Miss Philippines takes first runner-up, Miss USA wins Miss Universe 2012

Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon was named first runner-up of Miss Universe 2012  held Wednesday (Thursday in the Philippines) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Out of the 89 candidates around the world, 20-year-old cellist Miss USA Olivia Culpo took the crown as this year’s Miss Universe during the coronation night.

Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon, the only Asian candidate who made it to the Top 10. The Philippines nearly had another Miss Universe. Miss Philippines Janine Mari Tugonon came close to breaking the country's decades-long drought for a Miss Universe title when she placed second in this year's pageant. It was the closest that the country has come to the crown since Miriam Quiambao's first runner-up finish in 1999. The Philippines has won the crown twice, with Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Margie Moran in 1973.

Janine answered fashion photographer judge Nigel Barker's question during the Q & A portion.

"As a global ambassador, do you think speaking English should be a prerequisite to being Miss Universe?"

“For me, being Miss Universe is not just about knowing how to speak a specific language. It’s being able to influence and inspire other people. So whatever language you have, as long as your heart is to serve and you have a strong mind to show to people, then you can be Miss Universe.”

Other winners are : 

Miss Venezuela Irene Sofia Esser Quintero  -  second runner-up

Miss Australia Renae Ayris                           -  third runner-up

Miss Brazil Gabriela Markus                         - fourth runner-up

Janine said that she was happy with her second-place finish that she was fortunate to be picked as one of the best among 89 women from different parts of the world.

Janine was born and raised in Balanga, Bataan. She is a BS Pharmacy Cum Laude from UST (with cum laude honors). She has trained in Ballet Manila. She was last year’s Bb. Pilipinas first runner up. Before that, she was also Ms. Pharmacy and Ms. UST — both in 2010. She loves the outdoors and enjoys an active lifestyle. She likes to go hiking and climbing mountains, as well as cooking and traveling. She also loves reading crime related books and watching crime suspense thrillers such as CSI, Criminal Minds and Fringe.