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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.
In 2012, MJ competed once more, but she did not place at all.
But third time’s the charm – MJ finally won the Miss Universe Philippines crown in 2014.
Here are some photos from her successful run in Bb Pilipinas 2014:
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.
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:
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.
She, Miss Venezuela, and Miss Myanmar also had the opportunity to chat with their fans through the Miss Universe facebook page.
Preceding the coronation night was the preliminary round, where MJ and the other girls paraded in their evening gowns and swimsuits.
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.
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:
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:
- FULL RECAP: Miss Universe 2014-2015
- IN PHOTOS: Miss PH MJ Lastimosa’s journey to Miss Universe pageant
- Despite Miss Universe loss, Miss PH MJ Lastimosa grateful, ‘filled with love’
- LIVE BLOG: Miss Universe 2014 coronation night
- Miss Colombia Paulina Vega crowned Miss Universe, full list of winners
- Miss PH MJ Lastimosa fails to make it to top 5 of Miss Universe
- MJ Lastimosa among top 15 at Miss Universe 2014
- Miss Universe 2014 predictions: Will MJ Lastimosa win for PH?
- PHOTOS: Miss PH MJ Lastimosa’s national costume at Miss Universe
- Stella Araneta defends MJ Lastimosa’s national costume
- PHOTOS: Miss PH MJ Lastimosa shines at Miss Universe preliminaries
- WATCH: MJ Lastimosa ready to rep PH in Miss Universe pageant
- PHOTO RECAP: 63rd Miss Universe preliminary competition
- PHOTOS: MJ Lastimosa’s Bb Pilipinas 2014 journey
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