Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon did her country proud, as on the night of Dec. 19th in Las Vegas, NV, the Pinay beauty queen comes in second only to the gorgeous Miss USA Olivia Culpo, who was just crowned Miss Universe for 2012.
Hosted by Bravo TV’s Andy Cohen and E! News correspondent Giuliana Rancic, this year’s show was held at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, and was represented by 89 stunning women, all vying for the crown.
Literally.
And Tugonon, for her part, was absolutely spectacular. She was well-represented within the crowd, as a large fan base of Filipinos came in full force to cheer on her. Tugnon, 23, displayed a well-rounded presentation as a candidate for the title, and she had one of the more impressive question-and-answer showings of the night.
Drawing a “Twitter Question” in the Q&A portion, judge Nigel Barker asked: “As an international ambassador do you believe that speaking English is a prerequisite to be Miss Universe? Why or why not?”
Tugonon responded – “For me, being Miss Universe is not just about knowing how to speak a specific language. It is about being able to influence and inspire other people. So whatever language you have, as long as your heart is deserving, and (if) you have a strong mind to show people, then you can be Miss Universe.”
20-year-old Olivia Culpo, who was just as stunning in her red dress, also left a humble impression in the Q&A. After being asked whether she had she had ever done something she regretted, she replied:
“I’d like to start off by saying that every experience no matter what it is, good or bad, you’ll learn from it. That’s just life,” she said.
“But something I’ve done I’ve regretted is probably picking on my siblings growing up, because you appreciate them so much more as you grow older.”
Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, took second runner-up, and Miss Australia Renae Ayris, and Miss Brazil Gabriela Markus rounded out the Top 5.
(Feature Photo Credits: AP Photo/Julie Jacobson | *Images are hyperlinked to origins)
