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 3^rd runner up Ariella Arida also served as a backstage and red carpet host of the 63^rd 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