Just when we thought the roster would finally surpass 70-mark again, the high attrition rate once again took its toll, reducing the number to 66. Ironically, some of those no-shows even took part in the Supra Chat Challenge, which for … Continue reading Miss Supranational 2025 Candidate Round-Up (Groups 1 to 3)
After three weeks of activities and challenges, marred by a Miss England switcheroo but, thankfully, spared by the conflict up north, the festival has reached its finale. In less than 12 hours, a new Miss World will be crowned. And, … Continue reading 72nd Miss World Festival: My Final Wishlist
If we separate Oceania and redirect the transcontinental beauties to Europe, the host continent would be the smallest group. And it was even made smaller with Korea’s confirmed delegate never showed up on account of an injury. Nevertheless, this is … Continue reading 72nd Miss World Candidate Round-Up (Asia and Oceania)
For two straight editions, Europeans reigned supreme. And while the perceived frontrunners aren’t necessarily from this continent, it’s still a formidable roster. However, controversy erupted days after the opening, when England‘s original candidate, Milla Magee, suddenly withdrew from the contest … Continue reading 72nd Miss World Candidate Round-Up (Europe)
Face it. Despite scoring a record number of placements last year, Africa‘s only major contender then was Botswana‘s Lesego Chembo. This year’s race is arguably tighter with at least four candidates having a shot at the continental title (or even … Continue reading 72nd Miss World Candidate Round-Up (Africa)
Despite winning thrice since 2016, the Americas has yet to clinch the crown in the New Normal. Its closest, recently, was a surprising 2021/2022 runner-up finish from Shree Saini, the first US representative of Indian extraction. Two countries from last … Continue reading 72nd Miss World Candidate Round-Up (Americas and Caribbean)
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)
Planet Chuckie 