Miss Philippines Universe 2012 Janine Tugonon: 'Losing is not an option'

MANILA, Philippines - Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Janine Mari Tugonon’s road to the Miss Universe could only be described as a long and arduous journey. Hounded by questions and the pressure of living up or finishing better than her predecessors, the BS Pharmacy Cum Laude at the University of Santo Tomas has been showing composure leading up to the competition later this month by focusing her energy and attention on the task at hand.

“When I won the Miss Universe Philippines 2012 title, I felt really pressured,” the 5'7" stunner from Bicol said. “Now that the actual competition is fast approaching, emotions are much more intense, but I also feel calm and confident knowing that I can and that I will give my best. I’m 100 percent ready.”

And it doesn’t hurt to keep the words of Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner-Up Shamcey Supsup in mind who told Janine to stay true to herself no matter what. Supsup and 2010 4th Runner-Up Venus Raj are both convinced that Janine has what it takes to shine in this year's competition.

Janine’s pre-pageant trainings included frequent trips to the gym, which can be described as rigorous. Her love for ballet became useful in terms of weight loss as she dances at home to help shed the unnecessary pounds.

Together with her fellow Binibining Pilipinas 2012 winners, she continued to perfect the pasarela or the beauty queen’s way of walking. She also underwent language and personality development trainings, took crash courses in sociology and philosophy, and even perfect the way she projects herself in front of the camera. She has even developed her own “walk”, which has been dubbed as “the cobra”.

Janine’s schedule also included endorsements as the official representative of the Araneta Group. In between all of these, she even manages to do television guest appearances and media visits to help her interact with different audiences and situations.

“I believe this is where I’m really meant to be,” Janine said. “Losing is not an option. I have to set my mind on winning.”

The 61st Miss Universe Pageant will be telecast live from Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino,Las Vegas, Nevada on December 19, (December 20 Philippine Time). It will be aired on ABS-CBN. Andy Cohen and E! News co-anchor Giuliana Rancic will host the widely viewed event.

Janine recently joined fellow Miss Universe aspirant Miss Mexico Karina Gonzales in a photo opportunity with Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez. Pacquiao, who will be fighting Marquez on December 8 (December 9 Manila time) in Las Vegas, wished Janine luck and told her to just do her best and pray to God.

Manny Pacquiao, left, and Juan Manuel Marquez, right, pose for photos with Miss Universe contestants Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon, second from left, and Miss Mexico Karina Gonzalez during a news conference, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012, in Las Vegas. Pacquiao and Marquez are scheduled to face off in a welterweight boxing match on Saturday. The Miss Universe contest is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas on Dec. 19. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Janine is also hoping that pageant-crazy Filipinos all over the world will support her via online voting and by watching the pageant. Voting is ongoing at www.missuniverse.com wherein the contestant with the most number of votes secures a place in the semifinals. To go to Janine’s profile, click on this link: http://www.missuniverse.com/members/profile/652683/year:2012

Voting ends on Tuesday, December 18 at 6:00 pm.

After several months of wait and preparation, Janine is ready to be the Philippines’ newest source of pride. “I will give it my all, but I can’t win the crown on my own. I need your prayers and support,” she says.