Binibining Pilipinas Universe pride of NCotabato

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines - A rousing welcome awaits newly crowned Binibining Pilipinas Mary Jean Lastimosa when she returns to the province wearing the crown that made her the country’s representative to the 2014 Miss Universe Pageant.

North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, who, along with her constituents, supported Lastimosa’s participation in the pageant held at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, said preparations are now underway for the welcome rites they are to extend to the beauty titlist.

Lastimosa, 26, hails from Tulunan town in the second district of North Cotabato, the first ever candidate to the pageant from the province.

She bested 39 other contestants in this year’s Binibining Pilipinas pageant, winning Binibining Pilipinas Universe and best in swimsuit.

Lastimosa was crowned 'Mutya ng Davao' in 2008.

“We are so proud of her. She brought our province fame and honor,” Mendoza said, adding that Lastimosa’s win was a tacit indication that North Cotabato is not bereft of fine and talented women.

The governor said residents of North Cotabato were delighted with the feat.

“It came at a time when people in the province are gaining headway in developing our eco-tourism potentials into ‘domestic wonders,’ and in showing to all Filipinos and to the world that we have peace here and that we have good investment climate here. Blessing comes in many forms indeed,” Mendoza said.

There is pressure now, apparently, on Lastimosa to do well in the 2014 Miss Universe pageant.

The country has consistently won in the Miss Universe pageants in the last four years. Maria Venus Raj won fourth runner-up in 2010; Shamcey Supsup won third runner up in 2011, Janine Tugonon won first runner in 2012 and Ariella Arida won third runnrt-up in 2013.