Filipinos around the world are celebrating the success of Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon, who was named Miss Universe 2012 1st runner-up during the coronation held in Las Vegas on Wednesday night, December 19 (US time).
Miss USA Olivia Culpo took the crown this year.
But others who expected the 23-year-old Pharmacy graduate to bring home the crown were disappointed.
Janine received loud cheers from the audiences and answered impressively on the use of English for the winner of the Miss Universe crown.
[Related: Miss USA wins Miss Universe 2012, Miss Philippines takes first runner-up]
Respect the judgesJanine’s boyfriend of eight months, Jaypee Santos has a message for those who rejoiced and felt bad about the judges’ decision.
“Pati sa sagot niya, sobrang ganda. Pero siyempre, respetuhin na lang rin natin yung mga binigay ng judges. Dapat maging masaya na lang tayo at huwag ng bigyan ng kulay pa yung kung ano pang nangyari doon. Maging masaya na lang tayo,” Jaypee said in an interview with ABS-CBN News on Wednesday, December 20.
Jaypee did not go with Janine to Las Vegas, but watched the pageant’s TV coverage with his officemates. He felt nervous watching his girlfriend hurdle the competition from start to finish.
[More: Miss Universe 2012 Live Blog Replay]
“Sobrang kaba. Hindi ko na maramdaman ang kamay ko. As in gusto ko na lang na parang matunaw sa kaba. First time kong naranasan yung ganoon. Pinapayuhan niya ako (na huwag kabahan). Siya yung mas malakas pa ang loob sa akin, despite na siya pa yung kasali, ako yung nanonood lang,” he said.Wonderful gift
The proud Jaypee added that Janine gave the Philippines a wonderful gift.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng mga sumuporta sa kanya. Sobrang saya. Sobrang ganda ng regalo na binigay niya sa Pilipinas.”
Meanwhile, Janine’s mentor Jonas Gaffud tweeted that he was“devastated,” as he felt the crown was meant for the Philippine representive.
While some were not that impressed with Janine’s evening gown, Jonas tweeted that he just followed his instinct.
