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Courtesy of Solar, LCS, MUO

MANILA - Colombians have picked themselves up after last year's mess and fielded a Miss Universe candidate who yet again came just a whisker away from what could have been a more welcome result.

For the 65th edition of the pageant, the South American nation sent Andrea Tovar, a 23-year-old college graduate, to compete in Manila, a year after its previous bet, Ariadna Gutierrez, was mistakenly crowned the winner.

Like Gutierrez, Tovar fell just short of the title. She finished in second runner-up behind Haiti's Raquel Pelissier and eventual winner Iris Mittenaere.

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A favorite by Filipinos because of her bubbly personality, Tovar often received cheers from the crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena. She was also seen turning emotional before the winner was announced.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Tovar said that she was overall satisfied with her performance and the result.

Sharing her plans after the pageant, Tovar, in Spanish, said: "I am going to unwind, then I'll continue working with my advocacies for children and also work with Miss Cololmbia as I'll be turning over the crown. We will be working and continue learning."

She also thanked her Filipino fans. "For me, I really appreciate it. I am so grateful. Thank you very much to all the Filipinos for the help, for the support. I am really grateful to all of you."