Miss Philippines Universe 2012 is Janine Tugonon

MANILA, Philippines - Janine Tugonon may not have brought home the crown in last year's Binibining Pilipinas pageant, but she was among the newly-crowned beauties in this year's competition.

Tugonon, a 5'9" ballet dancer who hails from Bataan, was crowned 2012 Binibining Pilipinas Universe in the coronation night at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, April 15, after besting 29 other candidates.

Other titleholders of this year's competition include:
Bb Pilipinas Tourism: Katrina Dimaranan
Bb Pilipinas International: Nicole Schmitt
1st Runner Up: Elaine Kay Moll
2nd Runner Up: Ali Forbes


Tugonon, a Pharmacy cum laude graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, will carry the crown of last year's Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Shamcey Supsup. Incidentally, Tugonon also joined last year's competition along with Supsup, but placed only as first runner-up.

Unlike Supsup who got a lot of special awards last year, Tugonon did not receive any special award in this year's competition. But it was her answer in the Q&A part that gave her an edge among the other finalists for the crown.

Tugonon responded to the question of judge Jose Manuel Rodriguez, who asked: "Many women nowadays forego a happy family life for a successful career. How do you feel about this?"

"I believe that women have the right to choose between what they want. But for me, just go for what God wants you to do. Between the two, whatever it is, you must do what's your purpose in this world. Just have a child-like faith and mature obedience, and everything will go smooth," said Tugonon.

Last year's second runner-up, MJ Lastimosa, also joined this year's competition, but was unplaced.

Special awardees this year are:
Best in National Costume - Nicole Schmitz
Best in Long Gown - Angelie delos Reyes
Best in Swimsuit - Nicole Schmitz
Bb Friendship - Chloe Zanardi
Bb Talent - Katrina Jayne Dimaranan
Manila Bulletin Reader's Choice - Roxanne Tadique
People's Binibini (people's choice) - Giselle Angelica Munoz
Bb Photogenic - Karen Gallman
Bb PAL - MJ Lastimosa
Bb Avon - MJ Lastimosa

source: http://www.rappler.com/nation/3893-ust-grad-crowned-bb-pilipinas-universe