Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Rep. Anthony Golez yesterday lauded Janine Tugonon, the Philippine representative to the Miss Universe 2012 pageant, for finishing as first runner-up.

Miss U.S.A., Olivia Culpo of Rhode Island, garnered the eighth Miss Universe crown for her country at the pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada, yesterday.

Tugonon was the second Filipina adjudged as first runner-up after Miriam Quiambao who got the same placement in 1999.

Marañon said Tugonon's win is a breath of fresh air following the catastrophe that our nation experienced because of typhoon Pablo two weeks ago, and it also showed that Filipino women are not just beautiful but also intelligent.

Leonardia said that, although Tugonon did not get the crown, for him and the rest of the Filipinos, she is the Miss Universe. He said this is proof that indeed, Filipino looks are beautiful to behold and this has been proven by the numerous wins of Filipino beauty queens in various international pageants.

Golez on his part, filed a resolution in congress commending Tugonon, whose victory, he said is a great source of pride for all Filipinos here and abroad.

Former Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran Floirendo and Miss International 1970 Aurora Pijuan, who is from Bacolod, said Filipinos should be happy over Tugonon's success.

Floirendo, in a television interview said she is disappointed because Tugonon was only first runner-up but stressed that Filipinos should be proud of her achievement, Diaz said Tugonon had the best answer among the candidates.

Pijuan, meanwhile, told the DAILY STAR that it is Tugonon's destiny to be hailed as first runner-up.

Tugonon's win marked the third year that the Philippines placed in the Miss Universe pageant since Venus Raj's fourth runner-up finish in 2010 and Shamcey Supsup's third runner-up placement last year.

Tugonon, 23, who hails from Orion, Bataan, is a cum laude Pharmacy graduate of the University of Santo Tomas.*APN

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