First, on a personal note: You can say I’m greeting this Miss World season with a renewed sense of interest. Last July, I watched Miss World Philippines live for only the second time, after a prolonged 12-year gap. Coincidentally, both happened when I was under the Home Network’s employ. 

The first was the sophomore edition in Manila Hotel, when the search was still under Cory Quirino’s directorship. Back then, it was the first and only time it aired on the channel. That was won by Queenie Rehman who placed in the Top 15 in Inner Mongolia, a feat to be outdone by Megan Young the following year. 

I guess you can consider it full circle, when I found myself back under my second “comeback” consultancy. As many would know, the contest’s directorship had shifted since. Thus, it was my first time to watch under Arnold Vegafria’s ALV Pageant Circle. And let’s just say: I was there with specific, interesting tasks. 

I accompanied one of the judges, a Home Network executive, established in the field of sports.  The bigger surprise, however, came as I led him to the banquet hall and there was Miss World chairperson Julia Morley chatting with local VIPs. 

At our table was her son, Miss World events director, Steve Douglas, known to fans for his side commentary. That’s when the side talk inevitably ensued, which he then relayed to his colleagues: “Did you hear that? We may have to bring back the Leaderboard”. Dinner resumed after the initial briefing. That’s when Mrs. Morley, who had joined the table, greeted me with surprising warmth. “Oh look at your smile”, she began. To which I awkwardly responded: “I collected your pageants on VHS”. She then giggled, before requesting the staff for scotch. 

The proceedings were unexpectedly quick-paced, despite starting and ending on Filipino time (but hey, what could the Brits do?). And I thank the powers-that-be for seating me close to the panel. I seized the opportunity to join the selfie spree during the gaps. That meant approaching the Czech Republic’s reigning queen, Krystyna Pyszkova, just before she was led onstage for her brief appearance. 

As foreseen by many, the pageant was won by Baguio’s Krishna Marie Gravidez, who, just a month before, sacrificed her shot at the then-delayed Miss Charm 2024. To many, it was well worth the risk, as majority have considered her ready for the big leagues. As press and fans took the stage for congratulatory hugs and photo-ops, the said Home Network judge looked at me from his spot and said “She was your pick, right?” To which, I responded with a thumbs up. 

And, now, come to think of it, all three Filipina Miss World bets who competed in India were there that night: 1996’s Daisy Reyes, who sat as judge; Gwendolyne Fourniol, the incumbent titleholder; and, of course, Krishnah, who’s now making waves in Telangana. I wish I was more certain about our prospects, given our long complicated history with that contest. But, one thing’s for sure: we sent a contender. 

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For the first time in the 2020s, Miss World has re-established annual frequency. That makes Krystyna Pyszkova the decade’s shortest reigning titleholder so far at 14 months, but only because the conditions have more or less returned to normal. Ergo, there are no more skipped years and no more Covid outbreaks pausing the proceedings. The next winner will now be definitely branded as “Miss World 2025”, with no more confusion. Hopefully, it will stay that way in years to come. 

It’s the second consecutive edition staged in India, and third overall, including 1996. Inevitably, that was met with apprehension, in light of the ongoing tensions between the host country and its Western neighbor, which already caused the postponement of the Universal Woman contest originally slated on June 8. But, as assured by the organizers, this festival won’t be as affected as it will be taking place farther down south and, more crucially, far from the border. 

104 delegates made it to the opening ceremony, with five more, including one replacement, arriving days later. That brings the total roster to 108, which is four ladies short of last year’s count, but still more or less within recent average.

The continental groups are back for the second straight year. And, contrary to early rumors of a Top 25, they’ve maintained the Top 40, which consists of the Top 10 of each region. Presumably, this is to make room for more Judges’ Choices as they seem to be Fast Tracking like crazy this year. From there, only the Top Five per region will make the next round, with the Top Two continental scorers comprising the Final Eight. In the end, only four Continental winners will only have a shot at the Blue Crown. And, once again, this will be nerve-wracking for regions with more than one crown contender. Luckily, every continent brought its A game this year, so the geographically-balanced showdown won’t really feel as contrived. 

UP NEXT: THE 2025 CANDIDATE ROUND-UP (PER REGION)