Janine Tugonon champions true beauty as Avon's newest endorser

MANILA, Philippines - Janine Tugonon’s performance during the 2012 Miss Universe pageant, much like her beauty, captivated the imagination of Filipinos here and abroad. Social media went crazy as supporters cheered her on as she moved into the Top 16, Top 10, Top 5 and eventually, the final two.

A  woman of substance, she is most remembered for impressing the judges and audiences  worldwide  with  her  simple  yet  heartfelt  answer in the Miss Universe Top  Five  Q&A  portion:  “Being  Miss Universe is not just about knowing  how  to speak  a  specific  language,  it's  about  being able to influence and inspire other people. As long as your heart is deserving and you have a strong mind to show to people, then you can be Miss Universe.”

While USA went on to win the title, there is no doubt that Janine is the true winner in the hearts and minds of her countrymen.

So with her title firmly secured, it is evident that Janine’s strong will, sheer determination to succeed, and heart and passion for God make her the best ambassador for women, beauty, and class. And leading global beauty company Avon is right to notice her and make her its newest endorser for its fragrance, color, fashion jewelry, and watch lines.

“Avon is a brand I’ve known and patronized for years,” Janine says. “But more than the beauty products it offers Filipina women, I’m also impressed with the company’s  efforts  to  provide  earning  opportunities  for its Representatives,  and take  part  in  addressing  causes such as the fight against domestic violence and breast cancer.”

The 5’8” 23-year-old morena stunner from Bataan, who is also a licensed pharmacist and cum laude graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, admits that it wasn’t in her plans to become a beauty queen. But after learning that she was being considered for Bb. Pilipinas, she put her heart, mind, and soul to make her country proud.

Avon  Senior Vice President and President for Asia Pacific and Philippines, Bob Briddon, says of Janine:  “More than representing the Philippines in the Miss Universe Pageant, which she did very well, Janine also represents what Avon stands  for: beauty  inside  and  out.”   He adds, “She also inspires and influences others to make a difference so naturally, we are more than happy and proud to welcome her to the Avon family.”

Perhaps what adds to Janine’s appeal is her strong yet grounded characteristic. An active user of social media, Janine interacts with her followers on Twitter where, like most of us, she enjoys posting pictures of family, friends, and food.

Janine adds that fans and supporters also tell her via social networking sites how much her achievement has inspired them. While unsure at first how to respond to such praises, Janine has now come to see her position as a way to proactively encourage and motivate others to pursue their dreams.

“Social media is very powerful because the extent of your influence reaches different parts of the world,” Janine says.

When asked what advice she would give young ladies who wish to follow in her footsteps, she still answers with the same sentiment and the same strong conviction: “It’s going to be a tough task. But with hard work, determination, and a strong faith and relationship with God, you can do it.”

Barely two months into carrying out her new responsibilities as a reigning beauty queen, Janine is just beginning to savor the moment.

“Right now, I’m enjoying it so much. I really, really love what I’m doing,” she enthuses, smiling.

“I’m very much honored to be part of the Avon family,” Janine states. “I hope  to  put my  influence  to  good use by making the brand—not just its products,  but  its message  for  women  and the causes it stands for—more accessible  and  relatable to  Filipina  women  through  my  own  personal connection to Avon.”

Check out our exclusive video below to hear more from Janine: