Almost, but just as sweet.

Miss Universe 1st Runner Up Janine Mari Tugonon came home to a very warm welcome as she was greeted by cheers of screaming fans upon her arrival on Saturday and as she met with members of the press at the Gateway Suites in Quezon City later that day.

It was quite the opposite of the somehow tepid reception when she was first introduced to the press a few days after winning the Bini-bining Pilipinas title in April. Besides the fact that there were only a handful of journalists present during the interviews, many were not so optimistic about her chances of winning the biggest beauty pageant in the world.

Those doubts, however, slowly waned as Janine answered every question judiciously and exuded an aura of confidence every time she was compared to former Miss Universe runner ups Shamcey Supsup and Venus Raj.

She admitted to feeling quite pressured but vowed to work hard to continue the “winning reputation” of the Philippines in the pageant.

True enough, all her hard work paid off as she almost brought home the elusive Miss Universe crown and achieved the country’s best finish in the pageant in more than a decade.

In 1999, Miss Philippines Miriam Quiambao was also named first runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant. Last year, Shamcey Supsup won third runner-up, while in 2010, Venus Raj was fourth runner-up. Her second place finish also marked the third straight year that the Philippines cracked the Top 5 in the prestigious pageant.

It was fate
As Janine held hands with Miss USA Olivia Culpo as the final two candidates, the scene was reminiscent of the 1973 Miss Universe pageant, but back then, it was Mar-garita Moran who beat Miss USA Amanda Jones to bring home the crown for the second time.

While many fans and fellow candidates believe she should have won because of her excellent answer to the crucial question and answer portion, Janine said she never felt bad about losing the crown. She says winning first runner-up is already a huge blessing and believes it was all part of God’s plan.

“I felt I gave the best answer naman, hindi naman ako magyayabang na sobrang ganda, pero I know okay naman yung sagot ko. But you have to remember na hindi lang naman sa Q&A nade-determine ang winner, and maraming factors.

Janine said that although she was expecting to be called, her gut-feel told her something else.

“Prior kasi to that, sinabihan na ako ng mommy ko na it’s gonna be between you and USA so do well — two days before. Nafi—feel niya eh,” she recalled. “May something talaga sa akin na feeling ko bakit kami ni USA ang natira. Although siyempre nagho-hope pa rin ako na Philippines. Pero sabi ko may something eh,” she added.

Asked if she thought the crown was given to USA to somehow uplift their spirits following the tragic school shooting incident, Janine answered; “Well, hindi naman talaga natin masasabi. Pero sabi nga ng uncle ko, judging is subjective. Kahit maganda ang sagot ko at ‘yung lakad ko (which was labeled the ‘cobra walk’), kung ‘yung judges natipuhan si Miss USA, wala tayong magagawa doon. Subjective eh. Pero puwede rin ‘yung sinasabi nila na may tragedy. Kung ‘yun nga ang reason, okay lang naman. Kung makakapagpagaan sa loob nila ‘yun, okay na, ibigay na natin sa kanila.”

She also credited Miss USA as being one of the favorites throughout the competition for her beauty, personality and her familiarity with the pageant organization.

But perhaps the biggest reason Janine believes Miss USA won was because of fate. “As Miss Universe Organization President Paul Shugart told us before the competition, ‘its somebody’s destiny.’ Kaya kahit mag-tumbling ka pa sa stage kung hindi mo talaga fate na manalo you just have to accept it with pride.”

Faith and inspiration
If it was fate that led Culpo to win the crown, it was her faith that kept Janine strong throughout the competition. “When you watch it on TV, akala mo its easy dahil parang lakad, lakad lang and pose, but it’s very hard when you are there competing, yung haba ng oras sa preparations, sa practice, hindi siya madali.”

“If you think about it, I was not the only one who exerted effort and brought me to where I am now . . . There were a lot of people involved, from my family, my trainers, and si Mama J [Jonas Gaffud]. The Lord was immensely involved in all this,” she continued.

It was also her faith that led her to meet boyfriend Jaypee Santos, whom Janine also thanked for having encouraged her to “finish this journey.”

“There was a time really that I wanted to give up, I really wanted to say, ‘Ayoko na.’ He was the one who really helped me, and said, ‘Remember why you’re here. Remember your purpose. Finish what you have started,’” Janine said as Jaypee watched her from a distance.

“So I am here, and we should be thankful din na he’s there for me, because he really helped me a lot, simula pagpapapayat, hanggang dulo. He’s really a great supporter,” she added.

Prior to the press conference, Jaypee and Janine were constantly chatting on his iPad, even if she was just in the other room, whispering words of encouragement to her before she walked out on stage to meet the press.

“Ganoon naman talaga siguro ang gagawin mo kapag mahal mo yung tao, lahat ng klase ng support ibibigay mo,” Jaypee told The Manila Times.

“I met Janine at work, and we’ve been in a relationship for eight months, sinagot niya ko when she won Binibining Pilipinas,” he shared with a smile.

He then recounted how he would accompany his girlfriend to her various commitments when she first won the Bb. Pilipinas crown.

Even if Janine has gotten so much popular because of the win, Jaypee said he remains confident about their relationship, because of their faith in God.

Marriage plans? “None yet, kase she’s going to be very busy, but if given the chance, she’s really the person I’d like to spend my life with.”

When asked what he loves most about Janine, he said; “She’s a very good Christian, simple, kind and sweet.”