North Cotabato native to represent PH in Miss Universe 2014

Twenty six-year-old North Cotabato native Mary Jean Lastimosa bested 39 other Binibining Pilipinas candidates to represent the country in this year's Miss Universe.

During the highly anticipated but dreaded question and answer portion at the coronation night on Sunday (March 30), reigining Miss Universe Gabriela Isler asked the Davao-based entrepreneur: "What is the greatest advantage of being a woman?”

"The greatest advantage of being a woman is being able to compose ourselves. Just like here, we’re standing in front of thousands of people not knowing if they're gonna cheer for us. But we try to compose ourselves, we keep the emotions and show the beauty that is in us. And tonight, thousands of people are here, celebrating the beauty of a woman," she answered.

Joining Mary Jean in the winners' circle is 24-year-old Bianca Guidotti who shall represent the Philippines in Miss International and Parul Shah, Miss Tourism. Cebuana beauty, 24-year-old Kris Tiffany Janson, is the country's representative to the Miss Intercontinental; while Yvethe Santiago is heading to Miss Supranational.

Laura Lehman and Hannah Ruth Sison are First and Second Runners-up, respectively.

Expectations are high for this year's titlist following the country's impressive finish in the international beauty pageants last year. It can be recalled that the Philippines brought home three titles in 2013: Miss Supranational (Mutya Johanna Datul), Miss World (Megan Young), and Miss International (Bea Rose Santiago).

However, the Miss Universe crown remains elusive 40 years after Margie Moran won the country's second crown in 1973 (Gloria Diaz took home the first in 1969). That's not to say the most highly coveted title is far-fetched. In fact, over the previous years, the Philippines was just inches away to the crown. Our last year's bet, Ariella Arida, finished 3rd Runner-up in an upset coronation night.

Relive the memorable moments at the Araneta coronation night

TOP 15 (In no particular order)

Bb 11 Laura Lehmann
Bb 1 Julian Aurine Flores
Bb 22 Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti
Bb 3 Joanna Romero
Bb 25 Mary Jean Lastimosa
Bb 8 Pia Wurtzbach
Bb 4 Parul Shah
Bb 23 Nichole Marie Manalo
Bb 16 Zahara Soriano
Bb 35 Yvethe Marie Santiago
Bb 14 Emma Mary Tiglao
Bb 20 Kenneth Santiago
Bb 13 Kris Tiffany Janson
Bb 27 Hannah Sison
Bb 19 Mae Liezel Ramos

MINOR WINNERS

Miss Philippines Airlines: Pia Wurtzbach
Miss Cream Silk: Yvethe Santiago
She's so Jag 2014: Pia Wurtzbach
Best in Swimsuit: Mary Jean Lastimosa
Best in Long Gown: Bianca Guidotti
Miss Talent: Gabrielle Tilokani
Miss Photogenic: Kris Tiffany Janson
Miss Friendship: Raquel Kabigting
Manila Bulletin's Readers' Choice Award: Ladylyne Riva
Miss Avon: Yvethe Santiago
Best in National Costume: Kris Tiffany Janson