Bb. Pilipinas Universe receives hero’s homecoming in Cotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY - Long hours of patient waiting turned into gratified excitement for thousands of Cotabato residents on Tuesday as they welcomed home the new Binibining Pilipinas-Universe, Mary Jean "MJ" Lastimosa of Tulunan town.

Flocks of fans waved red flaglets and wore red shirts to welcome Lastimosa as she arrived in Kidapawan City aboard a chopper from Davao Airport, where her flight had been delayed.

In a motorcade that went around the capitol, Lastimosa rode a float celebrating Cotabato's centennial anniversary. A large delegation from the Ilonggo-dominated communities of her hometown, Tulunan, was part of the estimated crowd of 10,000 who turned out to see her. Other towns like Carmen, M’lang, Makilala, Matalam and President Roxas also sent delegations to welcome the beauty queen.

Gratitude for the support

Lastimosa then proceeded to the Cotabato Provincial Hospital, where she talked to patients and hospital staff, and then to the Crisis Intervention Center to meet the children temporarily housed there.

Lastimosa next went to the provincial gymnasium to grace the opening of the Sayaw Kutawato, one of the highly significant events of the province’s 100th founding anniversary celebrations.

There she thanked the provincial government and the people of Cotabato for their support.

“Without your prayers and support, I couldn’t possibly make it as the Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2014. My sincerest thank you to Gov. Taliño-Mendoza and the people of Cotabato,” Lastimosa said as the crowd cheered loudly.

She also encouraged young people to pursue their dreams and ambitions and never to give up in their studies, recounting her own several attempts before being crowned Bb. Pilipinas' grand winner.

“It is only when we continue and pursue our dreams and by giving priority to our education we can attain success,” she told the audience.

Lastimosa also granted an autograph and photo session with fans and supporters on the rooftop of the provincial capitol.

Growing up

Lastimosa’s aunt, Evelyn Lastimosa of Brgy. Sibsib, Tulunan, also shared details about her niece, whom she helped raise.

"When she was in grade four, I would always see her in front of the mirror posing like a ramp model," she said. "It was her utmost dream to become a beauty queen, and with her determination, she did it."

According to Evelyn, MJ’s parents and six siblings live in Saudi Arabia. Her father is an Arab national and her mother has dual citizenship.

Peace

During the press briefing, Lastimosa shared her views on the recent success of the peace talks between the government and the MILF, saying that it has contributed to the climate of tranquility in the region.

“Peace should start from us to attain a wider, livable place in Mindanao,” she said.

Lastimosa will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant in Brazil in November. When asked if she thinks she will win the crown, Lastimosa said that with prayers, determination and hard work, it’s not impossible. — BM, GMA News