MJ should've been next to me, Miss Jamaica says

MANILA – Miss Universe fourth runner-up Kaci Fennell of Jamaica shares the same sentiment as millions of Filipinos who thought that Mary Jean Lastimosa should have been part of the international pageant’s Top 5.

Lastimosa, who was the Philippines’ bet in the prestigious beauty competition, made it only to the Top 10 of Miss Universe, breaking the string of Top 5 finishes for the Philippines since Venus Raj in 2010.

Paulina Vega of Colombia was crowned Miss Universe during the coronation night in Miami, Florida on Sunday (Monday in Manila). The rest of the Top 5 came from the United States, Ukraine, Netherlands and Jamaica.

Speaking on “Umagang Kay Ganda” Tuesday morning, ABS-CBN News entertainment reporter Ginger Conejero shared that she was able to talk to Fennell after the competition and she talked about the pleasing personality of Lastimosa.

“After nung pageant, inabangan namin sila sa labas ng arena. Habang ini-interview namin si MJ, 'yung ibang mga candidates na dumadaan dala-dala 'yung mga maleta at gowns nila, sumisigaw sila na ‘We love you, Philippines!’”

“Si Miss Jamaica, nakausap din namin afterwards. Sabi niya, ‘You know, Miss Philippines should have been right there next to me,’” Conejero reported.

Conejero went on to say that even the other journalists were raving about Lastimosa’s performance during the entire run of the competition.

“Binigay talaga ni MJ lahat and nakita at na-appreciate ng marami sa mga candidates, even other medias na lumalapit, they say na ‘Ang galing galing ng kandidata niyo,’” she said.

According to Conejero, this was also how the judges and hosts of the pageant perceived the Filipina beauty queen.

“Before the coronation night, na-interview namin 'yung mga judges, mga musical performers, hosts ng show. Hindi naman siguro nila tayo binobola kapag marami silang nagsasabi na napansin nila sa MJ. More than that, napapansin nila na yung mga kandidata na pinapadala ng Pilipinas ay palaban and laging may chance to really go for the crown,” she said.

Shortly after the pageant, Lastimosa took to Instagram to thank all of her supporters, adding that she is proud to represent the Philippines in Miss Universe.

It took Lastimosa three attempts before getting the Binibining Pilipinas Universe crown, which enabled her to join the international pageant.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

What Miss Universe contestants have to say about MJ Lastimosa

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

MJ Lastimosa wows crowd in Miss Universe preliminaries

MANILA – Mary Jean Lastimosa made sure she’s not left behind when she flaunted her spectacular body during the Miss Universe preliminary competition.

Along with 87 other contestants, Lastimosa participated in the pageant’s evening gown and swimsuit competitions on Wednesday night (Thursday morning in Manila).

For the evening gown portion, Lastimosa donned an elegant white gown, which according to her mentor, was designed by Colombian fashion designer, Alfredo Barraza.

She also displayed her fierce catwalk skills when she came out on stage wearing a pink two-piece bikini.

Many Filipinos who were in the audience erupted in cheers each time Lastimosa walked the runway.

Based on the contestants' performance in the preliminary round, the judges will pick the Top 15 hopefuls who will advance to the Miss Universe finale to be held on Sunday in Florida.

The preliminary round judges were Azeucena Cierco, Lloyd Boston, Corinne Nicolas, Michelle McLean-Bailey, Jeneine Doucette White, Tyler Tixier and Jimmy Nguyen.

Hosted by TV presenter Roxanne Vargas and reigning Miss Universe Gabriela Isler, the preliminary round was streamed live on the official website of Miss Universe Organization.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Beauty queen admits getting body enhancements

MANILA – Miss Universe-Philippines 2014 Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa believes there is nothing wrong with body enhancements, admitting that she went through these herself.

In an interview on the ABS-CBN show “Tapatan Ni Tunying” which will be aired on Thursday, Lastimosa revealed that she underwent some enhancements to improve her teeth and skin.

“My teeth and skin were enhanced. I had to undergo laser treatments and the like,” she said.

“If it does not give you bad effects, I don’t think there is something wrong,” she added.

Filipinos have high expectations from Lastimosa following the Philippines’ consecutive Top 5 finishes in Miss Universe since 2010 (Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, Janine Tugonon and Ariella Arida).

The country also produced a number of beauty titlists in 2013 – Bea Rose Santiago won Miss International, Megan Young won Miss World, and Mutya Datul won Miss Supranational.

When asked if she feels pressured by the achievements of her predecessors, Lastimosa said: “I think it’s an advantage. I need that pressure to unleash the best in my performance.”

Aside from Lastimosa’s interview, “Tapatan Ni Tunying” will also feature “Pinoy Big Brother” ex-housemate Beauty Gonzalez, who transformed from a chubby teenager to a sexy cover girl.

“We used to eat five times a day. So when I need to lose weight, it was really a challenge. I used to cry while running. I do Crossfit, I run, I swim, bike and everything. I have to be disciplined when it comes to eating,” she said.

“Tapatan Ni Tunying” airs every Thursday at 4 p.m. as part of ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold afternoon block.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com