MIAMI, Florida – Miss Philippines wowed the crowd at the Miss Universe Preliminary Competition in Miami, Wednesday night.
The Philippines’ bet MJ Lastimosa made jaws drop as she showed off her perfect figure in a Yamamay two-piece swimsuit and as she elegantly wore a white gown designed by Colombian fashion designer, Alfredo Barraza.
Fellow beauty queens who got to know Miss Philippines throughout the duration of the pageant say they were captivated by Lastimosa.
“She’s such a loving girl,” said Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell. “She’s so sweet. Oh my goodness, always smiling and just a heart of pure gold. I love her.”
“Miss Philippines, she’s a great human being,” said Miss Colombia Paulina Vega. “She’s so beautiful. She’s a total lady and she gave me a gift from the Philippines on my birthday. I really love it.”
“Philippines is a sweetheart,” said Miss Aruba Digine Zimmerman. “We love her. She has a great energy.”
But when Lastimosa came on stage wearing this colorful flower-power inspired national costume created by Barraza,
netizens took to social media to express their dislike.
Some blamed the designer, comparing Lastimosa’s national costume to a floral wedding cake, a Santacruzan gown, or something that reminded them of favorite Filipino desserts such as halo-halo and sapin-sapin.
But for
Miss Philippines, there is more to Miss Universe than just celebrating physical appearance.
“Because it’s not the boxed girl, the most stiffest girl will win,” said Lastimosa. “It’s the girl who enjoyed so much. It’s the girl who is willing to show her real personality. That’s what I’m trying to do now.”
On Sunday, only one of the 88 beauty queens will be crowned the 63rd Miss Universe winner in Miami.
Lastimosa says she can’t thank her Filipino fans enough for the support she received from them wherever they may be.
“It’s overwhelming, super fun,” said Lastimosa. “I did not expect that your love and support will be this strong. Let’s hold on and keep supporting me. Just a few more days till the pageant. So hopefully that night will be our night and hopefully we’ll be able to bring our third Miss Universe crown.”
Miss Universe airs live in the U.S. on Sunday and on Monday in the Philippines.
Read more on
Balitang America.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
