Janine Gutierrez - Celebrities we're excited to see in Binibining Pilipinas

Am I the only one absolutely heartbroken after finding out that Janine Gutierrez is already 28?! I mean, how is that even possible? All along I thought pageantry is a dead giveaway to this gorgeous young woman who happens to have a Miss World 1993 2nd runner up for an aunt. Just look at that face! And this body:

Sure, not everyone dreams of joining and winning pageants, but when you're this beautiful, you have the name, the money, and the connections, you're already in the limelight and you have talents to showcase, you OWE it to your country to join pageants. Ok, I got a little emotional there. Sorry, Janine. But in all seriousness, this is plainly heartbreaking. I'm doing another feature on Georgina Wilson and Isabelle Daza and Lucy Torres, the list is getting way too long for women who would have made our country proud but decided not to because... well, I'm sure they have good reasons. It's just too sad for us, pageant fans. 

Georgina and Isabelle not joining pageantry was rather forgivable - they probably didn't think much of pageantry (even Catriona Gray thought beauty contests were superficial and all, until she realized it was a platform that gives one the power that could change the lives of many!). Lucy Torres was already in her 30s when I started taking interest in pageantry, I guess she's on my list of The Ones That Got Away simply because she's everything that Miss International is about. She's the epitome of grace, understated elegance, doll-like arresting beauty, and substance. But Janine Gutierrez! This is just heartbreaking. 

Janine would have been perfect for Miss World. At 169 cm, with a degree in European Studies, and a very commercial beauty that appeals to Western and Eastern standards, she would have easily been a Julia Morley favorite. We all know Ms. Morley favors the Indian/Middle Eastern look and Janine's large eyes, thick hair and Bollywood-type beauty would have nailed it.

Like Liza Soberano, Janine's personality may be a little too Miss International. Her features are a bit sharp and strong for the said pageant, but the right styling and makeup could have easily transformed her face into the delicate porcelain doll that the Japan-based contest prefers. Had she joined Binibining Pilipinas last year, she could have still won the Miss Supranational title, traditionally given to contestants with unassuming, sweet, childlike faces.

Ok, time to move on.