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 … Continue reading The 72nd Miss World Festival: A Prelude
#5 – Opal Suchata Chuangsri (Thailand/Universe). In all likelihood, she’ll also make next year’s list, now that she’s in India for a shot at the Blue Crown. But, looking back, her stint in Mexico was already legendary, as she did … Continue reading My 100 Favorite International Contestants of 2024 (5 to 1)
#10 – Ileana Marquez Perdroza (Venezuela/Universe). When the old rules were still in place, her dream ended before it began. She became a mom at 16, just two years shy of Miss Universe’s minimum age requirement. But now with those … Continue reading My 100 Favorite International Contestants of 2024 (10 to 6)
#20 – Bryoni Govender (South Africa/Supranational). It’s not to call Dr. Fezile Mkhize’s win win a jinx by any count – a milestone is a milestone. Though, one must admit, that doubled the pressure on this lawyer of Indian descent, … Continue reading My 100 Favorite International Contestants of 2024 (20 to 11)
IN THIS TIER: Russia’s revenge, a Bulacaña Black Barbie, and a living, breathing work of art #35- Axelle Rene (Martinique/World). This French overseas department joins sporadically nowadays, but this geologist won Miss World’s Top Model fast track and secured her … Continue reading My 100 Favorite International Contestants of 2024 (35 to 21)
IN THIS TIER: Sensational Spaniards, Powerhouse Peruvians, and a Misunderstood Burmese #50 – Priyanka Rani Joshi (Nepal/World). It’s amazing how this country started as perpetual underdog to placing consecutively since 2017. Unsurprisingly, it was the Beauty with a Purpose category … Continue reading My 100 Favorite International Contestants of 2024 (50 to 36)
IN THIS TIER: An “AUS“-picious return , a First Nations milestone, and an African breaking records for the third straight year #65 – Kristen Wright (Australia/World). After one edition of not seeing action, and four years, if you count the … Continue reading My 100 Favorite International Contestants of 2024 (65 to 51)
IN THIS TIER: Odds-breakers from Africa’s best Miss World year, a Kiwi surprise, and drought-enders half-a-century overdue #80 – Liza Gundowry (Mauritius/World). We should have underestimated her island nation’s status as Miss World’s tourism sponsor last year. But that’s just … Continue reading My 100 Favorite International Contestants of 2024 (80 to 66)
A few side notes, before we begin: As far as my pageant fandom is concerned, May 12 has always been momentous. While my tradition technically began on May 21, 1994, many memorable subsequent editions fell on the former. Two of … Continue reading My 100 Favorite International Contestants of 2024 (100 to 81)
I once said that I may not afford to watch Miss Universe live each year, I’ll at least try to make Miss Universe Philippines an annual habit. So far, I’ve been at it since public gatherings resumed in 2022, even … Continue reading Ripe for the Picking: Watching Miss Universe Philippines 2025
“Puksaan” has obviously replaced “Bardagulan” as Pinoy pageant fans’ favorite word. With a field as formidable as this, who can blame them? It does feel more like an “elimination” than a mere “showdown”. Much as anyone from the 66 can … Continue reading Miss Universe Philippines 2025: My Final Wishlist
ORIENTAL MINDORO to TUGUEGARAO ORIENTAL MINDORO – Rechel Hoco. As Rechel in Dubai, this content creator has quite the following. That’s bound to give her an edge in anything that involves a Fan Vote of sorts (BingoPlus, perhaps?). Not that … Continue reading Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Candidate Round-Up (Part Three)
IFUGAO to OCCIDENTAL MINDORO IFUGAO (FILIPINO SOCIETY OF NEW YORK) – Valerie Claire West. True, this singer’s every inch a New Yorker, with no trace of Cordillera upbringing. Then again, we don’t always see the home of Banaue Rice Terraces … Continue reading Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Candidate Round-Up (Part Two)
ALBAY to GUIPOS, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR ALBAY – Rani Lachmi Dado. Skipping 2023 didn’t go without repercussions for the home of Mayon as it missed the cut upon its return. Hoping to restore its fortunes is this junior architect, whose … Continue reading Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Candidate Round-Up (Part One)
After only five years, Miss Universe Philippines has already entered a new era. This year’s edition began with National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee announcing her bid for Pasig councilor in the 2025 Local Elections. This left her no recourse but to … Continue reading Miss Universe Philippines 2025: A Prelude
Three months ago, Jomelle Joegy Marquez didn’t think she’d head this route. That was until she turned 15 last January, when she found herself joining Miss Teen International Philippines as Parañaque’s representative.It was hard to believe she only had nine … Continue reading THIS IS 40: Discovering a Teen Queen
For the second straight year, I was asked to judge Miss Teen International Philippines by its pageant director, film and TV writer Charlotte Dianco. Once again, the contest was held in Tanghalang Pasigueño, with actor Lance Raymundo taking over as … Continue reading Notes from a Two-Time Miss Teen International Philippines Judge
Whenever I’m asked about my pageant obsession, I tend to answer the “when” and not the “why”. See, I always dreaded the thought of having to rationalize a passion. But if I were to indulge, it all began in the … Continue reading 30 Years a Pageant Geek
For the first time since its 2016 inception, Mr. Supranational preceded its female counterpart. It’s a departure from previous years, when the former would follow the latter after 24 hours. No clear explanation was provided regarding the switch, but, whatever … Continue reading Miss Supranational 2024: The Final Wishlist
Before we proceed with the last three groups, let’s take a look at two active participants who didn’t take part in the Supra-Chat Challenge: CHILE – Vaihere Domingo. This medicine student grew up in Tahiti, and her Supra-Talent submission hinted … Continue reading Miss Supranational 2024 Candidate Round-Up (Groups 8 to 10)
Planet Chuckie 