#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)
#80) Maxine Formosa Grupetta (Malta/UNIVERSE). As of this writing, her island nation now has the most Miss Universe appearances without a single placement – a distinction it inherited from The Bahamas in 2021. While the status quo remains, this model … Continue reading My 100 Favorite International Candidates from 2022 (#80-#66)
Grand Slam Pageants, Alpha Pageants, The Big 4 (or 5 or 6)… Many terms have been coined for the major global pageants. Just as diverse are the opinions as to which ones are qualified. For me, it’s more straightforward: these … Continue reading My 100 Favorite International Candidates from 2022 (#100-#81)
AGUSAN DEL NORTE – Jannarie Zarzoso. This accounting technology graduate from Cabadbaran has an inspiring back story as she’s been battling psoriasis for the past five years and now advocates for Filipinos suffering the same disease. As it stands, her debuting province seems … Continue reading Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Candidate Round-Up, Part 1 (Agusan del Norte to Cavite)
As if fans can’t emphasize it enough, a sad turn of events preceded this year’s Miss Universe Philippines pageant. Celeste Cortesi missed the cut last January, thus halting the country’s longest ever Miss Universe placement streak. While we somehow had an inkling that a blip … Continue reading Miss Universe Philippines 2023: A Prelude
The region stands a hefty chance at regaining the title this year, with at least five contenders within striking distance. Even if the contest ran with just this group, many favorites will still be left out. That’s the Americas for … Continue reading 71st Miss Universe Candidate Round-Up: Americas
Over the last decade, half of the royal roster had been from this group, with Pinays and South Africans tag-teaming in short intervals. Last year also marked India‘s return to supremacy in first-time host Israel, which curiously opted to skip … Continue reading 71st Miss Universe Candidate Round-Up: Asia and Africa
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
AKLAN, ANGELES CITY, CAVITE, CEBU PROVINCE, MAKATI, MARINDUQUE, MISAMIS ORIENTAL, TAGUIG ZAMBALES – Joanna Marie Rabe (Withdrew). Before making waves as Jojowannabe, this streamer tried her luck in Mutya ng Pilipinas 2016 and Miss World Philippines 2017. Although unsuccessful in both … Continue reading Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Candidate Review, Part 3
BUKIDNON, CEBU CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR, DAVAO OCCIDENTAL, ISABELA, LAGUNA, MASBATE, PASIG CITY, ROMBLON, SIARGAO ISLAND PASIG CITY – Princess Kristha Singh. She’s a promising first timer whose resemblance to Pia Wurtzbach can’t be unseen and she consistently slays in … Continue reading Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Candidate Review, Part 2
ALBAY, ANTIQUE, CAGAYAN DE ORO, ILOILO CITY, MANDALUYONG, MANILA, NEGROS ORIENTAL, PANGASINAN, PARAÑAQUE, SAN JUAN NEGROS ORIENTAL – Grace Charmaine Vendiola. Her Occidental counterpart may have garnered more challenge votes, but this former flight attendant is undoubtably her island’s best … Continue reading Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Candidate Review, Part 1
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)
Planet Chuckie 