Finally, Crowned On Third Try

Mary Jean Lastimosa, the country's bet to the 2014 Miss Universe beauty pageant.

Never give up on your dreams!

This was proven by entrepreneur Mary Jean Lastimosa whose sweet victory came after she was crowned 2014 Bb.Pilipinas-Universe the third time she joined the beauty pageant, during a tense-filled show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City early yesterday morning .

"Never give up on your dreams! And this is my third time. I hope that this will serve as an inspiration. Never say never! If it's in your heart, live your dreams, work on it and never give up,''  said Lastimosa, 26, who will soon represent the Philippines in the 2014 Miss Universe beauty contest.

Moments before her name was announced as the top winner, Lastimosa said a prayer. "I imagined myself wearing the crown. And then I prayed, please Lord, please let me have this.''

Her prayer was answered. The crowd cheered wildly when Lastimosa's name was called, apparently giving a seal of approval to the results of the 51st Bb. Pilipinas contest. Lastimosa joined in 2011 (second runner-up) and 2012 (Top 12 semi-finalist).

A crowd favorite from the start, Lastimosa became emotional when she was crowned by visiting 2013 Miss Universe Gabriela Isler from Venezuela and 2013 Miss Universe 3rd runner-up Ariella Arida.

The beauty queen from North Cotabato earlier won the Best In Swimsuit, an important special award in any beauty contest.

Lastimosa impressed the judges in the question-and-answer portion of the show. Isler asked her about the greatest advantage of being a woman. Lastimosa replied: "The greatest advantage of being a woman is being able to compose herself. Just like here, we're standing in front of thousands of people, not knowing if you're going to cheer for us or boo us. But we try to compose ourselves. We keep the emotions and show the beauty that is in us and tonight, thousands of people are standing here, celebrating the beauty of women."

Lastimosa, who stands 5' 6.5 and measures 36-21-36, has successfully established her own slimming center in Davao. She also plays the violin, loves dancing, travelling and modelling.

The Fil-Arab beauty also revealed in her bio that her inspiration in joining the contest again is Maricar Balagtas, because she joined three times before winning the pageant. Whenever she feels down, she looks up at her and thinks that if she was able to do it, and so can she. 

The Binibining Pilipinas also proclaimed four other queens who will compete in competitions abroad later this year.

Mary Ann Bianca G. Guidotti, 24, of Taguig City, was named Bb. Pilipinas International. She graduated with a degree in European Studies major in International Relations from the Ateneo de Manila University. She graduated with a degree in European Studies major in International Relations from the Ateneo de Manila University. She currently works as a Technical Assistant of the Executive Director at the Community and Family Services International.

Another crowd favorite Yvethe Marie Santiago, 20, of Daraga, Albay was crowned Bb. Pilipinas Supranational. She is a Certified Public Accountant.

Kris Tiffany Janson, 24, of Cebu, was proclaimed Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental. The finance analyst will soon represent the Philippines in an international beauty contest in Europe.

Half-Indian and Half Filipino Parul Shah, 25, registered nurse, completed this year's winners' circle when she won Bb. Pilipinas Tourism.

First runner-up honors went to Laura Victoria Lehman and second runner-up Hannah Ruth Sison.

Winners of special awards were Janson, Best in National Costume and Miss Photogenic; Gabrielle Erika Tilokani, Best In Talent; Racquel Kabigting, Miss Friendship; Santiago, Miss Avon and Miss Creme Silk; Guidotti, Best In Long Gown; Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Miss PAL and Jag Jeans Award; and Ladylyn Riva, Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice Award.

Other Binibinis who made the Top 15 were Julian Flores, Joana Romero, Wurtzbach, Emma Tiglao, Zahara Soriano, Mae Liezel Ramos, Kenneth Santiago and Nichole Manalo.

MB Readers' Choice 

This year's MB Readers' Choice awardee is Ladylyn Riva, 26, of Aklan. She is a registered nurse, a freelance make-up artist and a print commercial model.

Riva is also into tennis, badminton, and wake boarding. People think that she is snobbish but she sees herself as quite friendly.

Riva sacrificed her job since this is her last year of eligibility in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant.

She believes that her experience in the pageant will make her a better person overall and that it would help her get over her habit of doubting herself and her capabilities. She adds that her joining the contest is a tribute t her grandmother who passed away recently.

Riva considers her passing the nursing board exam  as one of the best moments of her life.

The special award was presented by Barbie Atienza, Head of the External Affairs, Manila Bulletin; and Badette Cunanan, Manila Bulletin Public Relations Manager.

Riva received cash prize, gift certificates from the Manila Hotel, and a year's subscription of the nation's leading newspaper.  

'Seflie' shots

Isler, who acted as one of the judges for this year's pageant, appeared amazed at the wild crowd cheering for their favorite candidates.

That's why during commercial breaks, Isler would take "selfie'' shots with the crowd and videos of the roaring audience, reminiscent of crowds during basketball games or boxing bouts.

Aside from Isler, special guests for this year's pageant were Miss Universe Organization President Paula Schugart and Russian pop star Emin. The group left the country yesterday.

Tie-Breaker

A beauty pageant fan, identified as one Elton Li, asked Senator Sonny Angara thru Tweeter why crowd favorite and last year's first runner up Pia Wurtzbach did not make the winner's circle.

It was Angara who asked Wurtzbach in Pilipino during the Q&A portion of the pageant. Wurtzbach also answered in Pilipino, which critics believe the candidate could have pulled it off if she replied in English.

Angara, also a judge in the contest, revealed that Wurtzbach and Sison tied for the seventh place. But Wurtzbach lost a vote to break the tie. While Wurtzbach replied in our native tongue, Isler and Mexican Ambassador Julio Camarena said they appreciated the candidate's answer, Angara said. --- Reposted from my article in The Manila Bulletin, April 1, 2014.