MJ Lastimosa Begins Quest for Miss Universe Crown

Miss Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa began her official quest for the country’s third Miss Universe crown the moment she left for Miami, Florida last Saturday night, to compete in the most prestigious beauty contest which will be held at the US Century Bank Arena at Florida International University in Doral, Miami, Florida on January 25 (Monday morning of January 26).

To say that she is keeping her sanity intact and trying to calm her frazzled nerves would be an understatement. She has a tough job ahead; to maintain the Philippines impressive Top Five finish for the fifth consecutive year and tie with Finland for the feat. 

Anything less would not suffice for the Philippines that has been used to seeing Miss Philippines advance to the final round since 2010. You can just imagine the pressure on MJ’s shoulders.

It’s been 42 years since the Philippines captured its second crown in the Miss Universe beauty contest held in Athens, Greece. Margie Moran won the second title for the country, the first being Gloria Diaz in 1969.

1969 Miss U: Gloria Diaz

1973 Miss U: Margie Moran

After Miriam Quiambao almost clinched the country’s third Miss Universe crown with her 1^st RU finish in 1999, the Philippines entered a decade- long drought that ended in 2010 with Venus Raj’s 4^th RU finish. It was followed by Shamcey Supsup, 3^rd RU, 2011; Janine Tugonon, 1^st RU, 2012; and Ariella Arida, 3^rd RU, 2013.

Will MJ emerge victorious this January 26 or will the crown remain elusive to our Pinay beauties? Let’s follow her journey right here

Here's the link to her Bb Pilipinas journey:

MJ Lastimosa is Bb Pilipinas- Universe 2014