‘Never say die’ mantra pays off for MJ

CEBU, Philippines - Mary Jean Lastimosa is the Philippines’ representative to this year’s Miss Universe pageant. After a four-hour production and a 45-minute deliberation, the 26-year-old from Tulunan, North Cotabato bested 39 other contestants during the Binibining Pilipinas coronation night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Sunday.

The pressure is on Lastimosa — or fondly called MJ by family, friends and fans — as she tries to equal or surpass the recent good standing of the Philippines in the Miss Universe tilt: Maria Venus Raj was fourth runner-up in 2010, Shamcey Supsup was third runner-up in 2011, Janine Tugonon was first-runner up in 2012, and Ariella Arida third runner-up last year. The Miss Universe crown remains elusive 40 years after Margie Moran won the country’s second crown in 1973 (Gloria Diaz took home the first in 1969).

Lastimosa will represent the Philippines in the 63rd Miss Universe pageant in Kyrgyzstan later this year.

Third time is indeed the charm for Lastimosa. She finished second runner-up in 2011, which was won by Shamcey Supsup, and was only a semifinalist in the 2012 pageant dominated by Janine Tugonon. Her second loss was reportedly such a heartbreak, that she vowed to never join again. Apparently, she changed her mind, and gave it one last shot this year.

During the highly anticipated question and answer portion, reigning Miss Universe Gabriela Isler of Venezuela and one of the evening’s judges, asked the Davao-based entrepreneur what she thought was the greatest advantage of being a woman.

“The greatest advantage of being a woman is being able to compose ourselves. Just like here, we’re standing in front of thousands of people not knowing if they’re gonna cheer for us or boo us. But we try to compose ourselves, we keep the emotions and show the beauty that is in us. And tonight, thousands of people are here, celebrating the beauty of a woman,” she answered.

Lastimosa has established her own slimming center in Davao. “Growing up in a war-torn province, she developed values of determination and courage, and this is something she brought to her personal life, her career and her journey to the Binibining Pilipinas crown,” says her profile at the official Binibining Pilipinas website.

Meanwhile, Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti (an International Relations graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University who can speak Portuguese, English, and Filipino) was named Binibining Pilipinas-International, Parul Shah (25-year-old registered nurse from Pangasinan who also joined last year) was named Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism, and Yvethe Marie Santiago (20-year-old certified public accountant from Albay) was named Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational. Binibining Pilipinas–Intercontinental, the fifth and newest Binibining Pilipinas title, was given to Kris Janson.

First in line to take over once any of the newly-crowned Binibinis fail to complete their reign is first runner-up Laura Lehman. The second runner-up spot went to Hannah Ruth Sison.

The rest who made it to the Top 15 were: Julian Aurine Flores, Joana Angelica Romero, Pia Wurtzbach, Nichole Manalo (her elder sister, Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2009 Bianca Manalo was seen heavily cheering from the audience), Zahara Soriano, Emma Mary Tiglao, Kenneth Santiago and Mae Liezel Ramos.

For devoted fans and pageant critics, perhaps the biggest disappointment and head-scratcher that evening was Wurtzbach’s shut-out from the top five, more so even from a runner-up placement. The fan favorite placed first runner-up last year. A former ABS-CBN Star Magic talent under the screen name Pia Romero, she had the benefit of training alongside 2013 queens Ariella Arida, Bea Santiago, Mutya Datul and Cindy Miranda.

Other awards handed out were: Miss Philippines Airlines and She’s so Jag, Pia Wurtzbach; Miss Cream Silk and Miss Avon, Yvethe Santiago; Best in Swimsuit, Mary Jean Lastimosa; Best in Long Gown, Bianca Guidotti; Miss Talent, Gabrielle Tilokani; Miss Friendship, Raquel Kabigting; Best in National Costume and Miss Photogenic, Kris Janson; and Manila Bulletin’s Readers’ Choice Award, Ladylyn Riva.

Judges of the pageant’s 51st edition were reigning Miss Universe titleholder Gabriela Isler, ABS-CBN channel head Cory Vidanes, news anchor Korina Sanchez, collegiate basketball player Jeron Teng, senator Juan Edgardo Angara, Sofitel executive Adam Laker, ABS-CBN executive Carlo Katigbak, consul William Christopher, DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo, Megaworld executive Kevin Tan, and Mexican ambassador Julio Camarena. — With reports from Philstar.com