IN PHOTOS: Miss PH MJ Lastimosa’s journey to Miss Universe pageant

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IN PHOTOS: Miss PH MJ Lastimosa’s journey to Miss Universe pageant
She tried 3 times before winning the Miss Universe Philippines title, and she made it all the way to the top 10 at coronation. View photos of her pageant journey here
THE EVOLUTION OF MJ LASTIMOSA. Photos from Facebook/Miss Universe/Bb Pilipinas

MANILA, Philippines – The Miss Universe title may have been just out of reach for Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa this time, but her response to the loss was one of gratitude and happiness. It was a graceful end to a stellar run. 

Let’s take a look back at MJ’s journey to the Miss Universe pageant: 

Earlier in 2014, MJ, who’s a 27-year-old entrepreneur, won the privilege of representing the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant at the Bb Pilipinas coronation night. MJ finally won after her 3rd try. 

MJ first competed in the 2011 Bb Pilipinas pageant, where she placed first runner-up. Shamcey Supsup was crowned Miss Universe Philippines, and would place third runner-up in Brazil during the Miss Universe competition of the same year.

Photo courtesy of Bb Pilipinas

In 2012, MJ competed once more, but she did not place at all.

Photo courtesy of Bb Pilipinas

But third time’s the charm –  MJ finally won the Miss Universe Philippines crown in 2014. 

Photo by Mark Cristino/Rappler

Here are some photos from her successful run in Bb Pilipinas 2014: 

Mary Jean at the talent show on February 14, 2014. Photo by Mark Cristino/Rappler
Mary Jean walking the runway in casual wear. Photo by Mark Cristino/Rappler © Mark Fredesjed R. Cristino
Mary Jean at the public presentation on January 31, 2014. Photo by Mark Cristino/Rappler © Mark Fredesjed R. Cristino
Mary Jean at the Parade of Beauties. Photo by Mark Cristino/Rappler

 

In an interview with Rappler, MJ said that she has learned much from the many times she tried to win. It only made her stronger. 

Photo by Rappler

On January 3, 2015, fans of the PH representative had a send-off for her at the airport, where she was to depart for Miami for Miss Universe. 

This is her official Miss Universe headshot: 

Photo from Facebook/Miss Universe

During her stay, she participated in a slew of activities and events. She and four other contestants were the only ones invited to a VIP reception hosted by the Russian American Chamber of South Florida. 

 

She also participated in a painting party with the girls at the Romero Britto Art Center, attended a charity dinner, and was in the Celebration of Nations Parade.

Photo from Facebook/Miss Universe

Photo courtesy of Miss Universe

She, Miss Venezuela, and Miss Myanmar also had the opportunity to chat with their fans through the Miss Universe facebook page.

MJ CHATS WITH FANS. Photo from Facebook/Miss Universe

Preceding the coronation night was the preliminary round, where MJ and the other girls paraded in their evening gowns and swimsuits.

Photo from Facebook/Miss Universe

Afterwards, the girls walked in their respective national costumes. Both the national costume and evening gown of MJ were designed by Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza.

Photo by Larry Elima/Sash Factor

She secured a spot in the Coronation Night on Sunday, January 25 (Monday, January 26 in Manila) and placed top 15 and top 10.

Here are MJ’s photos from the evening: 

Photo by Timothy A. Clary/AFP

Photo by Timothy A. Clary/AFP

Unfortunately, she failed to place in the top 5, ending her journey to the crown.

Still, it’s been a long and fruitful journey for MJ – her determination, bubbly personality, and sincere demeanor have certainly earned her a place in the hearts of her many fans. – Rappler.com


More MJ Lastimosa and Miss Universe 2014 on Rappler: 

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