Miss Universe 2012 Featuring The Orient's Pearl, Janine Tugonon

"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. So whatever language you have, as long as your heart wants to serve and you have a strong mind to show people, then you can be Miss Universe." - Miss Philippines

These very vigorous words contributed a whole lot to how the 23-year old Sto. Tomas University Cum Laude paved way to almost winning the Diamond Nexus Crown by the skin of her flashy teeth. 

Her grace, elegance and regal beauty overpowered  87 other beauty queens from all over the globe to acquire the title from last year's holder, Leila Lopes of Angola during the two-hour competition at the Planet Hollywood Casino in Las Vegas Strip.

Miss Universe 2012 First Runner Up, Miss Philippines: Janine Mari Raymundo Tugonon.
Miss Philippines on her floral swimsuit.

The orthodox however, of establishing what comprised her strengths as a candidate never was a walk in the park. She's gone through challenges every eligible candidate's gone through and earned her spot as first funner up next to Miss USA, Olivia Culpo who won the title. 

Nevertheless, Tugonon has given more than enough recognition and pride to the Philippines as she set the bars seriously high and brought the pageant an ardent competition.

Miss Universe 2012 First Runner Up, Miss Philippines: Janine Mari Raymundo Tugonon.
Miss Philippines on her powder blue, flowy gown by Alfredo Barraza.

The New Glorietta Vibe Race the Runway Fashion Show

Filipinos make marks everywhere. Regardless of the inevitable circumstances, the Filipino spirit always triumph. One aspect we'll never be left out on as we know it: Fashion. And this post is just one of ganga proofs that when it comes to fashion, even wild horses couldn't keep Pinoys away.

November 29, 2012 - Philippines put on Guinness Book of World Records for having the Most Number of People on the Catwalk. Beating Istanbul, Turkey's record of 1,967, Makati, Philippines crossed the border big time with a difference of 288 and therefore hitting a total of 2,255.

The entire event is a collaboration of three grand companies namely Ayala Malls, which celebrated the launch of the new Glorietta, AVA.ph which is a queue-rated, online store and Tattoo Black. These conspired made the possibilities to succeed unavoidable. 

The event venued in Glorietta Mall unveiling the new Palm Drive wing coined 'Vibe'. This caused to excite and stir up everyone's gobbling towards the striking event and witness how the grand attempt to acquire the title was put together. Being a grand event so as to stress, the star-studded night was graced not only by professional models but also comprised of local celebrities. Among the stars were Billy Crawford and Bianca Gonzales who hosted the event.

Photo credit to rappler.com

Geneiva Cruz, Hayden Co, RJ Ledesma, Ivan Dorschner for JAG, Divine Lee for Meg, Vic Basa and Sam Milby for Folded&Hung were only some of the celebrities who sashayed on the runway. 

I wouldn't miss this opportunity to walk the runway with all the stars so TheMETROLad was also a part of this grand attempt and modeled for Original Penguin. (Weet Woo!) Wish I could provide you with a photo though but still is waiting for a miracle. LOL

Pumping up the show were live performances from Click 5's Kyle Patrick and Philippines' very own Bamboo who did a set while tallying the records.

Photo credit to rappler.com

Photo credit to rappler.com

Later that evening, Kristy Benett, an official representative from The Guinness Book of World Records announced that the Philippines has officially broken the record and now holds the title.

Photo credit to rappler.com

Photo credit to rappler.com

The country's premier retail destination, Glorietta set the stage for a show that put the country on the global fashion map with "Move to the Vibe of Glorietta". Smashing a huge success, the Philippines has this as the 8th entry to the Guinness Book of World Records this year and is only an awesome way to end 2012.