, the phone adapts to her every need.
“Having a compact and versatile gadget is essential for someone like me. My days are never the same. One moment, I’m on a red carpet striking poses and the next, I’m at the gym tracking my workouts or capturing content while traveling,” shares Wurtzbach.
Into the fold
It was also transitioning from Manila to New York after her win that served as a metaphorical “folding away” of the old. “It was such an emotional experience. I had to fold away not just clothes, but the version of myself that I’d been for so long, to step into a whole new chapter. Folding away the old doesn’t mean forgetting it; it’s about making space for growth.”
She continues, “I think I’m also going through something similar now. This time, I am folding away, not forgetting, just folding a tiny bit of my persona as just a beauty queen and taking a leap of faith into the world of fashion.”
This evolution also reflects the essence of the TECNO PHANTOM V Fold2 5G, which combines a 7.85-inch AMOLED main display with a 6.42-inch sub-screen for effortless adaptability. Designed for both work and entertainment, it features the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ processor, a 5-lens photography system with a 50MP main camera, and a long-lasting 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging.
Just as the PHANTOM V Flip2 5G and V Fold2 5G are designed to adapt seamlessly to the needs of their users, the Queen of the Universe author shows that adaptability and intention can transform challenges into opportunities. “I realized that the impact I could make was far bigger than any title. It shifted my focus from achieving for myself to advocating for others, whether it’s through HIV awareness, mental health conversations, or empowering others to believe in their dreams. That moment didn’t just flip my life; it gave it a whole new purpose,” reflects Wurtzbach.
The PHANTOM V Flip2 5G is available in Travertine Green and Moondust Grey. For more information, visit TECNO’s official website. Follow them on Instagram.
