Tugonon nearly gets Miss Universe crown

MANILA, Philippines - Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Janine Tugonon nearly took the 61st Miss Universe crown in Las Vegas on Wednesday night (Thursday morning in Manila).

Tugonon was named first runner-up and the crown was given to Miss USA Olivia Culpo.

The other candidates who made it to the Top 5 were Irene Sofia Esser Quintero of Venezuela, Renae Ayris of Australia and Gabriela Markus of Brazil.

During the question and answer portion of the pageant, judge Nigel Barker asked Tugonon: "Do you believe that speaking English should be a prerequisite to being Miss Universe, why or why not?"

Tugonon replied: "It's about influence and inspiring people and not about language... As long as you have a strong heart and a strong mind, you have what it takes to be Miss Universe."

In a poll in Philstar.com's LIVE Blog of the pageant, majority of those who voted went for Tugonon's answer.

Several Filipino readers who joined the LIVE Blog believe that with Tugonon's answer, the Philippines had better chances of taking the crown, which has been elusive for the country in decades.

Two Philippine beauties -- Shamcey Supsup and Venjus Raj -- were also included in the Top 5 in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The Philippines has been able to get the Miss Universe crown twice. Gloria Diaz took the crown for the Philippines in 1969 followed by Maria Margarita "Margie" Roxas Moran in 1973.