MANILA, Philippines - Janine Mari Tugonon (top row, 14th from left, with the 87 other Miss Universe aspirants) meets reigning Miss U Leila Lopes (of Angola) in Las Vegas where the new title-holder will be chosen on Dec. 19 (Dec. 20, Manila Time, covered live by ABS-CBN). I requested Janine to seek out Leila during the rehearsals; wish granted. As of Dec. 10, the leading online magazine Global Beauties has placed Janine on the fourth spot (third runner-up) among ‘the most likely’ Top 16 semi-finalists, and voted her Miss Photogenic of Asia and one of the Top 10 Faces of the Year. Because the pageant’s 61st edition is held this holiday season, the candidates are featured in unique Christmas cards.
— Reported by Funfare’s ‘other beauty expert’