Janine Tugonon is back in Manila

First of all, am glad that our prediction of Ms. Janine Mari Tugonon faring well in Miss Universe 2012 came true! She’s now Miss Universe 1st runner up, a good 13 years after Miriam Quiambao was named one. We must say: you really did well Janine! If not for Olivia Culpo (Miss U/Miss USA) being the hometown favorite, you could have been The One. Good work still.

janine tugonon

In an interview aired over ABS-CBN, Tugonon expressed thanks that was able to reach the Miss Universe finals, especially the Top 5. “Thankful na ako na nakarating doon, dahil kaunting Pinay rin lang naman ang nakakarating sa ganoon, sa last spot, so happy na,” she said.

Tugonon added that she was half-expecting that Olivia Culpo will win as Miss Universe since the latter was popular and was heavily involved in pageant activities.”As Miss USA, Culpo was under the same group that organizes the yearly Miss Universe pageant,” Janine noted.

With her stellar finish in Miss Universe 2012, expect Janine to be swamped with offers for endorsements, modelling contracts and who knows, showbiz (like her predecessors). Congratulations to the pride of Orion, Bataan!

Janine Tugonon a favorite for Miss Universe

Janine Tugonon
(Photo credit: missuniverse.com)

As Miss Universe 2012 unfolds in Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday morning (Manila time), we will be batting for the Philippines’ own bet Janine Marie Tugonon who is emerging to be a heavy favorite amid all the lovely contestants from all over the world and getting noticed for her own brand of cobra walk :)

Aside from Tugonon, here’s our bets among those who will most likely make it to the finals/semifinals: Miss Croatia Elizabeta Burg, Miss USA Olivia Culpo, Miss Puerto Rico Bodine Koehler and Miss Venezuela Irene Sofia Esser Quintero.

The 23-year old Tugonon hails from Bataan Province and is a cum laude graduate in pharmacy from the University of Santo Tomas. She stands 5 feet 7 inches.

She placed first runner up to Shamcey Supsup in the 2011 Bb. Pilipinas. The following year, she tried to vie again for the crown and succeeded with her answer to the question: “Many women nowadays forego a happy family life for a successful career. How do you feel about this?”

Tugonon’s reply : “I believe that women have the right to choose between what they want. But for me, you’ll have to go for what God has called you to do, whatever it is, between the two. You must do what your purpose is in this world. Just have a child-like faith and mature obedience, and everything will go smooth.”

Now at least we know she won’t be fumbling if she’s lucky enough to land in the Q & A portion of Miss U :)