MANILA, Philippines--She may have only placed 1st runner up in 2011 but this year, Janine Tugonon wears the crown as Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2012.
Tugonan, a BS Pharmacy cum laude graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, bested 23 other candidates in last night's biggest search for the country's most beautiful woman who will compete for this year's Miss Universe competition in December.
The 22-year-old Bataan native placed 1st runner up in 2011, when architect Shamcey Supsup won the crown and eventually placed 3rd in the Miss Universe.
Although she was barely noticed during the competition and didn't win any other special prize, Tugonan won the judges over during the question-and-answer round.
When pageant judge Jose Manuel Rodriguez asked Tugonon, "Many women nowadays forego a happy family life for a successful career. How do you feel about this?”
She answered: "I believe that women have the right to choose between what they want. But for me, just go for what God wants you to do. Between the two, whatever it is, you must do your purpose in this world. Just have a child-like faith and mature obedience, and everything will go smooth.”
After the Q&A round, Tugonon was judged as the winner, while Nicole Schmitz was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-International and Katrina Dimaranan as Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism.
Schmitz and Dimaranan will both compete later this year.
Completing the top 5 were Elaine Moll (1st runner up)and Ann Forbes (2nd runner up).
Will she win?
Following a back-to-back Top 5 finish in the Miss Universe competition, popular beauty pageant blog Missosology.org posed a question on its website, whether or not Tugonon will fare better in the competition or make an early farewell?
As of 5 pm, most of the respondents said Tugonan might likely be "out" of the Top 5 owing to her lackluster pre-pageant performance.
But there are those who said Tugonon might be the dark horse of the competition and make a three-peat of the Top 5 performance for the country.
Since 2010, the Philippines has been placing in the Top 5 of the Miss Universe pageant. Venus Raj finished at Top 5, following what many saw was a blunder in the Q&A round. Supsup followed in 2011 with a Top 3 finish.
The last time the Philippines placed higher than Top 3 was in 1999 when UST-alumna Miriam Quiambao placed 2nd in the competition.
The Philippines currently has two Miss Universe winners: Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Margie Moran in 1973.
source: interaksyon.com
