Bataan native Janine Tugonon came in as first runner up in the Miss Universe pageant 2012, placing second to Miss USA.
Making up the Top 5 in the pageant held in Las Vegas, Nevada, were Venezuela, Brazil, Philippines, USA, Australia.
Fourth runner up was Ms. Brazil. Third and second runner up were Australia and Venezuela respectively.
First runner up: Philippines. Tugonon improved upon last year's second runner up placing of Shamcey Supsup. In the year previous that, Venus Raj was third runner up.
This is the seventh time in the history of the pageant that the home candidate won Miss Universe - and the sixth time for the USA to accomplish the feat.
In the question-and-answer portion, Tugonon was asked: "As international ambassador, do you believe that speaking English should be a prerequisite for Miss Universe?"
She replied, "I don't think speaking English is about speaking a specific language. Being Miss Universe is about being able to influence and inspire people, regardless of language."
An online poll may have given Miss Philippines a big boost. The contestant with the highest number of votes was rewarded with an automatic spot in the semifinals round.
Ms. China won the award for Best in National Costume.
Considered an early favorite in the race because of her extensive exposure so far in talk shows and charitable activities like the “Art for Auction” event which benefited the non-profit organization Cure 4 The Kids, Janine is also known for her now famous “cobra walk” that could lead her all the way to the Miss Universe crown.
A native of Orion, Bataan, Janine actually placed first runner-up in last year’s Binibining Pilipinas pageant which was won by Shamcey Supsup, who went on to finish third runner-up in that year’s Miss Universe competition.
Janine decided to join the Bb. Pilipinas pageant again this year, to the mixed reactions of her own family. Given that Janine once rescued her sister’s cell phone from a mugger, she is certainly not the type who easily gives up and backs down from a challenge.
Fortunately, the second time turned out to be a charm as the determination of the 23-year old Pharmacy graduate paid off when she finally won the title and the right to represent the country in this year’s Miss Universe pageant.
With the back-to-back impressive showings of Shamcey and Venus Raj who placed fourth runner-up in Miss Universe 2010, expectations were naturally high for Janine to duplicate, if not surpass, the Top 5 finishes of her two predecessors, who have also served as her mentors for this year’s tilt.
Janine was also up for two other special awards in the pageant namely Miss Congeniality (formerly called Miss Friendship) and Best National Costume where she paraded a Muslim-inspired gown.
Earlier, the Miss Photogenic title was awarded to Miss Kosovo Diana Avdiu.
source: interaksyon.com
