So I was actually late at the venue and the male host Xian Lim just announced the winners of some special awards and right after was the announcement of the top 12 semifinalist. It was an easy call because my favorites were all called except for Jaine Hidalgo. I really wondered why? Hmmm. Anyways, I was very satisfied with most of the candidates answers during the Q and A portion with just a couple of ladies faltering in answering their questions – those were Liezl Alcantara who apparently “misheard” the question and Annalie Forbes who really had “an old fashion choking moment” but was allowed to answer beyond the 30 seconds limit. I thought she handled herself well and was still very poised. It was just surprising that she end-up winning 2nd runner-up with Elaine Kay Moll, the tallest candidate hailed as the first runner-up.
I actually predicted the two main winners correctly, that is Nicole Schmitz for Binibining Pilipinas – International and Katrina Dimaranan for Binibining Pilipinas- Tourism but I was in total awe when they annouced Janine Tugonon’s name as the successor for the Miss Universe – Philippines. I mean, it was a bit expected since there were rumors that the title was already reserved for her but I really thought that crowd’s favorite MJ Lastimosa outshined her all through out the evening who is also a repeater of the pageant.
Anyways, it’s all good though. Janine still has about eight months to prepare for the Miss Universe and I’m hoping that she’ll represent our country as well as the other two in such a way that we could be proud of!
Good luck Ladies!
the rest of the top 12
1 – Karen Gallman
7 – Patricia Lae Ejercitado
9 – Mary Jean Lastimosa
14 – Gina Joy Howell
16 – Liezl Alcantara
26 – Angelee Claudett De Los Reyes
30 – Sherlyn Gonzales
SPECIAL AWARDS
Best in Swimsuit: #8 Nicole Schmitz
Best in Evening Gown: #26 Angelee Claudett delis Reyes
Miss Congeniality: #25 Chloe Zanardi
Miss Philippine Airlines: #9 Mary Jean Lastimosa
Miss Avon: #9 Mary Jean Lastimosa
Miss Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice: #20 Roxanne Tadique
People’s Choice: #21 Giselle Angelica Munoz
Best in National Costume: #8 Nicole Schmitz
Miss Photogenic: #1 Karen Gallman
Miss Talent: #13 Katrina Dimaranan
