Miss Philippines 2012: Janine Tugonon runner up at Miss Universe

Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, stands on stage during the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant at Planet Holywood in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 19, 2012. Eighty-nine countries and territories are participating in this year's pageant. (AFP)

Published Friday, December 21, 2012

By Staff

Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon emerged first runner up at the Miss Universe 2012 Christmas-themed pageant that took place at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Miss Australia, Renae Ayris (L); Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon (C); and Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero (R) stand on stage during the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant at Planet Holywood in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 19, 2012. Eighty-nine countries and territories are participating in this year's pageant. (AFP)

This is the Philippines’ best finish since Miriam Quiambao in 1999. It is also the third consecutive year that a Filipina has made the Miss Universe Top 5.

In 2010 Venus Raj was 4th Runner up and in 2011 Shamcey Supsup was 3rd runner up.

Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon (R) speaks during the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant at Planet Holywood in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 19, 2012. Eighty-nine countries and territories are participating in this year's pageant. (AFP)

Miss USA Olivia Culpo took home the Miss Universe 2012 crown, Venezuela was second runner up, Australia third runner up and Brazil fourth runner up.

Responding to a question by Nigel Barker sent in via Twitter, Tugonon was asked: “As an international ambassador, do you believe that speaking English is a pre-requisite to be Miss Universe”.

Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, stands on stage with other Miss Universe contestants during the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant at Planet Holywood in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 19, 2012. Eighty-nine countries and territories are participating in this year's pageant. (AFP)

Her answer, “For me, Miss Universe is not about being able to speak a specific language, it’s about being able to influence and inspire other people. No matter what language you speak as long as you have
the heart and a strong mind you can become Miss Universe.”

Miss USA Olivia Culpo (R) reacts with Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon after winning the Miss Universe pageant at Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas. (REUTERS)

The top ten in the order they were called Australia, Russia, Brazil, France, Venezuela, USA, Hungary, South Africa, Mexico and Philippines.

The top 16 included Turkey, Peru, Poland, Croatia, Kosovo and India.

Miss USA, Olivia Culpo (R), is congratulated by Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon (L), after Culpo was named Miss Universe 2012 during the Miss Universe Pageant at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 19, 2012. Eighty-nine countries and territories took part in in this year's pageant. (AFP)