Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and businessman Jeremy Jauncey confirmed their relationship with no less than a Tatler Philippines cover for the magazine's June issue. The cover was released on Monday i.e., 1st June 2020. The two were shot by photographer Nigel Barker, best known for his stint as a judge on America's Next Top Model. The cover story titled “The Perfect Pair,” had the couple chronicling how their relationship blossomed after a chance meeting in London.
In a recent interview, the couple spoke about their relationship and how flattering it has been. Jauncey mentioned “That photo taken in Hong Kong with me in the background of a fan shot and the shot of Pia in Indonesia wearing my Ray-Bans with her reflection seen in my stove are all part of our story now. People have been so supportive and so encouraging despite not really knowing the full story, and I’m very grateful for that.”
Jeremey mentioned that Pia blew him away the first time they met in London and Pia agreed that there was an immediate spark. Pia stated that it was Jeremy who made the first move and came up to her and told her about how much he loved the Philippines, where he had been to a few times for work. "We couldn't stop talking. I found him to be such a warm person and I like that he was always smiling,” Pia continued.
Pia who had just come out of a long-team relationship, asked for a courtship stage before they moved forward in any capacity. Though she did not have reservations about dating again so soon, she was not actively looking for a romantic partner, instead keeping herself busy with work. Beautiful Destinations CEO and Tatler Asia contributing travel editor; Jeremy stated that Pia sets the parameters in their relationship which he happily accepts. “It was a chance to show that I was serious about her and I wanted to be a gentleman about it which was very important to me. Imagine, we first met in London, then Hong Kong, then Indonesia, and then New York—talk about unconventional. I don’t think either of us would have made the investment if we didn’t think early on that it was worth it”, Jeremey continued.
The couple also spoke that they wanted to make sure that they have built a good foundation for their relationship before going public with their appearance. The businessman who is smitten by the Filipina beauty states that he has always felt a close connection with the Filipinos because they’ve always been kind to him. "So, to all detectives out there, thank you! We knew how much we liked each other, but we wanted to spend quality time with each other and build something strong before we made any official announcements," he continued.
Asking about how does she feel right now and about Jeremy, Pia stated, “I never thought I would find a guy who is just as motivated as I am—and then he came along. I felt like I met my male version! He is so passionate about business and health; I’ve been learning so much from him. We come from completely different backgrounds but easily find ways to connect and relate with each other. He’s also very loving and funny. We always have the best time when we’re together.”
Jeremy describes Pia as an inspiration, strong, independent woman who always delivers while being kind, loving, and sweet. He mentioned that people might know her as Miss Universe but a little do they know is that she also has a great business instinct which just switches on behind camera. Pia is genuine and people would know once they meet her. The couple focused on the fact that they conversed a lot which is one of the keys in establishing a relationship. They spoke openly about their pasts, what they wanted to achieve in terms of career, and what they were looking for in terms of love. They also enjoyed the support and enthusiasm from family members and close friends, which, according to Pia, helped make things easier.
The couple went to Indonesia and Hong Kong together and remembering their trip to Hong Kong, Jeremy mentioned that it was very special. “I remember sitting in a park, watching kids running around. It all felt so easy and natural. It was then that I knew I wanted to be with her.” Pia added, “It felt so special to me because I rarely have moments like that. I felt like he was getting to know me—me, as in just Pia. Not the celebrity, not Miss Universe. Just me. I felt like a real person.”
Pia also agrees to Jeremy and mentioned that she didn’t want to make the same mistakes by announcing her relationship to public too soon. "We wanted to make sure we set a good foundation for our relationship before we came out in the open. I've made a mistake of sharing too much too soon before, and I wanted to make sure I did it right this time." Pia was interviewed by a magazine sometime back where she mentioned about her partner but decided to keep his name under warps, "I can be my full self. I can be my full Pia, 100% empowered Pia, fight mode all the time; I can be the alpha that I am, all the time. I don’t have to filter myself for anyone anymore," Pia mentioned back then.
Jeremy Jauncey’s work takes him on a journey to some of the most beautiful places in the world, which led him to parlay his passion into a multiplatform business. Jauncey’s social media account is as aspirational as any travel-centric social media account can get, showcasing wondrous sights that help bring people together. A Global Ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund and an advocate of sustainable tourism, he champions climate change awareness wherever he goes.
The two have a very hectic and busy work life but they somehow manage to swoon each other every time. Their busy schedules allow them to motivate and support the other significant to reach greater heights. Texting, Facetiming, vacations and much more has kept their spark alive and they share their calendars with each other to soothe the plans. “We made a promise to always make time for each other no matter how busy we are, no matter where we are in the world. We don’t see the distance as a disadvantage; rather, we think of the world as our playground.”
Due to the outbreak of Covid19, the two have been making the best of what is available to them. “We text or call every day to keep updated on each other’s lives. If she’s in a different time zone, I’ll usually find Pia in her kitchen with a green smoothie or a coffee, getting ready for her day ahead. On weekends, we try to have a special Saturday date night where we dress our tables, light some candles, and put on the playlist she made for me on Spotify. There’s one place in Manila that still sells flowers, so I get to send some to her.”
Wanting to be of help, Miss Universe 2015 began by sourcing out suppliers, putting in an order for 5,000 masks to donate to four hospitals when she got in touch with a reputable one. This initiative quickly ballooned, leading her to set up a crowdfunding page to invite people to pitch in with either small or large monetary increments. Ordering in bulk would help bring the prices down, which would equate to more masks to give out. “My initial goal was to donate 25,000 masks, but with the help of everyone who donated, I was able to give out 44,000 masks [approximately PhP1M worth] to 30 hospitals as of this writing.”
The supporting partner mentioned “I am so proud of her. She is an inspiration to millions and continues to inspire me every day. I am incredibly grateful to all the front liners that have kept going through this crisis to support people. We still have a long and difficult road ahead, and they deserve all the praise and support for what they have done.”