'Big improvement!': Janina San Miguel goes viral after she was spotted auditioning for a beauty pageant
Guess who's back?
Former Binibining Pilipinas World 2008 Janina San Miguel has returned to the pageant scene after she was spotted auditioning for Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines 2023, a beauty pageant targeted for wives and mothers, with an aim to promote the "beauty, excitement and wonder of the Philippines."
Pageant website Missosology Philippines shared a video of Janina, who is now married, during the special screening held in Robinson's Sta. Rosa last January 21.
In the video, the now 33-year-old former beauty queen said that she wanted to join the pageant to “have an impact [on] our county.” She added that her "courage, perseverance, and patience" will take her places.
In a separate video, Janina also said that she advocates for responsible tourism, with a goal of being involved in "social civic activities" like planting trees in La Mesa Eco Park.
"It's a commitment to serve legacy for Filipino children for good air and water," she explained.
Netizens, meanwhile, praised the former beauty queen for her confidence.
"Big improvement! Good luck Janina! for Mrs. Tourism Ph," one commenter said.
"Wow magaling at confident na syang sumagot!!! So proud of her!" another one wrote.
According to their Facebook page, the Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines is looking for a 25 to 65 year-old Filipina who will become their next travel ambassador.
Janina gained popularity for her unforgettable answer during the Q&A portion of Binibining Pilipinas 2008.
When asked by host Paolo Bendiones if she's feeling any pressure after winning two awards, the then 17-year old beauty queen replied: “No, I don’t feel any pressure right now!”
She also became viral online after she stuttered and lost her composure while answering the final Q&A. It drew laughter and cheers from the audience and panel of judges.
Janina eventually won the Bb. Pilipinas-World crown but gave up the title due to "personal reasons." However, it was revealed in an investigative show Undercover Asia that she received indecent sexual propositions and was pressured by the contest organizers’ rigid standards.
According to the show, Janina is now a call center agent.