MJ Lastimosa ‘filled with love,’ proud Filipino despite Miss Universe loss
MJ Lastimosa remains optimistic despite her failed bid to win the country’s third Miss Universe crown.
North Cotabato native Mary Jean Lastimosa remains optimistic despite her failed bid to win the country’s third Miss Universe crown on Sunday, January 25 (Monday, January 26 in Manila).
In what could be her first social post after leaving for Florida where the pageant was held, the 27-year-old related, "So proud to be a filipino! Man, cant express how grateful i am to everyone! Im filled with love right now! Love you all! Godbless us! Mabuhay!” (sic)
This is the first time in five years that the Philippines did not place at the Top 5.
In 2010, Venus Raj began the country’s four-year placing streak after finishing 4th Runner-Up. Shamcey Supsup, Janine Tugonon, and Ariella Arida continued placing year after year — at 2nd Runner-Up (2011), 1st Runner-Up (2012), and 3rd Runner-Up (2013), respectively.
MJ finished in the Top 10 of the pageant's 63rd edition — folding hopes to take home the country’s third crown (Gloria Diaz won in 1969, while Margie Moran won in 1973). Miss Colombia Paulina Vega won this year’s Miss Universe.
Netizens took to social media to air disappointment over what they perceived as bias on Latinas, especially since the pageant was held in Miami — a U.S. state dominated by Latin Americans.
