ABS-CBN airs “Miss Universe 2012” on primetime Sunday

CEBU, Philippines -  Philippines’ bet Janine Tugonon was hailed as the second most beautiful woman in the world after ending as the 1st runner up in the “Miss Universe 2012” pageant aired via satellite from Las Vegas, Nevada on ABS-CBN.

Miss USA Olivia Culpo took home the crown and is about to start her reign as the new “Miss Universe” replacing Angola’s Leila Lopes who won the title last year. Irene Quintero of Venezuela ended up 2nd runner up; Renae Ayris of Australia was third runner up; and Gabriela Markus of Brazil was named 4th runner up.

Janine wowed the judges and the crowd in the swimwear competition with her fabulous figure and signature cobra walk that made her advance to the top ten.

Her elegant pose and unique yet graceful hand gesture also stole the show and stunned viewers in the evening gown portion.

In the question and answer portion, Janine was interrupted by the audience’s applause while answering the final question asked by fashion photographer Nigel Barker: “As an international ambassador, do you believe that speaking English should be a prerequisite to being Miss Universe? Why or why not?”

The Filipina beauty confidently answered, “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. As long as your heart wants to serve and you have a strong mind to show to people, then you can be Miss Universe.”

This is the second time the Philippines placed 1st runner-up in the world’s most prestigious pageant after Miriam Quiambao finished 1st runner up and lost the crown to Ms. Botswana back in 1999.

To date, the Philippines has only won two Miss Universe titles, the first one in 1969 by Gloria Diaz and the second one in 1973 by Margarita Moran.

Janine is a 23-year-old licensed pharmacist and a cum laude graduate of the University of Santo Tomas.

This marks the sixth year since 2007 that the Miss Universe Organization entrusted ABS-CBN as the home of Miss Universe in the Philippines.

Watch the primetime telecast on ABS-CBN Sunday (Dec 23), 11 pm. (FREEMAN)