Twenty six-year-old North Cotabato native Mary Jean Lastimosa bested 39 other Binibining Pilipinas candidates to represent the country in this year's Miss Universe.
During the highly anticipated but dreaded question and answer portion, reigining Miss Universe Gabriela Isler asked the Davao-based entrepreneur: "What is the greatest advantage of being a woman?”
"The greatest advantage of being a woman is being able to compose ourselves. Just like here, we’re standing in front of thousands of people not knowing if they're cheer for us. But we try to compose ourselves, we keep the emotions and show the beauty that is in us. And tonight, thousands of people are here, celebrating the beauty of a woman," she answered.
Joining Mary Jean in the winners' circle is 24-year-old Bianca Guidotti who shall represent the Philippines in Miss International. Cebuana beauty, 24-year-old Kris Tiffany Janson, is the country's representative to the Miss Intercontinental; while Yvethe Santiago is heading to Miss Supranational.
Laura Lehman and Hannah Ruth Sison are First and Second Runners-up, respectively.
Expectations are high for this year's titlist following the country's impressive finish in the international beauty pageants last year. It can be recalled that the Philippines brought home three titles in 2013: Miss Supranational (Mutya Johanna Datul), Miss World (Megan Young), and Miss International (Bea Rose Santiago).
However, the Miss Universe crown remains elusive 40 years after Margie Moran won the country's second crown in 1973. That's not to say the most highly coveted title is far-fetched. In fact, over the previous years, the Philippines was just inches away to the crown. Our last year's bet, Ariella Arida, finished 3rd Runner-up in an upset coronation night.