Philippine pride, Mary Jean Lastimosa landed in the Top 10 of the 63rd Miss Universe which was held live from Doral City, Miami, Florida and aired via live telecast this morning on Philippine TV, January 26.

However, she was not able to bag a spot in the Top 5, breaking what could have been the fifth consecutive streak for Philippines since 2010 to enter the finals. In 2013, Ariella Arida landed 3rd place while Janine Togonon finished 1st in 2012. Shamcey Supsup, in 2011, placed 3rd while Venus Raj was 4th placer in 2010. Nonetheless, the country already won the Miss Universe’s title twice with Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Margie Moran in 1973.

Meanwhile, Colombia’s Paulina Vega bested out 88 candidates from countries all over world and superseded Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler. The first runner-up, on the other hand, went to Nia Sanchez of USA while the 2nd placer was Ukraine’s Diana Harkusha. Netherlands’ Yasmin Verheijen and Jamaica’s Kaci Fennell were hailed 3rd and 4th runner-ups respectively.

Paulina Vega, who dazzled in her silver halter-type long gown, was asked “Probably all the time, people can ask you what can men learn from women but I’d like to know what could women learn from men?” by Rob Dyrdek. She answered with an interpreter, “I believe that there’s still men who believe in equality and I believe that that is what women should learn from men.”

Meanwhile, this year’s judging panel also included our very own Manny Pacquiao. During the Question and Answer portion, he asked Miss USA Nia Sanchez, “If you were given 30 seconds to deliver a message to global terrorists, what would you say?” Other judges on the panel were Giancarlo Stanton, Kristin Cavallari, Louise Roe, Desean Jackson, Rob Dyrdek, Lisa Vanderpump, Nina Garcia, William Levy and Emilio Estefan.

Aside from the judges’ questions, the grand finalists were also asked a question submitted online by viewer Maria Navarro Fernandez. The question was, “What is the greatest contribution of your country to the world?” The newly-crowned Miss Universe 2014, through an interpreter, said that she believes that her country has been an example, “We are persevering people, no matter what obstacles we get in our way and we continue fighting for that which we want to accomplish.” Further, she said that notwithstanding what they went through, “We are leaders in many different matters,” adding that she is proud to represent her country.

Special awards were also given to Miss Nigeria for winning Miss Congeniality, Miss Puerto Rico for being Miss Photogenic and Miss Indonesia for winning the fan vote for National Costume.

The pageant also enjoyed performances from Prince Royce, Nick Jonas and Gavin De Graw.

Main Photo credit to http://www.missuniverse.com/