Janine Tugonon is one of the ladies who have proven that the Philippines is indeed a powerhouse in the world of pageantry.
Tugonon stunned the world with her beauty and wit during the Miss Universe 2012 beauty pageant, wherein she placed first runner-up.
Her performance on the said pageant has left a lasting impression on pageant enthusiasts, who dubbed her as one of the best Miss Universe candidates who represented the Philippines.
However, it can be recalled that previous Miss Universe Philippines titleholders reunited during Catriona Gray’s homecoming concert and she was the only one who was not able to make an appearance.
Tugonon was not present at the event because she is now based in New York wherein she is making a name for herself in the modelling world.
After her stint in the beauty pageant scene, Tugonon decided to let go of the sash, tiaras, and glittery gowns to take the high-fashion route and work as a full-time model in the Big Apple.
Most recently, she was able to book a major modelling job wherein she worked with tennis superstar Venus Williams.
Tugonon was one of the models who posed for Williams’ activewear line called Eleven by Venus.
As seen in the photo Tugonon uploaded on her Instagram account, she posed for a shot with Williams together with another model.
Tugonon moved to the US to pursue her modelling career after she competed in Miss Universe 2012.
In an interview with Elle Magazine, she said that it was not easy for her at first and she was not able to book that much jobs because she was part of a “minority.”
But Tugonon worked hard and did not let any form of discrimination stop her.
Since then, she was able to get signed with MSA Models and appeared on several fashion shows, as well as on different promotional materials for Victoria’s Secret, Wells Fargo, Puma, Macy’s, and Walmart.
View this post on Instagram
By a great team ?? @rebeccaweinbergstyle @jodieboland @moizalladina @broderproductions ❤
View this post on Instagram
Being the beauty queen that she used to be, Tugonon also chose to have an advocacy even up to this date.
She is part of a public service campaign that aims to stop human trafficking and slavery.
