THE MISS UNIVERSE SAGA – THE PHILIPPINE EXPERIENCE (SERIES 3 OF 5 PARTS)

The Decade of Adjustment – 1991-2000

 By Rolando Rafael

From the faltering decade, we can see that the candidate the Miss Universe is looking for is a complete package – beauty, poise, fitness and wit. In that period we saw some pearls but they were not that polished and hence, they did make an etched into the pageant fans’ consciousness but in general there is the feeling of emptiness for a performance that could have been much better and worth it.

I cannot even find a term to describe this decade as there are so many things happening during this time. But I placed it as a period of adjustment. It is a long adjustment because the organization did not seem to learn from its lessons. The decade was highlighted with the following:

First: In 1991, they crowned a petite lady oozing with sex appeal. She is a bomb. She is radiates the X-factor but later she was dethroned because of questionable papers. This episode was to be repeated 7 years after with Tisha Silang. And the year thereafter, it was followed by another similar occurrence. They say history repeats itself but such event occurring three times in a decade means something. It does not bid well for an organization because the mistakes are repeated all over and over again. I do not have anything against foreign-bred Filipinas joining the national competition. In this open and competitive world let them compete and eat the pie if they are qualified but to undermine the screening process, that is the question. The screening committee should have placed their foot forward at once so as to give way for more preparations for the candidates chosen. Given for example those replacements for the title holders, they had the least preparation for their pageants. The one most important thing is being psychologically prepared for the pageant – but some are just lost when they are there.

Secondly:  There seem to be no hard and fast rule to who should be the replacement if someone is dethroned. In the case of Anjanette Abayari, she was replaced by Miss Alou Gonzales who seemed ill-prepared to take on the role as the new competitor for Miss Universe. During that time, the representative to the Miss International was Patty Betita, a seasoned fashion model who was practically ready to take on the role. But an unheralded Alou Gonzales who was remarked by one Filipina who judged during that time that she gauged the unpreparedness of our candidate that time. Alou ranked miserably in the preliminaries. On the other hand, during the time of Tisha Silang, the first runner-up Jewel Lobaton replaced her and went on to compete in the Miss Universe with disastrous results. The year after, Miriam Quiambao who was Binibining Pilipinas-World replaced Janelle Bautista with remarkable results. It is understandable that the organization reserves the right to send the appropriate candidate to the international pageant but pageant observers say that there should be a guiding rule so that it may not appear that such was just a result of whims and caprices.

Thirdly: Note that in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1997, 1998 and 2000, our candidates registered very low scores in the evening gown segment. In 1994, pageant followers even said that Charlene was overly scored in the evening gown segment as she was much better in other gowns that befit her physique. Liza Berroya’s scores are in average. But I am not going to discuss here her interview scores. Her evening gown score is just average and she used a gown that is not really fashion forward. Same goes with Dindi Gallardo in 1993. In 1997, Abbygale Arenas would have been in the Top 10 had she used a much better and appropriate gown for herself. The moment that they saw Abbygale in her gown during the preliminary competitions, many already thought that it would be her downfall. That gown was described as hideous to say the least. The composite scores tell us that she did well in the swimsuit and the interview. In 1998, Jewel Lobaton defied conventions. The organization was said to be as irate with her as she did not use the prescribed gown. She used the gown of her designer friend, a simple white corset gown that did not do her justice in the midst of formidable competition which Wendy Fitzwilliam of Trinidad and Tobago won during that year. Her so-so performance was again the source of the battle cry of pageant fans they said there were more girls that were much deserving than her to be sent to the Hawaiian edition of the Miss Universe. It was also because of what Jewel did that the organization started having all the girls sign a contract which stipulates that all the outfits that they will use will be provided for by them and any deviation to what is dictated in the contract will be dealt with legally. In 1999, they provided a Halston signature gown for Miriam Quiambao with almost a victorious result. But in 2000, they sent a strong girl but clothe her freakishly  and the result is also freakish.

Fourthly: One must understand that intelligence or wit alone does not make a Miss Universe. You must have the gift of the gab. Take for example, Liza Berroya, a publicized MENSA member. Her interview scores were not that astounding as compared to the other candidates. She did just fairly well in the evening gown and in the swimsuit which is her lowest score. Note that Santos even had a higher interview portion than Liza Berroya. In the case of Santos and Damiles who were within the striking distance of the Top 10, they could have benefitted with a Venezuelan training and personality development that would improve their overall chance to gain a slot in the semifinals. Damiles was said to have a low score in the interview portion. During the 90’s you have to get to have the ability to talk and communicate so that everyone will listen. It would have been the case for Charlene Bonnin also, if she could have understood the question so well, she would not have made that answer as inane as that. And that debacle where Miriam choked in the end, she would have been the 3^rd Miss Universe of the country had she prepared for the question. The issue on the question had been lingering during the contest because one candidate was sent home because she was pregnant. Candidates usually prepare for an eventual question, but it seems Mirriam was caught offguard of when the question was asked. On the other, the last candidate of the decade for whom everyone will finally clip the crown on her head did not make it. Although she had all the qualities to make it, good body, beautiful face and an intelligence that can match Lara Dutta, she failed to make it to the Top 10. Some say she is ranked number 12. Insiders say Nina Ricci was side stepped by the organizers because she has an attitude and it turned them off.

On the fifth note, during this decade, Venezuela is on the rise, assaulting the sensibilities of the times in terms of beauty standard. The Philippines was neither here nor there in this decade. Our candidates are always missing the mark. The 1999 experiment was a success and we were expecting that the next candidate after Miriam will have the same great support like her. However, the debacle after Nina Ricci made the Binibining Pilipinas organization probably think on another level and we will see how things went kaput in the next decade. 

THE MISS UNIVERSE SAGA – THE PHILIPPINE EXPERIENCE (SERIES 1 OF 5)

By Jetset Alejandro

I was 9 years old when Gloria Diaz conquered the universe and became the first Filipina to give the country pride about the famed beauty of its women. Pride was much greater in the paternal side of Gloria as she acknowledged half of her heritage that she was from La Union and that her father is from the idyllic town of Aringay. I can vividly recall all the elementary pupils from the town lined-up the streets where the motorcade will pass through and when the motorcade arrived, I broke from the line and ran to the old Spanish church of more than 400 years old where there will be a thanksgiving mass in her honor. Pride set in every one’s heart because she showed that she was one of us. More so, I was beaming with pride because I am part of those relatives rejoicing in a feat that someone from their kind won in an international contest.* People looked highly at Gloria because of the grandeur, cultured ways and spunk that emanated from her. There was never a sign of irritation from this girl who was catapulted to a Greek Goddess stature by her countrymen. As a young kid of 9 years of age, my passion for beauty pageants started with Gloria.

Every news item is lapped up whenever there is a pageant that is held in the country. We have to wait for the national newspapers to feature the results of the pageant. Televisions were black and white by then and slowly they evolved into colored viewing until this present time when the internet has almost taken over viewing pleasures in pageantry.

Year in, year out, we were monitoring what is happening in the pageant world. Beauty pageants all over the world are becoming popular and such rabid following can be felt in the Philippines. The turning point for Philippine pageantry is when the second Miss Universe from the Philippines was crowned in Greece, Miss Maria Margarita Moran. The following year, the pageant was held in the Philippines where Miss Spain Amparo Munoz Quesada was crowned as Miss Universe. Under the Marcos regime, the Philippines was being promoted as a new haven of peace, discipline and beauty. It is a place where the true, the good and the beautiful reside.

THE FORMATIVE PERIOD IS ALSO THE DEFINING PERIOD = 1964 – 1970

After Lalaine Bennet’s 4^th runner-up placement in the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in 1963, Binibining Pilipinas became the new franchise holder for selecting the Philippine representative to the contest in 1964. For this seven-year period, the Philippines saw the entry of its representative three times to the semifinalist position. One eventually becomes Miss Universe which was in 1969 as we have discussed earlier. This period in Binibining Pilipinas history can be aptly called its formative years. I call it the formative years because it is a term for a period of growth and development. Some people say that a formative period is a transition period. But in more ways, it could be more of a defining period for the Binibining Pilipinas as their achievement in 1969 really established the foundation for selecting the most appropriate and deserving girl to represent us in the pageant.

THE FORMALISM PERIOD = 1971-1980

If we look at the years of 1971 -1980, there is a common denominator of the Philippine candidates that participated in the Miss Universe. This is a year where formalism among the candidates is observed. When we talk about formalism, it refers to the adherence to structured standard of the time as dictated by culture, tradition and mores. Take the case of Vida Doria in 1971. She was described as saccharine sweet, lovely and a paragon of primness, beauty and grace. Fashion designer Luis delos Santos describe her as very classy and beautiful in a Filipina way. In 1972, we sent Armi Barbara Crespo who was in every essence the paragon of the “Dalagang Pilipina” immortalized in the song with the same title. Armi was every inch the prim and proper type. She wore a long-sleeved polka dot dress with her hair made in a bun at the topmost side of her head. She moved with grace and fine movements. In 1973, Margie Moran continued the trend. She was simple yet graceful. She is structured and organized and she on that stage in Greece, she exemplified the gracefulness of a swan for which to some writers the Gods and the Goddesses of Greece bestowed her crown because of her Goddess upbringing.

 In 1974, Guadalupe Sanchez represented the country in the pageant where she played host.  Guada was described as snobbish yet regal as she exuded the air of royalty. In 1975, another favorite of mine was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Universe Rosemarie Chiqui Brosas who was 4^th runner-up in the Miss Universe during her time. Chiqui was very cultured. She has this very sweet and vibrant countenance and she moves with queenly demeanor. In 1976, Lizbeth de Padua, summa cum laude from UP Los Banos represented the country in the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant held in Hongkong. She was fashionable. She walked with grace. She talked with so much eloquence. In 1977, Anna Lorainne Kier jolted the pageant world winning the Bb. Pilipinas Universe title with a short hair. But still she was every inch the candidate that exemplified the regality of the Filipina at that time. She exuded grace and elegance.

In 1978, Jennifer Cortez was adjudged as the winner. It would seem that this is the transitional year to a decade of realism. Jennifer is spunky and egregious. She was practically a deviation of the formalism years. Although Jennifer was a very gracious person, she did not shine in the pageant.

Tempered probably by the result of the choice in 1978, in the year 1979, Criselda Cecilio who was simple, charming and refreshing was chosen to represent the country in Perth, Western Australia that year. She has a pleasant and a beautiful face with matching wit and eloquence but with the formidable competition at that time, she failed to make a dent in the competition.

In 1980, the Binibini went back to the time and tested “formal” beauties with the selection of Ma. Rosario Silayan. She was an epitome of grace and queenly demeanor. She was adjudged 3^rd runner-up in the pageant.

Note that in the formalism years, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975, the Philippines had a 4-year streak in the Top 5. After 4 years, the Philippines was back in the scene when the Chat Silayan garnered a 4^th place position in 1980. In 1971, it is also noteworthy that our candidate was chosen by the press to be Miss photogenic. In the formalism years, we had a 50% batting average in entering the semifinals and the Top 5 and we had a 10% performance rate in garnering the title of Miss Universe.

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* On the side, recalling those years, I feel the angst of my town mates when the majestic church crumbled during the July 11, 1991 earthquake that happened in Northern Luzon.

MISS UNIVERSE 1992-1994 – LESSONS IN HISTORY

NEAR WINS AND EVENTUAL VICTORIES

 (Series 4 of 4)

By Rolando Rafael

In the first three articles that I have written about lessons in Miss Universe history, I have pointed out that the highest scoring candidate during the preliminary, semifinals and the final 6 does not necessarily become the title holder. The final reckoning becomes the yardstick of choosing the winner. But what is the basis in the final reckoning? Based on the 1992 to 1994 pageants, the sole basis is the ability of the candidate to espouse the advocacy of the organization and how the candidate was able to touch the core of these ideals and how she communicated using her innate beauty to the judges. You can practically feel who the judges are rooting for that very moment.

The scores that were flashed onscreen showed how each of the candidates compared with each other and it aided the audience how their candidates are faring well. It would also give a hint to national directors why their candidates did not qualify or did not make it. Sometimes, the fault is in what the candidates wore. Sometimes, a one-piece or two-piece swimsuit would make the difference. It is in the eye of the beholder that these things are taken into account. Every judge sitting there has a different standard of beauty and thus a different standard of judging although the organization that is handling the pageant may have oriented them to what they are looking for a girl.

The ability to communicate the candidates’ advocacy is another that should be taken into account. I have been part of different pageant organizations and I noticed that they initially do not follow a prototype of who should win in their pageant. But when they hear the candidates and when they hear them talk about their advocacy  they start fitting the candidate into their boxes. In bigger organizations, the rehearsed is easily picked up from the natural ones; the trained from the innate ones. But sometimes you cannot fault the trained candidates as they offer a more stable personality than those of the instinctive candidates.

Take the case of Colombia. They had a very revered Miss Universe history. They had their first Miss Universe in 1958 in the person of Luz Marina Zuluaga from Caldas, Colombia. They had 29 appearances to the semifinalists circle in the 54 years that they had participated in the pageant. They had their own shares of Best in National Costumes too. But the most frustrating probably is the years in review, 1992 to 1994. They had three successive first runners-up. And a title never materialized. Fourteen years after, they managed again a first runner-up in the person of Taliana Vargas. I can’t seem to understand why this phenomenon occurred for Colombia. First, they have the wow factor. Second, their candidates have the wit factor. Thirdly, they have the sexy factor. Probably it is luck. Or what we call the confluence of factors. Or some believe that lucky things happen to lucky people.

Now what about India? In our review years, 1992-1994, we saw two Miss India candidates entering the semifinals for the years 1992 and 1993. In 1992, their representative was second runner-up. In 1993, their representative was in the Top 6. It was said that the problem of these two candidates is the language barrier – their inability to communicate or put into words what is in their minds and thoughts. But in 1994, Sushmita Sen erased that handicap. The year 1994 became the time that almost all Miss India’s are considered the girls to beat because of their ability to express themselves. Although in recent years, we find less and less Miss India finalists until recently.

History can be so cruel as it underscores the paucity of luck in one camp while the other camps lord it over always. Some quarters may have found right formula and are continually refining that formula until they have found the correct potion of success. Others grapple with the fact that they have missed the train to success and are always missing it. In this highly globalized world and with the internet serving as a tool of social communication, even beauty pageants need to adjust to the leaps and bounds of technology. National directors should take a cue from the lessons learned in the past. To which I have to bring back myself in what Miss Colombia 1994 Carolina Gomez has said and to paraphrase it: “We must learn from the past and learn from people who have been there because they have the wisdom of experience that they can share to the younger denizens who are also in the process of making history for the future.”

MISS UNIVERSE 1994 – A LESSON IN HISTORY

THE RECURRING AND CONTINUING THEMES

 (Series 3 of 4)

By Rolando Rafael

In my Miss Universe history lessons in 1993, I suggested that had Miss Colombia answered with something about the children and the future she would have clinched the title instead of Miss Puerto Rico. In the 1994 edition, I cannot help but notice that the prevailing thoughts and aspirations of those times were of peace, children, education and the future. There was also a concern on environment albeit taken only sparingly.

On Peace:

 Sushmita Sen talked about multiculturalism of India and yet there is peace amongst its people of varied cultures, religions and languages during her preliminary interview. And on the Top 6 interview, Minorka Mercado of Venezuela answered in response to a question of Mona Grudt of what is the revelance of the Miss Universe pageant to woman at that time answered about peace. She said that Miss Universe is a way to send the message of love and peace to all humanity by bringing all the nations together in one pageant.

On Children:

In the last 2 pageants (1992 and 1993), Michelle Mclean and Dayanara Torres won their respective pageants with answers relating the children as the hope and the future themselves. In the preliminary interview of this years’ Top 10, Miss Switzerland tried to use this possible connection of her loving kids very much and thus she hoped to become a pediatrician someday and her concern is to support the needs of the children because they are the future. On the other hand, Miss Italy wants to become a teacher because she loves being with children, short of saying that they are the future of the world too.

On the other hand, Miss Slovak Republic cannot escape the topic about young people. Miss Slovak Republic’s discussion on the young as the hope of the future takes on a deeper as she talked about how she was part of the young people who made a mark on social change for her country. She said she joined street protests with other students to help liberate her country from the shackles of communism. She would rather again comeback on answering a question about women being unfulfilled if they do not have children. If at the outset during the preliminary interview she was a libertarian, she showed conservatism when she gave an answer that a woman should have children to become fulfilled and she looks forward to being one.

Even Sushmita Sen of India cannot help but take a dig on the issue about children. When she was asked a question by Florence LaRue on what was the greatest adventure she would embark upon if she had the means to do so? She remarked that it would be about children because she enjoys the adventure that comes with them.

On a related front, when Miss Colombia Carolina Gomez was asked during the Top 6 competition of the question what was the biggest problem facing young people, she retorted that it was the lack of security in them. In order to learn how to be secure, they should look up to the older generation because of the wisdom they have acquired through the years.  As such she is telling everyone that although the young is the future, they should learn from the experiences of the past.

On Education:

The issue on education seemed like a variant on the topic of the young as the future of the world. Take for example, Miss USA advocating Helping All Teens Survive in her program. In the same way, Miss Colombia talked about supporting young women. They talked about teenage and unwanted pregnancies and the need to educate them. Miss USA further stressed during the Top 6 interview that she would focus on disadvantaged kids and trying to make a difference in their lives. Don’t you think therefore that this is a variant in helping the kids to be more productive citizens of the world?

On the Environment:

Miss Sweden talked about the beauty of her place in Northern Sweden. She talked about the beauty of her surroundings, the northern lights, the midnight sun and the beauty of nature. She did a very nice description of her place of origin and we are just waiting for her to say that we must preserve it.

The Final Question:

What is the essence of a woman?

All three candidates to the Top 3 answered adequately and that anyone of them can be Miss Universe 1994. If we dissect the answers of the three, their answers revolved on 4 topics – Love, Children, Femininity and Motherhood. All the candidates talked about love for their children. Sushmita touched about love for their men too. They talk about giving birth to children, living their lives and the joys of motherhood. The winner therefore was the candidate that delivered the best spiel among them and that morning (night in other parts of the globe), the winner was Miss Sushmita Sen from India.

Final Note:

It seemed like the candidates for the Miss Universe 1994 edition had learned their lessons by watching previous pageants. They tried to go the way of peace, children, family, love and hope. However, they did not expect that there others who thought of the same route too. What mattered in the end is the crowning of the girl who had still one ace up in her sleeves.

Photo Credits:

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-05-29/news-interviews/27272988_1_miss-universe-sushmita-sen-beautiful-woman

http://beautypageantpredictor.blogspot.com/2011/03/shoulda-been-miss-universe-1994.html

http://kaw.stb.s-msn.com/i/31/64789E92CD55AEAEA8C67F0EDA0E3.jpg

www.missosology.info

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/

 http://www.chasingglennbeck.com/storage/education.jpg

MISS UNIVERSE 2012: OF SURPRISES AND UNEXPECTED RESULTS

by Jetset Alejandro

It took a while before I came out of a review of the Miss Universe 2012 owing to the demands of the holidays. Some of my friends were asking me why I am so quiet about the results of the pageant and that I did not start shooting everyone in the hip after Miss Philippines managed only to finish first runner-up position. More so, her win would have been very significant since Miss Philippines’ paternal grandparents are from the same place of the first Philippine Miss Universe, Gloria Diaz. It would have been doubly significant if she won. But fate would not have it. However in essence, history was repeated. Janine ended up first runner-up and she was an alumna of the oldest Philippine school, The University of Sto. Tomas while in 1999, an alumna of the same school ended up second to Miss Botswana. I am referring to Miss Mirriam Quiambao. Well, so much for those trivia. Let us proceed to reviewing the Miss Universe 2012 beauty pageant.

INTRODUCTION OF THE CANDIDATES:

The candidates walked on the ramp coming from different places and were donned on Sherri Hill smart casual dresses. The candidates did not really introduced themselves to the audience but as they walk down the ramp you would hear the candidates through a voice-over introducing themselves as they walk and as the camera focus on them. I just felt that with the style, it takes away the excitement and I just felt that the excitement did build up in going to the next part of the show.

Once the candidates were all presented, the hosts were also presented. The main hosts were Giuliana Rancic and Andy Cohen. I found both hosts very capable and very professional. There was good professional rapport between the two of them. 

The pageant annotator/commentator, Jennie Mai was also very competent and there were no slip-ups that were noticed on them as compared to previous editions of the pageant.

 THE VENUE AND THE STAGE:

The pageant was held at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. It was the fourth time the pageant was held in Las Vegas. It was first held in 1991, then in 1996 followed by 2010. The stage was quite small with the ramp so short and but the Christmas concept is admirable. It added liveliness to the somewhat boring pace of the pageant.

 THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE TOP 16

Venezuela was called first. She was quite surprised and she even looked at her sash if she was really Miss Venezuela. What an act! But truthfully, the night seems to augur well for Miss Venezuela. She was such a beauty. She was radiant. She was ready to take the crown.

Turkey came on next. I was not surprised about the inclusion of Turkey. She was just there hovering around our personal Top 24 candidate. She was charming. She was splendid. She was simply great that night. 

Another candidate that did not surprise me is France. She was in our pageant follower/writer Arnulfo Distor’s final list. She’s a beauty and Arnulfo sees in her a enigmatic personality.

Peru is another candidate who is hovering in our list. However, she was eclipsed by Miss Paraguay when we were making our Top choices. What I noticed with Peru is her radiantly beautiful face.

Russia is another in our hovering list. She may or may not qualify to the Top 16. But she did! However, I would like to say that I love Miss Russia much more during her national pageant. She has that naturally radiant innocent face. Although she still possesses those sterling qualities, there seem to be problem with her styling. She seemed to be much bigger also during the Miss Universe pageant.

Mexico is considered by one of our writers as one of the Trump cards. Whether she is a Trump girl or not, Mexico showed grace and confidence when she was called to join the Top 15. She was simply resplendent.

Poland is another girl that used to be in our Top 16 in our second round of choices. She was still in the list but she slipped out of it when we did our prediction list. Miss Poland was quite surprised when she was called to join the semifinalists. She was a tall girl and she was both great and stunning that night.

I can just smile when Hungary was called. During our own deliberations, she was one in my personal list but she was later delisted when the choices of our survey respondents came in. She was fascinating as well as attractive. 

When Miss South Africa was called, I was ecstatic as she is one of my personal favorites to enter the Top 16. She had a very regal countenance and she had this aura of a winner stance already when she walked to her place in front. She has this “my destiny” bearing when you look at her.

Miss Philippines is an overwhelming crowd favorite. It seems like her performance is buoyed further by the crowd. Her sterling performance is surely something to watch out for as we go further in the competition.  

My smile went further when Miss Croatia was called after Miss Philippines. I told myself, she is not the candidate that everyone is talking about not to be called in. She was still the beautiful face that launched a thousand ships. But I noticed that Miss Croatia seemed to be lackluster when she was called in despite a loud applause coming from the pageant fans rooting for her.

My smile turned to further excitement and elation when one of my considered front-runner, Brazil was called to the Top 16. She was both stunning and splendid.

When Kosovo was called, I am of the impression that she deserves the placement. She has a beautiful face. She projects well. And she is dazzling.

And much more excitement when Australia was called to join the Top 16. Miss Australia was sparklingly good. She was radiant and she had this face that can launch a thousand ships. 

I was rather surprised when Miss India was called to the Top 16. I got this suspicion that she was the one that topped the internet voting. Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen was focused who was so happy and overjoyed with the inclusion of Shilpa in the Top 16.

Before USA was announced, the camera panned into the side where Miss Puerto Rico was standing. I saw a smirk on her face. She probably accepted the fact that she was not going to be called because the host country wasn't called out yet. And true enough, the last candidate to be called was Miss USA.

Miss USA brought the house down when she was called last among the Top 16. She was of course the crowd favorite owing to the fact that the pageant is being held in American soil. Her great personality radiates and this personality overpowers others when they are beside her.

THE JUDGES were then introduced and they are as follows: 

1.    Diego Boneta – a Mexican singer and actor

2.    Kerri Walsh Jennings – American professional volleyball player. An Olympic medalist as a beach volleyball player. 

3.    Scott Disick – A businessman ; works for General Nutrition Center, Inc.

4.    Nigel Barker - Sri Lankan-English former reality show personality, photographer, author, spokesperson, filmmaker, and former model. He is best known for his participation as a judge and photographer on the reality show America's Next Top Model.

5.    Brad Goreski – Style Director for Rachel Zoe, Inc. 

6. Claudia Jordan – American television and radio personality. She is primarily known for appearing as a model on the U.S. version of Deal or No Deal, and for competing on Season 2 of the Celebrity

7. Pablo Sandoval – nicknamed "Kung Fu Panda", is a Venezuelan professional baseball infielder for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. He is a two-time All-Star and has won two World Series championships with the Giants.

8.  Lisa Vanderpump – Restaurateur, Designer, Actress, and Humanitarian

9. Masaharu Morimoto - Japanese chef, best known as an Iron Chef of America

10.    Ximena Navarette – Miss Universe 2010 and a model.

THE SWIMSUIT COMPETITION: 

We saw all the candidates in swimsuit and they had a small production number and this finally introduced the top 16 candidates in the swimsuit competition.

When Venezuela came out, my impression on her is that she is leading the competition. When I watched the preliminary competition, Miss Venezuela was number 7 among the favorites of the people we have surveyed. When we deliberated in Queentessence, she was number 4 in our list. During the pageant night and the final review for this pageant, I have inkling that she was number 1 in the list of the judges. Why? She was so marvelous and a delight to watch. She was mesmerizing in the swimsuit round. Miss Turkey did just fine with her swimsuit round. But from the way I saw her do her poses, I just have the thought that she would probably be axed in the next round. 

Miss France is simply stunning in the swimsuit. She had a fantastic catwalk while Miss Peru should have capitalized her height and beautiful body, by maximizing exposure such as doing a great catwalk.  She was flirtatious though. 

Miss Russia appeared voluptuous. She however appeared ethereal in that swimsuit. Miss Mexico on the other was great. She has that drop-dead gorgeous body. She was good on the ramp.

Poland is another candidate that should have seized the swimsuit competition to favor her. She has the height, the body and the charms. But instead she churned out a lackluster performance. On the other hand Hungary nailed her swimsuit round. She was oozing with confidence and sex-appeal. 

South Africa is so divine. What more could we say? She aced the swimsuit round. On the other hand, the crowd was rapturous with Miss Philippines. She was great all throughout the swimwear presentation. I did not even notice the change in her walk as she said in her interviews that the straps in her heels loosened. She is perfect in her catwalk.

Miss Croatia is such a tad. She gives an uninspired walk. Miss Brazil was another divine appearance. She is so elegant. She is so lovely. 

Miss Kosovo is also another beautiful girl but she seems wanting because of an unsure walk. Miss Australia is a revelation. What an hourglass figure coupled with a saccharine sweet personality. 

Miss India looks hefty although she tried hard to make a difference in her catwalk and poses. Miss USA is another marvelous occurrence -very radiant and very comfortable in her presentation. 

When the candidates occupied their positions in the Group of 16, I noticed that Miss South Africa seems to be dwarfed by other candidates in terms of presence. Miss USA overpowers her with her presence. Is this a portent to tell of what is going to be next?

So based on their performances in the swimsuit round, I predicted at this point that Miss Turkey, Peru, Poland, Kosovo and India will be eliminated. They were joined by Miss Croatia who was a front-runner but for one reason or another did not seem to have the zest of showing a competitive stance.

THE TOP 10 CANDIDATES:

They were called in no particular order - Australia, Russia, Brazil, France, Venezuela, USA, Hungary, South Africa, Mexico and Philippines.

With performer Train doing the musical number, the candidates competed for the evening gown segment. 

Miss Australia walked with a white bustier gown with appliqués in the bodice. It was complemented with a long-flowing hairstyle that the pageant annotator/commentator Jennie Mai took note of very well. She strutted the runway very comfortably. She was a shoe-in to the Top 5 for when I saw her so full of radiance. 

Miss Russia had a little moment of discomfort at the start of her walk but she skillfully glided on stage. She wanted to showcase the swimsuit cut of the gown which was attached to a blue skirt. I believe this is not a gown that would perfectly showcase Miss Russia onstage. At this point, I have the feeling she will not get into the Top 5. 

Miss Brazil had a gown that was perfectly designed and cut to showcase her curves and her designer excellently created the gown for her. She confidently and excellently walked through the runway. I have this feeling Miss Brazil topped this segment of the pageant

Miss France sported a cream colored tight hugging gown. The silver appliqués in the bodice created greater highlights for Miss France. She is exquisitely beautiful.

Miss Venezuela is in a green ensemble. It was described by Jennie Mai as an exotic dress which highlighted the sexy body of Irene. She confidently walked onstage and with my first impression, she continues to wow the audience superbly. She is now neck to neck in the evening gown segment with Miss Brazil. 

Miss USA used a red silk velvet ball gown with a very plunging neckline that highlighted her cleavage. She tripped at mid-stage and like any trooper she continued her walk without getting annoyed of what had happened. She is there to enjoy the competition. Her gown is something “like it or not.”  In my case, I do not like it. But in fairness, Miss USA showed great personality and it surely radiated. 

Miss Hungary presented a very simple gown in the bodice but is ornately made in the bottom with frills and frills of clothes. She looks very charming and sweet as she competed in this segment of the pageant. 

Now Miss South Africa is truly great in that golden gown. She was mesmerizing and she was near perfection.

Miss Mexico’s gown is too cluttered. It is too busy on all fronts -the neck line, the bustier portion and the leg area. The designer just doesn’t seem to know what to highlight in Miss Mexico’s beautiful persona. The way I see it, Miss Mexico just doesn’t seem comfortable with the gown.

Miss Philippines worked her gown. It was not a real stunning gown so to speak but at the start, she took the fan-pleated full skirt and showed it and people saw it through. She was simply stunning and people went wild when she did her pose with the left hand in a wrist drop demeanor. It was a very splendid and delightful performance.

From my own evaluation, Venezuela, Brazil, Philippines and Australia just hit the Top 5 mark. It is a battle between USA and South Africa for the last spot. Alas, Miss South Africa was edged out and gave way for Miss USA to join the Top 5 and eventually won the competition.

THE QUESTION AND ANSWER PORTION

I will not delve deeper into the merits of the answers of the Top 5 since one of our writers wrote an analysis on their answers. It is not worth repeating here. The candidates called to the Top 5 were Miss Venezuela, Philippines, Australia, USA and Brazil. I still adhere to my first notion that it is Miss Venezuela who is leading the pageant. 

However, when she was called to answer the question given to her, she tried hard to answer in her fractured English and the meaning of her answer was literally lost in the forest so to speak.

Miss Philippines’ in a response to a question given by Nigel Barker seemed to underscore why Miss Venezuela should win Miss Universe. This time, Janine gave an answer that is universally and politically correct but alas; the girl with the best answer did not get the top plum.

Miss Australia gave a very emphatic answer with the question about being fat. And I cringe on her answer as she said that as long as she feels good with herself, she is not going to follow others’ advice just to look good. Well, the question is double-edged and it could be received positively and negatively by the audience. In this day and time where everything is very competitive and even weight is an issue, in real life, do you think Miss Australia will even think about this even if she feels good about herself.

Now what about Miss USA? A lot of pageant pundits and fans think that she won over a much better answer because she is honest, damn honest and simplistic in her answer. Gone are the answers that are thematically structured and well-thought of. It is now the time for real and simple answers. Oh, oh, oh. Well, it is Miss Universe and it is an American pageant…Sour graping? Hahahahaha….

Miss Brazil sealed her fate. She gave a standard answer to a question that had been asked in many pageants that I have watched. It was a question that was rewritten and re-asked many times. It was an answer that was given many times. What more could we ask for? Well, she could have given a new twist to her answer but she managed just that.

THE FAREWELL WALK

Outgoing Leila Lopez was in a yellow ensemble and gave a farewell walk and speech. I do not know how to react with Leila. She had the longest reign as Miss Universe and although she was smiling all throughout, she seemed tired and seemed like to say, it is finally over. 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS:

After Miss Philippines gave the most plausible and the best answer, everyone was expecting her to win. However she did not. The announcement was quick.

          FOURTH RUNNER–UP: Miss Brazil

          THIRD RUNNER–UP: Miss Australia

          SECOND RUNNER-UP: Miss Venezuela

FIRST RUNNER-UP: Miss Philippines

MISS UNIVERSE 2012 : MISS USA          

POSTSCRIPTS:

1.    This edition of Miss Universe was really done in a small scale. The production was scaled down and yet they tried to give the whole presentation a new feeling- the Christmassy feeling.

2.    Camera men may be so mean. It focused on the face of Miss Puerto Rico who gave a smirk prior to the announcement of Miss USA as the last and the final candidate to the Top 16.

3.    Miss USA shown not clapping after Miss Philippines gave a resounding answer to her question.

4.    Many people are still left wondering why Miss South Africa did not make it to the Top 5. It could have been her instead of Miss Brazil. But we will feel empty and disheartened too that Miss Brazil is left out because it was our contention that there is a diamond in her for the picking and we were not wrong after all. It would be too much to ask for Miss USA since she was the eventual winner. Suffice to say that the pre-pageant favorites do not make eventual winners. In this case, Miss South Africa, Miss Puerto Rico, Miss Paraguay and Miss Netherlands were unlucky. At least Miss South Africa entered the Top 16 and Top 10.

5.    Many fans point out that what is the use of the Question and Answer portion if it is not the determining point of who should be the eventual winner. If it would be the overall performance of the candidate, then it would be useless to select the Top 5. The concept of a reality show from the Top 16 wherein they compete and show that they have the best bodies, walk and poise in the swimsuit segment. Then they are trimmed to Top 10 to compete in the evening gown. Then with the Top 5 in the evening gown they are asked of the question to get the best of them all. So it is dumbfounding to say that they were evaluated as to their overall performance.

6.    When emotions are already down and we get to simmer down and analyze what happened, it would come down to the point that the choice is still personal. All the different judges have their own personal choices. They have different tastes. They have different likings. They have different thoughts. Although the choice of Miss Philippines over Miss USA is the populist choice, the judges probably felt that Miss USA adhered more to the qualities and characteristics of what the Miss Universe Organization is looking for.

7.    This is just a pageant and a contest. There are winners and there are losers. Some winners are magnanimous in victory while some losers are purely sore. Well, the pageant is over. There is another year to look forward to. The search is already on for the contenders to the throne for 2013.