MJ Lastimosa: Bb.Pilipinas a last-minute decision
Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Mary Jean ‘MJ’ Lastimosa admits she had second thoughts about joining the prestigious beauty pageant.
“It was a last-minute decision,” she told the press last April 2. “I prayed about it in late December at Shamcey (Supsup’s) wedding. While I was in the US, a lot of friends were telling me they adjusted the age limit (from 25 to 26).”
So MJ, the self-confessed non-risk taker took the leap of faith and filed her application for the third time. The rest, as they say, is history.
Toughest decision
“Joining the Binibini was the toughest decision I’ve ever made,” the 26-year-old North Cotabato beauty said.
Like the rest of her fellow queens, the fact that she’s wearing the crown has yet to sink in. MJ knows she has to bring home a title that has eluded the country for years. The last Filipina to win the Miss Universe title is Margie Moran-Floriendo, way back in 1973.
But MJ would like to think positive. She refuses to think of the pressure and would rather dwell on positive things, like the people who support her.
Relax muna
“Kapag may pressure kaagad, nawawala ang freshness. Relax muna. Gusto ko pa i-savor (ang moment).”
MJ is not afraid because she believes in the people rooting for her.
“Confident ako sa mga taong nakapaligid sa akin. Alam nila ang kailangan kong gawin para maipanalo ang pageant. Kapag naniniwala ka sa sarili mong maganda ka, yon ang mapapakita mo sa tao.”
Does this mean MJ doesn’t think she’s beautiful?
“Mas feel ko lang ngayon at yon ang ineembrace ko.”
For Cotabato
MJ wants to win the crown next year, not just for the Philippines but for her home province, which is celebrating its centennial year.
“Yon din ang inspiration ko.”
Stella Marquez-Araneta, head of Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. and the former Bb. Pilipinas beauty queens, will see to it that MJ, and the rest of her fellow queens – Bb. Pilipinas-International Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti, Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental Kris Tiffany Janson, Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational Yvethe Marie Santiago and Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism Parul Shah, bring home the international crowns next year.
