Miss Universe 2012 1st runner-up Janine Tugonon told reporters in a press conference held December 22 for her homecoming that several other candidates believed that she was the true winner of the Miss Universe crown.
According to Janine, many candidates came over her to tell that they believe she won the competition shortly after Miss USA Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe on Thursday (Manila time).
"Nakakatuwa nga, halos lahat sila nag-hug, sabi nila, 'It is you, we know it's you, and you know it's you,'" said Janine Tugonon who arrived from Las Vegas early Saturday morning.
"Hindi ko na alam kung sinu-sino, pero madami," she added.
The outcome of the world's most prestigious beauty pageant was met with several "protests" from Filipinos and even foreign supporters of the Pinay beauty queen who couldn't help but make comparison of Janine and Olivia Culpo's performance in the question and answer portion.
Janine's roommate, Miss Indonesia Maria Selena is one of those who said that Janine deserved the crown.
"Si Indonesia, roommates kami eh, and we became very close, and right after the crowning, umiiyak siya, siya pa 'yung umiyak para sa 'kin. Umiyak siya kasi nakapasok nga ako, nagulat din siya sa results, pero sabi niya okay lang naman daw," JanineTugonon said.
Janine, however said that she's satisfied with her first runner-up finish since not many Philippine Miss Universe representatives reach the top 2. She also said that Miss USA might have won because of her spontaneity, beauty and she's already known to the Miss Universe Organization.
Janine Tugonon's runner-up feat is the best finish of the Philippines in the pageant since 1999 when Miriam Quiambao won first runner-up in the 48th Miss Universe pageant held in Trinidad and Tobago.
