Will Janine be it?

MANILA, Philippines - Barely an hour after I arrived in Las Vegas, I was able to finally meet Miss Universe-Philippines 2012, Janine Mari Raymundo Tugonon, during the rehearsals for the finals of the pageant scheduled today (Dec. 19, US Time). The former Miss UST is indeed one of the frontrunners in this year’s pageant. She has made the list of most pageant-related websites worldwide, which is oftentimes a gauge of how our representatives are impacting pageant fans all over the world.

I have spoken with several candidates and as soon as they find out that I am Filipino, they would praise Janine. Even strong contenders for the title have mentioned her as a shoo-in for the Top Five. Many pageant fans from around the world who have traveled here just to watch the pageant have also intimated their adoration for our representative. They are also excited to see two former Filipina queens in the venue. Venus Raj, 2010 Miss universe fourth runner-up, is here covering the pageant for ABS-CBN and of course, Shamcey Supsup, Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up, is doing the behind the scenes for the telecast of the pageant. A South American pageant aficionado commented that our country has been sending very strong contenders since 2010 and it won’t come as a surprise if Janine bags the title this year.

It has been 39 years since Margarita Moran in 1973 and I personally believe that it is about time we win as well. Janine is very thankful for the unwavering support of her kababayan. She is definitely overwhelmed by the presence of hundreds of Filipino fans who patiently wait for her outside the venue during rehearsals. It is interesting to note that Janine’s guest list (people who can watch the rehearsals inside the venue) has the most number of names. Miss Universe staff handling guests are amazed by the strong support for her.

After seeing all the delegates up close, I have to say that the strongest competitors this year, who will give Janine a run for the crown include Misses Venezuela, Croatia, South Africa, Australia, Mexico, Czech Republic, USA, Ecuador, Georgia, France, Malaysia, Albania, Chile, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Albania.