BANGLADESH – Tangia Zaman Methila. In an awesome case of fate leading to what’s meant to be, this actress missed her shot during the pandemic, only to earn her chance five years later. She’s a revelation, to sum it up. … Continue reading Miss Universe 2025 Candidate Round-Up: Asia
Carolina Izsak‘s pre-Top Three ouster in 1992 was jawdropping, but the Americas did earn redemption in 2005, the second edition held in Thailand. The entire Top Five hailed from the region. But in what felt like the Latina contingent’s to … Continue reading Miss Universe 2025 Candidate Round-Up: The Americas
Halfway through the 1992 telecast, the first Thai edition felt like Carolina Izsak of Venezuela‘s to lose. But after fumbling in Top Six interview, the momentum shifted towards India’s Madhu Sapre, who in turn, gave a simplistic Top Three answer. … Continue reading Miss Universe 2025 Candidate Round-Up: Africa and Oceania
Ethnically speaking, a European did triumph on Thai soil, except that woman represented a North American giant. Now, if we’re talking about sashes, it was the Netherlands which came closest to winning in the host country, with Vivian Jansen placing … Continue reading Miss Universe 2025 Candidate Round-Up: Europe and the Middle East
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
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
#10) Maria Fernanda Aristizábal (Colombia/UNIVERSE). She may have lost her shot to Laura Olascuaga due to 2020’s national license shift, but all roads still led her to the Universe. Call it fate or divine timing, but it’s a thrill to … Continue reading My 100 Favorite International Candidates from 2022 (The Top Ten)
#20) Hannah Arnold (Philippines/INTERNATIONAL). In a Miss International edition that ignored virtually all of Asia, this Fil-Aussie took one for the team in the Top 15. In that respect, she remained a frontrunner. And it was still well worth her … Continue reading My 100 Favorite International Candidates from 2022 (#20-#11)
#35) Esther Oluwatosin Ajayi (Nigeria/EARTH). It’s strange how the most-awarded African doesn’t always top her continent in Miss Earth (Abena Appiah, anyone?). Whatever the case, this stylish showstopper was an easy Top 12 pick. And looking at her freshly appointed … Continue reading My 100 Favorite International Candidates from 2022 (#35-#21)
#50 – Evanjelin Elchmanar (United Kingdom/INTERNATIONAL). In a way, Sri Lanka should be relishing a back-to-back Miss International placement, because of this actress’ lineage. Apart from breaking the Top 15, she also won Best in Swimsuit in the recent edition. … Continue reading My 100 Favorite International Candidates from 2022 (#50-#36)
#65 – Rosemary Ling (Hong Kong/INTERNATIONAL). Had this content creator advanced, it would have been a commemorative feat, considering it’s been 25 years since that Brexit. Alas, the powers-that-be couldn’t afford a back-to-back placement for the SAR. At least Miss … Continue reading My 100 Favorite International Candidates of 2022 (#65-#51)
Planet Chuckie 