MJ on gown controversy, Maguindanao tragedy

CEBU, Philippines - Miss Universe-Philippines 2014 Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa, a native of North Cotabato, shared her thoughts on Sunday’s bloodshed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Moro rebels, who have signed a peace agreement, attacked police Special Action Force members, killing 44.

The incident was the biggest single-day loss for government forces and may derail the peace process toward the creation of the Bangsamoro region.

Speaking to Philstar.com and other entertainment reporters on Thursday, MJ said: “Peace always starts within you. If these people who’re always taking lives are willing to start peace within themselves, if they’re only willing to accept it, then I think we can have peace.”

She added, “Because we can only fight for peace. But if those people are not willing to accept it and practice peace, then this will never end. It’s not gonna be a peaceful place.”

MJ was asked to comment on the incident as a native of North Cotabato, a province located in Mindanao. In previous interviews, the 27-year-old beauty queen has opened up about her childhood, saying she even saw people being killed in front of her in war-torn North Cotabato.

She said she only heard about the incident that morning of her arrival. “I’m really saddened. My heart was really broken for the families that lost a family member. I know how hard it is.”

She urged Filipinos to pray for the fallen police personnel and their families.

“Sana, tigilan na natin ito. Kasi hindi nakakatulong e, yung patayan. Sobrang hindi nakakatulong, lalo na sa mga bata na nakaka-witness nito,” Mary Jean said. “So, tama na, tama na.”

MJ arrived in the country Thursday after competing in the 63rd Miss Universe pageant. She landed in the top 10 of the competition but failed to enter the finals.

“Kung ano man yung nangyari, I embrace it. I embrace the whole journey. I have no regrets.”

Gown brouhaha

While netizens lauded MJ’s performance in the pageant, many criticized the national costume and evening gown outfits she wore during the competition. Some even blamed the said dresses for her loss in the beauty contest.

A number of netizens also criticized Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) Chair Stella Marquez-Araneta’s decision to hire a Colombian to create the said outfits for MJ instead of getting a Filipino designer.

But MJ remains positive about her Miss Universe experience despite the debacle.

“Ang akin lang d’yan, ako, I love the Filipino designers – Cary Santiago, Leo Almodal, lahat sila. I really believe that we have the best talents here in our country,” MJ said when asked if there’s truth to the rumor that she would have preferred to use a gown she chose for herself.

Reports surfaced that she was choosing between a white gown by Colombian designer Alfredo Barazza and a red gown by Filipino designer Leo Almodal to wear for the pageant. She eventually used the Barazza gown.

But MJ said she treats her stint as the representative of the country to the Miss Universe pageant as a job – and Stella Marquez-Araneta and the BPCI as her boss.

She explained, “But then again, I applied for this competition. I applied for the job and they got me for this job. And I have a boss. And we should always remember that the competition is franchise-owned.”

“So whoever is the owner, in whatever way they want to run the business, it’s their call. And I’m just here to follow what is given to me.”

As for the national costume she wore during the Miss Universe pre-pageant, Mary Jean said it did not affect her standing in the competition.

“As far as I know, the national costume is not part of the judging. It’s just a special event, it’s a special activity where the nations can showcase the best of their country. I don’t think it affected the scores,” she said.

MJ believes she can carry whatever outfit is given to her. “Kahit anong ibigay nila sa akin, I’m gonna rock it. I’m confidently beautiful. And I know whatever I wear, I’m gonna look beautiful on that stage. Yun lang ang laging iniisip ko,” she said.

She also said, referring to the various stories that came out about her during the Miss Universe pageant: “Siguro, feeling ko the pageant fans are very excited and very enthusiastic. So siguro lahat ng mga pangyayari, may story na.”

In the end, MJ believes she gave her best for Miss Universe. “Kasi third time ko ito, e,” she said, referring to the number of times she joined the local Binibining Pilipinas pageant.

MJ added: “I went this far, so sino ba ako to complain. I’m just really thankful that I was given the chance to be there and represent this country.” — PhilStar News Service