Janine Tugonon (No. 18) bested 29 other candidates and was hailed as the Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2012. She will be representing the country in this year's Ms. Universe contest in Florida, USA. Janine Tugonon is a Pharmacy graduate of University Sto.Tomas and works as a clinical specialist.
Janine who placed first runner-up during Bb. Pilipinas 2011 proved that joining the pageant for the second time's a charm.
“Sobrang happy ako and thankful ako kay Lord. Joining wasn’t a brief decision, sobrang pinag-usapan namin ito within the family. Naisip ko noon, “Lord, bahala ka na. I surrender, andito ako for a reason and I know I’m here for a reason,” Janine said in an interview after the pageant.
Her winning answer reflected her belief as a modern Filipina.
“I believe women have the right to choose between what they want. Just go for what God wants you to do. Between the two, whatever it is, you must do your purpose in this world. Just have a child-like faith and mature obedience, and everything will go smooth,” Janine said in the question and answer portion when asked about women foregoing a happy family life for a successful career.
Bb. Photogenic: Karen Gallman (No. 1)
Best in National Costume: Nicole Schmitz (No. 8)
Bb. Friendship: Chloe Zanardi (No. 25)
Bb. Talent: Katrina Dimaranan (No. 13)
Manila Bulletin's Reader's Choice Award: Roxanne Tadique (No. 20)
People's Binibini: Giselle Munoz (No. 21)
Nestle's Best in Swimsuit: Nicole Schmitz (No. 8)
Ms. PAL: Mary Jean Lastimosa (9)
Best in Evening Gown: Angelee delos Reyes (No. 26)
This year's Bb. Pilipinas coronation night was hosted by Xian Lim, Iza Calzado, Ms. Universe 2010 4th runner-up Venus Raj, and Georgina Wilson.
There were 12 judges in this year's contest, including Ms. International Lara Quigaman, Richard Gomez, and Fil-British football star Phil Younghusband as chairman of the board. Journey's frontman Arnel Pineda and Pinoy music icon Bamboo were guest performers. They serenaded the women during the long gown competition.
The Philippines has so far produced 2 Ms. Universe winners: Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran. Three Pinays have also won Ms. International: Aurora Pijuan, Melanie Marquez, and Lara Quigaman.