When talking about international beauty pageants, there is no doubt the Philippines is on the global map, especially after claiming a number of major titles in the past few years. However, one of the most elusive titles for the country has been the Miss Universe crown. The only two Miss Universe titles won by Filipinas were in 1969 (Gloria Diaz) and 1973 (Margie Moran). Thereafter, the best the Philippines could achieve was a first runner-up finish in 1999 (Miriam Redito Quiambao) and 2012 (Janine Marie Tugonon) although Filipino candidates have been finalists in the last four editions.
Newly crowned Binibining Pilipinas Mary Jean Lastimosa will represent the country this year. Can the Philippines finally expect to end the four-decade title drought? tabloid! got a chance to ask the Philippine flag bearer about her thoughts on the pageant, to be held later this year at an as-yet undisclosed location.
The 26-year-old hails from North Cotabato on the island of Mindanao in southern Philippines. She took part twice in Binibining Pilipinas, before her sacrifices and determination paid off the third time.
Q. Tell us how you feel after winning the title.
A. It hasn’t sunk in yet. I felt like the whole pageant went by too fast and I’m only starting to catch up now.
Q. Were you confident you would win?
A. I was claiming it, winning the crown, but I couldn’t be too sure until they called my name. I was holding on to the thought of winning up until the final stretch of the pageant.
Q. Are you dedicating this win to someone special?
A. I am dedicating my win to my family. They are very special to me.
Q. What was your edge over other candidates?
A. I think what set me apart from the other candidates is my courage. Winning this title was three years in the making for me. I think it was also because I am grateful for all the blessings I receive every day.
Q. Aside from your preparation for Miss Universe 2014, what’s next for you?
A. To be honest, I don’t know yet; I want to savour the moment for now. But I am excited for all the training and preparation that Binibining Pilipinas Charity Incorporated (BPCI) will be giving me to prepare for Miss Universe.
Q. Do you plan on doing any other activities?
A. Right now, we’re busy doing our press rounds with my fellow winners. But I plan to have some time to relax and recover.
Q. Do you think you can be the next Miss Universe?
A. I will be working with my mentors from BPCI with full cooperation in order to finally win the Miss Universe crown for the Philippines.
Q. What’s your most memorable experience in joining Binibining Pilipinas?
A. I will always remember this pageant because I was able to enjoy the journey and all the laughter that I shared with the girls.
Q. Any plans of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry?
A. I am very vocal with my fellow winners whenever we talk about it that I am open to any possibility.
Q. Your new title aside, do you still feel any insecurities?
A. Every woman has her own set of insecurities, but instead of dwelling on them, I turned my attention to developing my strengths.
