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)
GROUP 5 – Australia, Botswana, Czech Republic, Sierra Leone, Spain AUSTRALIA – Janaya Reimers. The Land Down Under placed six consecutive years since its 2013 debut but went on hiatus after missing the cut in 2019. It’s nice to see … Continue reading Miss Supranational 2024 Candidate Round-Up (Groups 5 to 7)
GROUP 1 – Canada, Denmark, Haiti, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, US Virgin Islands CANADA – Rachel Murgel. Since Siera Bearchell’s 2015 First Runner-Up finish, Canadians have generally settled with ranking within the 25th to 35th range. This children’s literacy ambassador … Continue reading Miss Supranational 2024 Candidate Round-Up (Groups 1 to 4)
Build up for Miss Supranational 2024 pageant has been low-key special for Pinoy fans, as two titleholders visited the country over the past few months. It was late October when incumbent queen, Andrea Aguilera, graced the inaugural The Miss Philippines … Continue reading Miss Supranational 2024: A Prelude
In a few hours, the 71st Miss World will finally be crowned at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India. After three weeks of public appearances and pocket competitions, where early favorites faded and new ones emerged, here’s my … Continue reading 71st Miss World: The Final Wishlist
AUSTRALIA – Kristen Wright. The Land Down Under is back after skipping the last edition, and this biomedical science student advanced in the Head to Head Challenge and Talent Fast Track. Signs are hinting at a fruitful return. BANGLADESH – … Continue reading 71st Miss World Candidate Round-Up: RED TEAM (Asia and Oceania)
BELGIUM – Kedist Deltour. Three years since her Miss Universe stint, her tragic back story continues to tug heartstrings. While her exclusion in Israel remains a heartbreaker, there’s a heavy chance this Ethiopian immigrant will finally, and rightfully, earn her … Continue reading 71st Miss World Candidate Round-Up: BLUE TEAM (Europe)
ANGOLA – Florinda José. This country’s best showing here to date was a threepeat Top 5/Top 6 placement from 2006 to 2008. While this primary school teacher appears to be of that caliber, she’s so far overshadowed by other African … Continue reading 71st Miss World Candidate Round-Up: YELLOW TEAM (Africa)
ARGENTINA – Mariela Fuchs. Since ending its three-decade drought in 2017, the Land of Tango managed to place at least once more – in the previous edition, to be exact and courtesy of Amira Hidalgo. This educator is a solid … Continue reading 71st Miss World Candidate Round Up: GREEN TEAM (Americas/Caribbean)
Perhaps, they were right in biding their time, even if it wasn’t completely by choice. As most would recall, the 70th contest in Puerto Rico ended in chaos. What was meant to be a milestone edition was tainted with several … Continue reading The 71st Miss World: A Primer
ARGENTINA – Yamile Dajud. The Land of Tango may have only placed thrice since 1979, but it still sent us strong contenders from time to time. This multi-hyphenate rose in contention as days progressed, but might have been overpowered in … Continue reading Miss Universe 2023 Candidate Round-Up: THE AMERICAS
ANGOLA – Ana Barbara Coimbra. This year marks the silver anniversary of this country’s entry into pageantry, and since then, it’s given us three Miss World finalists and one Miss Universe winner. This afro-sporting advocate joined under the radar but … Continue reading Miss Universe 2023 Candidate Round-Up: AFRICA & ASIA PACIFIC
ALBANIA – Endi Demneri. This country’s pageant year went off on a shaky start, with its Miss Supranational contestant withdrawing days after arriving in Poland, and its supposed Miss International debutante being a no-show in Japan. Props for this menstrual … Continue reading Miss Universe 2023 Candidate Round-Up: EUROPE
When JKN Global Group, headed by Anne Jakrajutatip, took over the Miss Universe franchise in late 2022, we assumed Thai stagings as the future norm. We don’t discount that possibility just yet, but one of the bigger surprises in the … Continue reading Miss Universe 2023: A Prelude
“Athens welcomes the Universe, and Miss Universe welcomes you to Greece” It was the first Miss Universe held in Greece, and for that matter, the first outside American soil. Before then, the first 20 editions had been staged in the … Continue reading 50 Years of Margie Moran
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