Destiny’s winner

(Ed’s Note: Miss Universe first runner-up Janine Marie Tugonon was one of the 16 “Women of Allure” chosen by STAR’s Allure section last June. This article was written before the recent Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas.)

MANILA, Philippines - Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2012 Janine Marie Tugonon is here to conquer the universe.

Janine, shares that like her predecessors Miss Universe 2010 fourth runner-up Venus Raj and Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup, she’s in it to win it. And with the biggest pageant in the universe happening in December, we could all assume that Janine is a knot of nerves. But gazing upon this statuesque beauty, calm and cool like the glass of water in her hand, one would think otherwise. 

She credits her calm, light disposition to ballet, which is her favorite stress-buster. Janine also gives praise to the cause and reason behind all of her success, God. A deeply spiritual and vocal Christian, this Pharmacy cum laude graduate of the University of Santo Tomas finds the confidence she needs knowing that this is all according to His plan.

“Joining Miss Universe was really not my plan, but He led me to it. And my life’s a testimony that He does great miracles,” she beams, recalling that being a beauty queen was the farthest thing from her mind. It was never part of her vision board.

Janine admits she was tomboyish as a kid. Her heart, to this day, still yearns to fulfill her childhood dream of studying criminology and becoming one of the forensic doctors or criminal profilers from her favorite TV shows Criminal Minds, House and CSI.

Revealing a little bit of her competitive streak, Janine shares that despite winning the Binibining Pilipinas first-runner-up title in 2011, she wanted another shot at the Binibining Pilipinas-Universe title. “I’m an achiever. I don’t want any other title. I want the Universe crown!” she shares with firm conviction and a ready, laidback smile.

And how does she feel about the new controversial game changer: the first Miss Universe transgender candidate? Janine says, “Being a man or a woman is something that science can’t change. But if the Miss Universe organization decides (that a transgender candidate is qualified to compete), I will respect the decision. As long as it’s a fair competition. If there are no biases, no favoritism, then it’s okay with me. Go lang. Laban na (I will fight).”

Brimming with confidence and excited for the future that awaits her, Janine Marie Tugonon knows that whatever happens, it is all part of His plan.