Bb. Pilipinas Int’l Diane Necio inspired by Shamcey Supsup’s run in Miss Universe

Diane Necio. Source: www.bbpilipinas.com

MANILA, Philippines—After Binibining Pilipinas Shamcey Supsup’s impressive third runner up finish in the recently concluded Miss Universe pageant, all eyes are now trained on Diane Necio, the country’s representative to the Miss International competition which will be held in China on November 7.

But the 19-year-old Bicolana is unperturbed, saying she is more inspired rather than pressured by Supsup’s accomplishment in the international arena.

“I’m definitely inspired,” Necio told the Philippine Daily Inquirer during the Miss Universe viewing hosted by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) at the Araneta Coliseum’s VIP room Tuesday morning. The Philippine Daily Inquirer was the only newspaper in the exclusive affair.

“We believed in Shamcey from the very beginning. We are very proud of her. And I hope I will also do the country proud in the Miss International pageant,” she added.

She also praised Shamcey’s performance in the entire Miss Universe pageant, held Monday night (Tuesday morning, Manila time) at the Credicard Hall in Sao Paulo, Brazil. “She was so great! We were confident of her. And I know she will share with me some tips when she comes home,” declared Necio.

Aside from Necio, Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism Isabella Manjon and first runner up Janine Tugonon were also impressed with Supsup’s presentation.

“She did her best, in her walk in swimsuit and evening gown, she really did her best!” exclaimed Manjon. “We’re proud of her. Getting in the Top 5 is an achievement on its own, and she is very much deserving,” she added.

Tugonon, meanwhile, said: “She’s great! I’m super grateful to God. Come to think of it, there were more than 80 countries and she placed fourth. Every Filipino should be proud of what she has accomplished.”

She also would not have wanted Supsup’s performance any other way. “She did her very best. If she had done something differently, whatever is destined for her will take place. That is what God has planned for her,” Tugonon continued.

Second runner up Mary Jean Lastimosa, one of Supsup’s close friends, was not able to join the viewing because she was not feeling well and had to stay home.

But she sent this message to the Inquirer via text: “Ang galing ni Shamcey!”

Necio expressed optimism that Supsup’s success would rub off on her in her campaign for the Miss International pageant title. “I am now more eager to compete!” she declared.

Necio’s trek towards the local title took an interesting turn. She was proclaimed first runner up in the 2010 Binibining Pilipinas pageant, won by eventual Miss Universe fourth runner up Venus Raj, but had to resign and give up part of her prize package to rejoin the pageant earlier this year. Her move was unprecedented.

Her runner up placement then involved an 18-month contract with the BPCI, but she realized this hindered her from chasing her dream of bagging a title to represent the country in an international contest.

And her risk paid off. She was rewarded with a title and earned the right to represent the country in the Miss International pageant, where the country has been most successful.

The Philippines already has four Miss International winners—Gemma Cruz (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979) and Precious Lara Quigaman (2005).