MJ Lastimosa makes it to Miss Universe 2014 Top 15
MANILA, Philippines—Philippines bet Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa kicked off her Miss Universe 2014 campaign on a good start as she broke into the semifinal round of the beauty pageant Monday morning (Philippine time).
Lastimosa was the ninth candidate to be called.
The top 15 candidates for this year’s pageant are:
Colombia—Paulina Vega
Italy—Valentina Bonariva
India—Noyonita Lodh
France—Camille Cerf
USA—Nia Sanchez
Indonesia—Elvira Devinamira
Venezuela—Migbelis Lynette Castellanos
Spain—Desire Cordero
Philippines—Mary Jean Lastimosa
Argentina—Valentina Ferrer
Jamaica—Kaci Fennell
Ukraine—Diana Harkusha
Brazil—Melissa Gurgel
Netherlands—Yasmin Verheijen
Australia—Tegan Martin
Lastimosa looked graceful as she introduced herself while wearing the national costume made by Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza. The said costume, a white terno adorned with yellow, pink, and violet flowers, was slammed by netizens as it reportedly looked like a cake.
88 candidates from around the world competed for the coveted Miss Universe crown at Florida International University in Doral City, Florida state, US. Gabriela Isler from Venezuela is the current title-holder.
Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is one of the judges of the Miss Universe 2014. He was introduced as the “fighter of the decade.” Meanwhile, Miss Universe 3rd runner up Ariella Arida also served as a backstage and red carpet host of the 63rd edition of the beauty pageant.
One of the final questions in this year’s pageant will be given by netizens through posting at the Miss Universe official Facebook page.
The winner is awarded a one-year contract with the Miss Universe Organization as she travels the world promoting the various causes of the organization. She is also given an apartment in the Trump Tower in New York City during her reign. AJH
