MANILA, Philippines—Philippines bet Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa failed to bag the third Miss Universe win for the country as she ran short of breaking into the competition’s Final 5 Monday morning (Philippine time).
Lastimosa elicited loud cheers from the crowd as she did her signature “bomb” walk, wearing an elegant white gown with a fishtail made by Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza.
The top five candidates for this year’s pageant are:
USA—Nia Sanchez
Netherlands—Yasmin Verheijen
Ukraine—Diana Harkusha
Jamaica—Kaci Fennell
Colombia—Paulina Vega
Nick Jonas performed his hit song “Jealous” as the top 10 candidates walked onstage in their evening gowns. Jonas is currently in a relationship with 2012 Miss Universe Olivia Culpo.
Special awards were also announced: Miss Nigeria Queen Celestine won Miss Congeniality, Miss Puerto Rico bagged the Miss Photogenic Award Gabriela Berrios while the Best in National Costume award was given to Miss Indonesia Elvira Devinamira.
88 candidates from around the world competed for the coveted Miss Universe crown at Florida International University in Doral City, Florida state, US. Gabriela Isler from Venezuela is the current title-holder.
Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao was one of the judges of the Miss Universe 2014. He was introduced as the “fighter of the decade.” Meanwhile, Miss Universe 3rd runner up Ariella Arida also served as a backstage and red carpet host of the 63rd edition of the beauty pageant.
One of the final questions in this year’s pageant will be given by netizens through posting at the Miss Universe official Facebook page.
The winner is awarded a one-year contract with the Miss Universe Organization as she travels the world promoting the various causes of the organization. She is also given an apartment in the Trump Tower in New York City during her reign. AJH