Janine Tugonon is 1st Runner Up for Miss Universe 2012

I was following the Miss Universe pageant on Twitter today and I was riveted by all the funny comments! I love that Twitter didn't fail me. Come awarding time, I was on the edge of my seat. Everyone was predicting that Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, would win because of her answer and beauty.

It was not meant to be. :( I was disappointed because I wanted to see a Filipina Miss Universe in my lifetime - today, preferably - but there is a next year! I'm still happy and proud that Miss Philippines won 1st runner up! This is the closest we've been to the crown in a while!

I loved her answer to the question on whether English should be a prerequisite for being Miss Universe. Janine said, "For me being Miss Universe is not just about knowing how to speak a specific language, it's about being able to influence and inspire other people. So whatever language you have as long as your heart is deserving and you have a strong mind to show to people, then you can be Miss Universe." Boom! I didn't like the question though. It was inane, almost too easy. Our home girl did us proud with an answer that was short yet meaningful.

Congratulations Janine! You've inspired us all!