MANILA, Philippines―Filipina beauty queens turned emotional when their fellow title-holder Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa failed to break into the final five of the 63rd edition of Miss Universe on Monday.
The results may have saddened them, but the beauty queens were nonetheless proud of Lastimosa.
The title-holders gathered to see how Lastimosa will fare in the pageant in a viewing party organized by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc.
“I’m very proud of her. She worked so hard and dedicated her life to the Philippines. She was a standout and very beautiful,” Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Intercontinental Kris Tiffany Janson told reporters.
Asked how she felt with Lastimosa’s loss, Janson said the North Cotabato beauty’s fate was already on the hands of the judges.
“She is my Miss Universe. The judges may be looking for something else,” she added.
Meanwhile, Binibining Pilipinas 2014 International Bianca Guidotti became emotional upon learning that Lastimosa lost.
“I guess I was emotional because I knew that she did everything she can to get the crown,” Guidotti said.
She then went teary-eyed as she recalled the determination and passion of Lastimosa in preparation for the pageant.
“I witnessed her passion and determination. I deeply feel she deserves a spot in the top 5. I became teary-eyed because I wanted this (win) for my friend (Lastimosa) and our country,” the beauty queen said.
For Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Tourism Parul Shah, she knew that Lastimosa will appreciate her experience of competing for the country as “fun” and “priceless.”
“She had fun. She had her time of her life there. She got to meet other girls, have new friends and have an experience that you can never buy,” Shah said.
All three beauty queens agreed that despite the loss, Filipinos are proud of Lastimosa.
Miss Colombia Paulina Vega bagged the crown in the coronation night held at Doral City, Florida. Lastimosa was able to break into the top 10 of the competition. AJH
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