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MANILA, Philippines – Just like her predecessors Shamcey Supsup and Venus Raj, Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Janine Tugonon almost clinched this year’s Miss Universe title, placing first runner-up.

The coronation night, held at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Wednesday night (Thursday morning in Manila), was hosted by Andy Cohen, Bravo’s executive vice president of development and talent, and entertainment journalist and fashion and beauty expert Giuliana Rancic.

Olivia Culpo of the United States was crowned Miss Universe 2012.

The other candidates include:

Second runner-up — Irene Sofía Esser Quintero of Venezuela
Third runner-up — Renae Ayris of Australia
Fourth runner-up — Gabriela Markus of Brazil

The Filipina beauty was given a Twitter question from judge Nigel Barker: “As an international ambassador, do you believe that speaking English should be a prerequisite to being Miss Universe? Why or why not?”

She answered: “For me, being Miss Universe is not just about knowing how to speak a specific language. It’s being able to influence and inspire other people. As long as your heart wants to serve and you have a strong mind to show people, then you can be Miss Universe.”

Dubbed as an “early favorite,” Tugonon has appeared in several pre-pageant activities such as TV guestings on talk shows.

Tugonon’s predecessors almost clinched the Miss Universe title, with Shamcey Supsup and Venus Raj placing third and fourth, respectively.

SOURCE:

ABS-CBNnews.com

Posted at 12/20/2012 10:59 AM | Updated as of 12/20/2012 11:33 AM

Who would have thought that in 1952, a local “bathing beauty” competition spearheaded by Catalina Swimwear in Long Beach, CA would transform into an international annual tradition with countless young women around the world vying to become a part of Miss Universe history? As millions of fans have watched around the globe, the contest has evolved into a powerful, year-round, international organization that advances and supports opportunities for these young women.

Miss Universe is an annual international beauty contest run by the Miss Universe Organization. The pageant is the most publicized beauty contest in the world with 600 million viewers.

The contest was founded in 1952 by California clothing company Pacific Mills. The pageant became part of Kayser-Roth and then Gulf and Western Industries, before being acquired by Donald Trump in 1996.

In 1998, Miss Universe changed its name from Miss Universe, Inc. to Miss Universe Organization and the headquarters moved from Long Beach California, to New York City that year. Donald Trump brought in a new team of professionals to the contest headed by its new CEO, Molly Miles, and president Maureen Reidy. The contest would use the slogan “Redefined for Today” for promotion of the pageants.

The current Miss Universe is Leila Lopes, from Angola. She won the title on September 12, 2011.

The first use of the title “Miss Universe” was as part of International Pageant of Pulchritude which began in 1926. These events, the first international contests, lasted until 1935 when the Great Depression and other events preceding World War II led to their demise. This pageant had no direct relationship with the modern event.

The winner of the later “Miss America 1951” pageant, Yolande Betbeze, refused to pose in a swimsuit from its major sponsor, Catalina swimwear. As a result, the brand’s manufacturer Pacific Mills withdrew from Miss America and set up the Miss USA and Miss Universe contests. The first Miss Universe Pageant was held in Long Beach, California in 1952. It was won by Armi Kuusela from Finland, who gave up her title though not officially to get married, shortly before her year was complete. Until 1958 the Miss Universe title (like Miss America) was post-dated, so at the time Ms. Kuusela’s title was Miss Universe 1953.

The pageant was first televised in 1955. CBS began nationally broadcasting the combined Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants from 1960 and, separately, from 1965. In 2003 NBC took over the television rights.

Miss Universe 2012, the 61st anniversary of the Miss Universe pageant, will be held at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on September 12, 2011.

CREDITS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fdeC-e7Nmc

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