THE LONG SHOTS – They’re by no means weak contestants, but in yet another competitive year, these are the contestants who didn’t receive as much buzz as they should. Armenia, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Cayman Islands, China, Ecuador, Germany, Hungary, … Continue reading 70th Miss Universe: My Final Pre-Pageant Tally
ARGENTINA – Julieta Garcia. It’s sad that Osmel Sousa has abandoned ship, just when his efforts have started bearing fruit. At least he managed to make one final hurrah as director of this country. This 22-year-old international model channels an … Continue reading 70th Miss Universe Candidate Round-Up: The Americas
AUSTRALIA – Daria Varlamova. Last May, we witnessed Maria Thattil break barriers as the shortest ever Miss Universe semi-finalist. This time, we have this Perth-based psychotherapy student of Russian extraction. She has her merits, of course, but lacks the distinct … Continue reading 70th Miss Universe Candidate Round-Up: Asia and Africa
ALBANIA – Ina Dajci. Casual observers are bound to cite her as a standout because she resembles Angelina Jolie in select shots. There’s some sense in that sentiment, though she hasn’t garnered enough buzz to be in heavy contention. ARMENIA … Continue reading 70th Miss Universe Candidate Round-Up: Europe
In this extremely well-curated group, everyone has a worthy, justifiable reason to do well. Here’s how I classified the remaining 28, according how they might (or how I hope they will) fare in the finals: THE DARK HORSES (Alphabetical): ANTIQUE, … Continue reading Miss Universe Philippines 2021: My Final Pre-Pageant Leaderboard
With the pageant approaching its final stretch, it was time to get to know the aspirants in depth. Unfortunately, the roster lost two candidates before the final round, including one early favorite: CAGAYAN PROVINCE – Gianne Kryssee Asuncion (Withdrew). Her … Continue reading Miss Universe Philippines 2021: Eliminations (Round 3)
It was the most number of online challenges in a single pre-pageant round. The remaining 75 candidates were first announced on social media with their best Full Body Swimsuit Photos. Next was the Runway Challenge, where they each demonstrated their … Continue reading Miss Universe Philippines 2021: Eliminations (Round 2)
The first round required the Top 100 aspirants to submit their most striking Headshots, coupled with brief Introductory Video that’ll serve as their profiles. Two candidates couldn’t complete the first round. Daisy Rafea Batch (Withdrew). She pulled out before she … Continue reading Miss Universe Philippines 2021: Eliminations (Round 1)
So, it has come to this: a toss-up among the early frontrunner, the preliminary competition showstopper, and the bold luminary. These are my Top 3 picks for the Mouawad crown. Three countries each vying for its third win. Here’s how … Continue reading My 69th Miss Universe Wish List
Only two nations from the previous edition are skipping this year: The island of St. Lucia and the US Virgin Islands. And how ironic for the latter, considering its proximity to Florida. With 29 delegates, it’s not just the most … Continue reading 69th Miss Universe Initial Impressions: The Americas and the Caribbean
Despite ending its title drought five years ago thanks to Iris Mittanaere, this continent has noticeably been underperforming. And with the Continental Format no longer in place, the prospects of this region has seemingly grown even dimmer as they face … Continue reading 69th Miss Universe Initial Impressions: Europe
Yes, I know they’re doing away with the Continental Format this year. Nonetheless, I’m reviewing this year’s candidates by region. This is the group which benefitted most from that format during its brief three-year run. This year, however, this group … Continue reading 69th Miss Universe Initial Impressions: Asia and Africa
Planet Chuckie 