Janine Tugonon- Miss Universe 1st runner up

Today everyone was glued  to the 2012 Miss Universe Beauty Pageant. Most were tuned in at home, and others (like us in the office) clamoured on to Twitter for recent updates. The tension was wavering even to us who couldn't witness the prestigious event on screen.

As you know, we were rooting for the Ms. Philippines- Janine Tugonon to bag the crown. She was exactly what the judges are  looking for. A fierce-looking beauty queen who is witty, infectious, and just a total package.

We would've wanted the crown for "Cries" sake. It would be like heaven in our eyes to see Ms. Philippines flaunts her cobra walk, waves her hand and the other holding on to her crown. Then she'll flash her ravishing smile, looks at everyone and speaks out softly, "I am so proud to be a Filipina Miss Universe!"

That would have been a moment. But no.

This is the third year in a row that a Filipina has been in the Top Five of the Miss Universe Pageant, and second to win the first runner up awards.

                                                                                                

Janine Tugonon was raised in the Bataan Province, where she grew up with her mother, sister and grandparents. She spent her childhood going to the farm with her mother and the markets with her grandmother.  An adventurous spirit, Janina enjoys hiking and climbing mountains. She also loves to travel and cook to a true Asian Beauty from the Philippines Filipino dishes. Janine is an avid trader and one day hopes to work as a social entrepreneur.

Renowned photographer Nigel Barker asked Tugonon, 23; As a global ambassador, do you think speaking English should be a prerequisite to being Miss Universe?" Janine answered, "Language isn't the only important thing. As long as you can influence and inspire other people, as long as you have a strong mind, spirit, you can be Miss Universe."

(talking about beauty and brain, right there!)

Janine in one interview, said, that Miss Universe is "a battle of a lifetime", "If I make it here, I feel I can give them hope, and it's an early Christmas gift to them (Filipino community).