Tugonon back from Las Vegas, thanks Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines - Miss Universe first runner-up Janine Mari Tugonon came home yesterday from Las Vegas, where she successfully competed with 88 other beauties from around the world.

Tugonon waved to the cheering crowd at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 when she disembarked from Philippine Airlines flight PR 107 from Las Vegas at 5:50 a.m.

Tugonon thanked her fellow Filipinos, including those in Las Vegas, who cheered for her during the coronation night.

“Thank you very much to all Filipinos here, in Las Vegas and in other countries who prayed and cheered for me. I really felt your support in Las Vegas,” Tugonon said.

“Organizers of the Miss Universe pageant were really amazed at the Filipino crowd who gathered at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino during the coronation night,” Tugonon said.

Asked about the judges’ decision declaring her as first runner-up when many believe she should have won the crown, Tugonon replied, “Judging is subjective, right?

Of course all of the judges were looking for various qualities in a contestant. But what is important for me is that I did my best. And the reaction of the crowd was great,” she said.

“Miss Universe Olivia Culpo and I have become friends, shoot several times together and most of all, she is also nice,” she added.

When told that she brought honor to the country after boxing champion Manny Pacquiao’s loss to Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez in their recent fight also in Las Vegas, Tugonon said, “Manny will always be the best boxer for me, and the honor that he gave to the country can never be surpassed, even by me.”

Meanwhile, Bataan is preparing a grand homecoming for Tugonon, who hails from Wakas, Orion town, about eight kilometers away from Balanga.

Gov. Enrique Garcia Jr. said they have prepared various programs to welcome Tugonon, who he said showed the whole world that “Bataan can very well compete with other races when it comes to beauty, brains and strength of character.”  – With Raffy Viray