IN THE end, it was her faith in God that guided her journey towards becoming a beauty queen.

Miss Universe 2012 first runner-up Janine Mari Tugonon has nothing but gratitude to the University for giving her Thomasian values, especially a strong faith. She believes this gave her an “edge” over the United States’ Olivia Culpo, who was crowned Ms. Universe.

“Siguro ‘yung edge ko na lang is ‘yung aura na very happy, very fun, very confident. Kasi iba talaga ‘pag deep inside ay matindi ‘yung faith mo kay God. Sabi nga nila nu’ng nandoon ako sa stage, parang nage-enjoy lang ako, hindi ako tensed,” Tugonon said in a press conference during her homecoming to UST last Jan. 7.

The celebration started with a motorcade around campus, where the title-holder was warmly welcomed by the Thomasian community, followed by the awarding of a plaque of recognition and a reception.

“Actually kagabi pa lang excited na talaga ako bumalik [sa UST]. Sobrang warm ng pag-welcome nila, parang pang-Miss Universe talaga,” said the Pharmacy alumna. “Siyempre iba ‘yung pakiramdam ‘pag bumabalik ka kung saan ka nagmula.”

“Ms. Janine Tugonon’s impressive performance in an international competition proves that Thomasians truly excel in almost every field, and more importantly, she has become a positive role model to many young people because she exemplifies determination, hard work, beauty, and intelligence,” said Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P.

The Binibining Pilipinas-Universe defined a true Thomasian as “someone who keeps his values and principles alive and fights for what he believes in.”

“’Pag nandoon ka na (Ms. Universe pageant), lahat kayo magaganda, sexy, matatangkad. Pero what will make you stand out is what you really are—your personality. At ‘yung personality, mabubuo ‘yun kung saan ka nanggaling,” Tugonon said. “Sa akin, napakalaking tulong ang binigay ng UST dahil na-enhance ko ‘yung values ko, ‘yung principles ko, and I thank UST.”

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Blueprint

It was in the University where Tugonon first entered the world of beauty contests.

She joined her first pageant in 2009 and was crowned Miss Pharmacy. The following year, she won Miss UST in The Search for the Ideal Thomasian Personalities.

‘Grade-conscious’

The cum laude graduate admitted that she was not really a fan of beauty pageants.

During her days in UST, Tugonon said she was a quiet student who focused more on academics, as she was very conscious of her grades.

She also believes that pageants are more than mere beauty contests—they are “personality pageants” that require a “pure heart and a strong mind.”

“Being a beauty queen is having a total package; that you are beautiful in and out, and intellectually able to [get along] with different people and personalities,” she said. “Hindi lang siya beauty pageant, it’s a personality pageant.”

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