I don’t usually brag like this about our beauty pageant delegates but this picture simply cemented Miss Universe Philippines 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa as one of the girls to watch out for at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in Doral, Miami this month! Pageant fans and pundits know that MJ doesn’t need the help of Photoshop when it comes to that body! This girl is just WOW.
A week after a “rather surprising but well received ” win of three-time joiner Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa at the annual Binibining Pilipinas, the newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines is enjoying (reaping) her reign (hard work) this early with non-stop TV appearances and interviews and much admiration from the public. Lastimosa, who previously joined in 2011 and 2012 and went home crown-less has provided pageant fans and the likes an epic story of determination and resiliency by winning the most coveted title and proving to everyone that if you have a dream, you must never give up on it despite of the many odds in reaching it.
With that, I just want to exclaim how proud I am with MJ. I’ve been a fan since her first stint in 2011 and placed her on top always because I believe that she’s got the capabilities to make us proud and this early, I truly feel it in my guts that MJ will leave an even bigger impression not only with the Filipino people but with the international audience as well. Salamat MJ sa inspirasyon! Mabuhay ka!
p.s
MJ will have her grand homecoming on April 8, 2014 at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium in Amas, Kidapawan City. She will also be gracing the Sayaw Kutawato 2014, one of the highlights of the Centennial Celebrations of Cotabato.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to see up-close the newly crowned Binibining Pilipinas queens as they were presented to the press people at the Balay, Araneta Center. I could say that this batch is truly something from the runners-up to each and every crowned winner. They all have their own aura that set each other apart. The event was also attended by the Queens of 2013 who gave their message of support and encouragement to the new title holders.
I wasn’t able to ask any questions because they mainly focused on the bigger media peeps. So let me just share with you some of the pictures I took from yesterday’s event.
Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa, Miss Universe Philippines 2014 lookig like a goddess!
from L-R: Yvethe Santiago – Bb.Pilipinas – Supranationa, Kris Tiffany Janson – Bb.Pilipinas – Intercontinental, Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti, Bb.Pilipinas – International and Parul Shah, Bb.Pilipinas-Tourism
Here are the 2013 queens giving out their message of support and encouragement.
The 2014 Queens With reigning Miss International Bea Santiago and Miss Supranational Mutya Datul
I’ve seen second runner up Hannah Ruth Sison several times now and I now wished that she style herself like this! What a beauty!
The Kagandahang Flores Queens with their mentor Mr. Rodgil Flores
girls: is it over yet? nope darlings, it’s just starting! lol
With the TV Press
snippets: Ara Arida and Mutya Datul
sidenotes: Mutya Datul signing autograph and her fascinating crown!
I have a feeling that this batch will even be more successful than their predecessor! Goodluck girls! Mabuhay kayong lahat!
Who would’ve thought that the day would come that each one of these girls are all going to be Binibining Pilipinas crowned queens? Ofcourse the three are already winners from this batch, (Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Shamcey Supsup, Binibining Pilipinas International Diane Necio and Binibining Pilipinas Tourism Isabela Manjon) then a year later, Janine Tugonon (1st runner-up) was crowned Miss Universe Philippines whereas the 2nd runner-up Mary Jean Lastimosa who also participated went home empty handed. This year though, it’s still very fresh to us since it just happened last Sunday when Lastimosa finally grabbed the Miss Universe Philippines title. What a beautiful batch indeed because all of ’em are winners!
I collated some write ups that I wrote about the newly proclaimed Miss Universe Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa. I’m just so ecstatic that she finally made it! I’ve been a fan since her first try in 2011 when she was selected second runner-up and my heart broke with her when she didn’t get past the semifinals in 2012 – this year though, MJ was finally vindicated and my sincerest and heartfelt prayers are for her on her journey in this year’s Miss Universe pageant.
via binibining pilipinas
“When she was announced the new Miss Universe Philippines, I feel like crying and hyperventilating! I was shouting for joy at the top of my lungs! Finally, my girl did it and she was rewarded for all her hard work and determination! MJ finally harvested the fruits of her hard labor – it’s been a long and winding road for her but it’s all worth the wait!” – on MJ finally winning Miss Universe Philippines!
“Mary Jean Lastimosa or MJ as she was fondly called never ceases to amaze her fans with her tireless smile in every event of this year’s edition. This is MJ’s third try to win a crown and her perseverance is more impressive than any other repeaters this year. MJ has more competition, no doubt, to win the most coveted crown but I feel that she’s up there and would never let go of what she’s holding on right now without clinching that title. MJ clearly did not diminish as a front runner and she’s bound to finish her last hurrah for the crown, all smile because she knows that after all the heartbreaks and disappointments, she’d still end up successful. After all, she’s still the brightest star in the universe.” – as my top pick for Miss Universe Philippines this year!! Yay!
“She should be more relax and more confident because I know that she can really do it! And this time, I’m hoping that the stars and the whole universe will aligned in her favor!” – upon her application for this year’s pageant.
“I was so disappointed that she didn’t win the Best In Swimsuit category. I really thought that it was already locked for her. She didn’t give a bad answer during the question and answer portion and her articulation was a-okay but I didn’t feel any confidence from her. She should try next year. Please MJ!” – on not winning the Best in swimsuit during the 2011 Binibining Pilipinas.
Congratulations MJ! Bring home the third Miss Universe crown for the Philippines!!!!
Stage / Production: I thought the stage was quite elegant. I love that it did not overshadowed the contestants and the cylinder / tube props looked really great live and on TV! A-
Hosts: Upon learning that Xian Lim will be back to host the event, I was initially disappointed because I thought he did poorly during his 2012 stint. This time though, I was pleasantly surprised because he’s not one bit annoying. He brought with him enough charm to woo the live audience and this year, it went smoothly for him. Good job Xian!
Anne Curtis was of course the darling of the crowd last night. She’s very charming and SO VERY, EXTEMELY BEAUTIFUL! She even belted “Alone” off air while the judges were having their deliberation of the winners. The audience just totally loved her!
On Venus, Shamcey and Janine: Venus is definitely now a pro in hosting. She did extremely well and looked every inch of a beauty queen! It’s a wonder why until now she’s still in competition form! Just amazing! Shamcey on the other hand was beautiful as ever but she sounded too scripted and too hurried. When Janine first appeared, there was a unanimous opinion in our row that she looked unkempt – it must be the hair though. Her second number though was rather alluring and she made it all up from her disastrous first styling. Overall, the three girls did really well.
Opening Number: The opening number which includes the intro of hosts Xian and Anne and of course the introduction of the contestants reminds me so much of the 2011 Miss Universe pageant – it must be the color coding of their outfits.
The Swimsuit Competition: One word – BRAVO. Madam Stella really step up this time around (this I believe totally impressed Miss Universe president Paula Shugart and co.) The ladies are wearing expensive looking swimsuits inspired by the festivals in the country. I love that they were divided into four groups showcasing four different festivals from the Philippines.
The Evening Gown Competition: Oh I just love this part! This is where the eventual winners really stood out! My favorite gowns are from Parul Shah, Bianca Guidotti and MJ Lastimosa. The “White Gown” myth also got into us and made us a bit nervous. Oh, I also love that this segment was super fast!
Best in Swimsuit: I was so happy that finally, MJ was awarded this well deserved title. In 2011 and 2012, I thought she was robbed big time – now, “the body” of the competition was rewarded justly.
Best in Evening Gown: I really thought that this award was just a toss up between Bianca Guidotti and MJ Lastimosa. Bianca was awarded the title which I think was pretty fair.
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
The Announcement of Top 15: Pia, MJ, Bianca, Yvethe and Kris were already shoo in for the semis followed closely by Parul, Tiglao and Lehmann. The rest are surprises for me and it was with sadness that Diana Arevalo and Kim Suiza failed to make it into the semis – esp Suiza because she looks absolutely ravishing last night!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
The Question and Answer portion:
Laura Lehman was asked for her favorite city that best represents her and she answered Armsterdam. I thought it was a cute answer but it could’ve been better if she chose something close from home. Ya’ll know what I mean right?
Pia Wurtzbach was very charming in answering her question but I’m firm in my belief that she would’ve made it had she answered the question in English (even though she was asked by Angara in the vernacular.)
Mary Jean Lastimosa – well, what can I say? Like her answer, the girl was very much composed upon answering her question. She gave it her all and the audience just loved it, even reigning Miss Universe Gabriela Isler who asked the question looks very impressed!
Bianca Guidotti‘s answer was very short and lacks conviction. After her turn, I immediately pegged her for a runner-up finish but clearly, her charm was undeniable in delivering her thoughts.
Nichole Manalo faltered and received an awkward applause from the audience.
Parul Shah was very studied and calculated which I think works well for her.
Yvethe Santiago was really mesmerizing on screen and in person. Her answer along with Lastimosa, Shah and Janson were the clear stand outs!
Kris Janson’s answer was very heartfelt that even host Anne Curtis teared up. I love her spontaneity. I guess what I didn’t like about her last night was her make up which made her looked tired.
Hannah Sison gave a decent answer but she was trying a bit too hard to be charming. Nevertheless, she look so polished last night.
On Emin: He’s quite a charmer and his songs aren’t that bad.
On regining Miss Universe Gabriela Isler: Oh, the crowd just loved her! She’s very pretty and tall! She’s for the record the third Miss Universe titleholder I’ve seen in my life after Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran.
The Announcement Of Winners
2nd Runner-up: Hannah Sison – my friend who’s with me (Rey) and I predicted this and we believe that the judges got it right.
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
1st Runner-up: Laura Lehmann – I was a bit nervous because of some rumors floating in the net that Lehman was the matriarch Stella Araneta’s favorite to win the MUP crown. I’m glad that she didn’t win it because she needs more polishing. She look so pretty though!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
Binibining Pilipinas Tourism: Parul Shah after her performance through the night deserved a crown and I was really hoping that she’ll get this one and she did!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
Binibining Pilipinas Supranational: I predicted Yvethe Santiago to win this title and my intuition was right! Now, we’ve a pretty good chance of nailing a back to back win in Miss Supranational!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental: As the first recipient of this title, Kris Janson made history last night after delivering a good performance and clinching this minor title. I was rather relieved when she was called because it means bigger chances for MJ to win the MUP title!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
Binibining Pilipinas International: Initially, I was not happy Guidotti even won a crown. I was expecting Pia to clinch this but I’m just glad she did because I figured that she and Bea have some similarities. This could really work well for her. Plus, her personality’s too contagious! You gotta love a girl with a very positive personality!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
>that shot when MJ was tearing up almost broke my heart. She must be thinking that she’d lose again since Pia Wurtzbach was still in contention. Lo and behold, her name was call the 2014 Miss Universe Philippines!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When she was announced the new Miss Universe Philippines, I felt like crying and hyperventilating! I was shouting for joy at the top of my lungs! Finally, my girl did it and she was rewarded for all her hard work and determination! MJ finally harvested the fruits of her hard labor – it’s been a long and winding road for her but it’s all worth the wait!
With the coronation night fast approaching, the girls are also stepping up big time for the big day! So without further ado, let me present to you my third hot pick for this season of Binibining Pilipinas!
(L-R) Yvethe Santiago, Kris Janson, Mary Jean Lastimosa and Pia Wurtzbach
Yvethe is this year’s Miss Consistency. Delivering an enduring power of beauty, grace, and charisma isn’t such an easy task, with 39 other girls vying for the most coveted crown. At this stage of the competition, the Miss Universe Philippines crown is yours to lose, girl.
A two feat Miss International crowning isn’t far behind if Kris will eventually snatch the Binibining Pilipinas International title. She could also easily snatch the Universe crown if she played her cards well. Would it be this one or highest honor? For now, I placed her second.
A frontrunner, an expert, and a stage diva. That’s what we need for an attempt to place well come Miss Supranational 2014. MJ has those qualities, and she’s polished even to grab the most coveted title. For now, though, I have a feeling that Binibining Pilipinas Supranational’s the deserved title for her.
I consider Binibining Pilipinas Tourism the least prestigious, but a title is still a title. This, however, belongs to a girl whom I feel can do wonders in China. Pia Wurtzbach, the lone runner-up from last year, is the best for this title for now.
(L-R: 5. Angelique De Leon, 6. Ednornance Agustin, 7. Bianca Guidotti, 8. Kimverlyn Suiza, 9. Diana Arevalo)
Last week, during the Valentines – 12 girls from the pool of 40 hopefuls in this year’s pageant were selected to present their talent at the Farmer’s Plaza Activity Center. So for you to witness the said event, I collected videos of the girls I could find on youtube. Enjoy!
Binibini No.25 Mary Jean Lastimosa via izyl nazareno
Upon watching these videos, I find myself enchanted with Aiza Faeldonia and Mary Jean Lastimosa. They exude such grace and stage presence! While I love Angelique De Leon’s routine being the most original!
So who should win Best In Talent on March 30?
*I am missing Shauna Curran video right here but I will update the list as soon as I found the video*
Their faces and names are already posted in different sites and some of them are already creating enough buzz and hype but it’s the final night on March 30 that matters the most. So after weeks of grueling screening process, callbacks and all – the over 100 applicants of this year’s Binibining Pilipinas were trimmed down to 40! I’ve to say how impressed I am with the quality of the candidates this year. There are a lot of fresh faces who are all very much qualified to win any of the crowns as well as the repeaters who are more ready and more beautiful this time! So here are our Top 40 in groups of 5…
Binibini #1 Julian Aurine Flores; Binibini #2 Mary Ainjey P. Manalo; Binibini #3 Joanna Angelica M. Romero; Binibini #4 Parul Shah; Binibini #5 Hanna Mariz D. Dela Guerra
Binibini #6 Anabel Christine G. Tia; Binibini #7 Aiza Faeldonia; Binibini #8 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach; Binibini #9 Joy Antonette Diaz; Binibini #10 Shauna Indra Salina Curran
Binibini #11 Laura Victoria Lehmann; Binibini #12 Sarah Jireh Asido; Binibini #13 Kris Tiffany M. Janson; Binibini #14 Emma Mary F. Tiglao; Binibini #15 Kimverlyn O. Suiza
Binibini #16 Zahara Mae O. Soriano; Binibini #17 Diana B. Arevalo; Binibini #18 Ellore Noelle Punzalan; Binibini #19 Mae Liezel J. Ramos; Binibini #20 Kenneth Santiago
Binibini #21 Racquel D. Kabigting; Binibini #22 Mary Anne Bianca G. Guidotti; Binibini #23 Nichole Marie R. Manalo; Binibini #24 Ednornance Agustin; Binibini #25 Mary Jean Lastimosa
Binibini #26 Hanna Sheena L. Manuel; Binibini #27 Hannah Ruth Sison; Binibini #28 Carla Jenina Cabrera Lizardo; Binibini #29 Krischelle DG. Halili; Binibini #30 Joy Marie Gangan
Binibini #31 Angelique Celine L. De Leon; Binibini #32 Jeslyn Santos; Binibini #33 Gabrielle Erika Tilokani; Binibini #34 Leonalyn D. Dela Cruz; Binibini #35 Yvethe Marie A. Santiago
Binibini #36 Krystal Alonday; Binibini #37 Vanessa N. Saliba; Binibini #38 Janine A. Asanion; Binibini #39 Ladylyn Riva; Binibini #40 Vessica L. Sambo
So it’s CONFIRMED! Mary Jean Lastimosa or better known as MJ will be participating in the upcoming Binibining Pilipinas pageant. As I mentioned previously, this would be MJ’s third attempt to clinch a Binibini crown after snatching second runner-up during the 2011 edition and a semifinalist placement in 2012. I’m hoping that this time, MJ will be able to maintain the momentum leading up to the big night.
too premature but I can’t help it. via MJ Lastimosa’s FB
I’m no expert when it comes to beauty pageants but having watched the years that she initially joined, I’d like to advise her not to over-think when it comes to answering questions from the judges. She should be more relax and more confident because I know that she can really do it! And this time, I’m hoping that the stars and the whole universe will aligned in her favor!
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