The press presentation of the 2017 Binibining Pilipinas candidates happened last March 22 at the Novotel Manila in Araneta Center, Cubao and it was an eye-opening event, separating the goddesses of this year’s batch from mere mortals! hah!
With that being said, let me present to you my Second Hot Picks, taking into consideration the events that transpired after the official announcement of the candidates for this year’s edition. up to this point.
Let’s start first with the six girls on my radar whom I think are waiting for their right time to peak. They’re still not there in the upper tier but they’re basically on the hunt to spoil it for the/my top six!
In no particular order.
And my Top 6 in particular order
#7 Jezha Huelar’s second runner-up finish last year helped her gain confidence and the training she went through along with the 2016 queens was the result of her fierce return into the compeition. I was never a fan before but she’s slowly growing on me. Those legs are to die for! Not sure how many brownie points she had acquired from Madame Stella over the course of her runner-up reign but for now, I am willing to bet that she’d get one of the crowns – the ‘Globe’ one presumably.
#19 Rachel Peters is tall, smart and has a banging body – she needs to work on not looking older and dull. She almost has it all but she’s so lacking that glow! Rachel, you can do it! She’s my Intercontinental titlist at this point.
#15 Maria Angelica DeLeon. My faith for this girl is slowly fading as the days goes by. I knew enough that she’s a big-boned woman and I loved that she’s embracing it! Her face is deliciously divine and she’s got good enough articulation so it’s really up to her to level-up her game plan! She’s my bet for Grand International for now.
#13 Sirene Sutton. Beauty-wise, Sirene is one of the most facially beautiful ladies in the bunch aside from the fact that she’s also one of the tallest candidates. I thought she still need to work on her personality because she looks a bit bland in comparison to Elima and Rodriguez’ explosive stage presence. She needs that little oomph to come out sooner! For now, I am pegging her for Miss Supranational.
#31 Katarina Rodriguez is still my #2 at this stage of the competition. Nobody can argue that Katarina is THE face of the competition. Her boxy body may not be everyone’s cup of tea but her face alone compensates for what she lacks in that area. Janine Tugonon, Ariella Arida and Shamcey Supsup have boxy bodies but they still managed to shine on stage and Katarina could do so with that face. She’d be a great follow-up to reigning Miss International Kylie Verzosa and it’s not far-fetched for her to win the Miss Universe Philippines as well if Charmaine Elimamanaged to falter ‘again’ in the final Q&A.
#32 Charmaine Elima without question is the ring leader of this batch. At this stage, the target is still solidly planted on her back. In other words, she’s the biggest threat for everyone aiming for the Miss Universe Philippines crown. She’s luminous during the press presentation with such impeccable styling that could rival any pageant queen. This is one of those moments when you have no choice but to say, “Uwian na bes, may nanalo.” Elima’s still THE ONE to beat.
Director: Petersen Vargas
Cast: Khalil Ramos, Ethan Salvador, and Jameson Blake, Peewee Ohara, Jomari Angeles, Joel Saracho, Mean Espinosa, Ana Capri
I hate to be the party pooper here since everyone seems to be loving this dark coming-of-age film about a nerd who befriended two Filipino-American brothers who made such an impact in his young life but if I’m being quite honest, this film just didn’t work for me for so many reasons save for the amazing performances of its lead actors – James Blakeson, Ethan Salvador and Kahlil Ramos.
In case you didn’t know (like moi), 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten was part of last year’s Cinema One Originals Film Festival garnering the Best Picture honor as well as Best Supporting Actor for Blake Jameson and Best Cinematography for Carlos Mauricio.
I just want to say first that the cinematography award was very well-deserved because Mauricio was able to encapsulate the contrasting beauty of the lahar-ridden Pampanga, the fascinating dreams of Felix (Ramos) and the youthful vibrancy of the actors playing the main characters. Even before I watched it on the big screen, I was already all over it towards its beautiful cinematography when I Initially viewed its trailer on Facebook.
Secondly, (see, I wasn’t aware of the said Film Festival so boohoo! on me) Jameson Blake winning an award for his role is not that surprising. After watching the film in Trinoma last Saturday (March 18, 2017) I was asked by my seatmate in the cinema how I find the film, I told him outright that the guy who played the role of Maximillian was simply enigmatic! He’s very effective and the eye-candy thing was just a bonus! They’re all good in their roles but Blake just stole the thunder from Ramos and Salvador on this one.
Now, let me make it clear that I do not hate the film. I just don’t like the development of the story. I wasn’t expecting it to be cheesy and all that stuff but I thought the dark twist revealed midway was rather an unsavory surprise. Twists tend to do that but that subplot just made me cringed because it felt forced for me. I thought I knew what the writer / director was trying to convey but incorporating said plot was rather over the top in my opinion.
We’re already all over Felix’s (Khalil Ramos) sexual identity crisis and the angst of the Snyder brothers and I thought the story could lead into a more subdued yet impactful resolution – instead we’ve got the subdued yet very strange conclusion.
But hey, who am I to judge like an expert? After all, I’m just a movie-goer hahaha! Kidding aside, I think it’s a case of “it’s me, not you” thing so I think people are still going to enjoy watching this one but as for me – I’m okay with watching it once for now.
And the long wait is finally over! So I guess the petition page that I made a couple of years back is totally moot now because tonight, we’ve witnessed the premiere of the second cycle (version?) of the Philippines’ Next Top Model with the tagline – High Street. So is it safe to say that they’re looking for someone that is both high fashion but easily marketable? Who doesn’t tho? lol. Anyway, it’s a glorious premiere! I am so amazed by the sophistication of the whole process. It wasn’t draggy tho the excitement was rather lacking but it’s a really good premiere nonetheless.
It started with host ‘The Amazing Race Asia winner and former Miss Philippines’ Maggie Wilson doing a voiceover of the audition held nationwide then fast-tracked to the 24 ladies who will be facing the other judges hoping to make it through the next round – that panel of judges along with Maggie includes Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) current president, the cutie Raphael or Rapha Kiefer, stylist and magazine editor Rain Dagala and model mentor and reigning Miss International, Kylie Verzosa.
Maggie, Kylie, Rain and Rapha ctto: @raphakiefer
So, what can I say about the judges? I honestly don’t have an idea who Rapha and Rain are but I loved the dynamics of this panel. They seemed to be getting along so well and I could already see Rain making okray the girls sooner or later and I cannot wait for their (Rain and Rapha!) fangs to come out! Haha! Rapha is a real charmer on TV while it’s a bit difficult to really distinguish who’s actually (should really be) hosting during the judging of the 24 ladies. I mean, Maggie and Kylie are both beautiful but they’re almost interchangeable! But hey, it’s a great panel and I cannot wait for the first judging of the photoshoot next episode!
And now, can we just have a minute for a prayer circle because the gods of fashion seems to be on this show’s side when they picked the 24 ladies to participate in this year’s edition! I’m honestly stunned by the quality of the girls who joined! I mean, majority of them are just beyond! It is very noticeable tho that more than half of the contestants are actually mixed-race so if you’re anal about that aspect – I don’t give a shit.
Based on this episode, I already have my final three but naturally – we have to see in at least the first two to three episode who will actually be impressing the judges (and the ones who will be getting good edits) as the weeks go by…
Let’s meet the final 12! (in order of announcement)
Ann is 20 from Bohol. I loved Ann! Her hair is one of her assets but she needs to step it up because the competition is real fierce. I’m fairly sure she’s already dreading the upcoming make-over. ( She’s also my number 1 amongst the top 3!!!)
Janny from Makati used to be bisexual who is now a lesbian or something like that. She’s actually very intereting! I didn’t expect her to make the cut but she’s got something (a story? the hair?) that is very endearing. Let’s see how far she’d make it. Oh, she also got a cute little son! ❤
Ina’s another strong contender. She’s one of the three dark-skinned girls who made the cut and again, the hair! Gosh! She looks amazing with that hair but I’ve a feeling that they’re gonna change it drastically. We can’t have two Ann’s in the show after all. I think she also said something about hailing from the Bahamas (need to verify this)
Adela is only 19 and was originally from the United Kingdom and has been living in the Philippines for about a year now. She looks really sweet and she’s also very articulate. Not sold on her yet – I’m seeing her getting the boot in the next few episodes.
Jan, 24, Bulacan. I loved her sincerity. I think she’s got great potential but an early exit for her is not that far-fetched.
Kim is 21 years old from Bacolod and she’s done a lot of local modelling stint including different runway and fashion shows in her turf. His father is half-Dutch-half-black-American from Suriname and his mom’s a Filipina. She reminds me so much of Camile from the first cycle of the the original show! Girl is FFIIIEERRCCEEE!
Blaise, 20, Chicago. I honestly didn’t expect her to make the cut but I think she got some big brownie points from model mentor Kylie Verzosa because they share the same advocacy regarding mental health. She’s currently a cheerdancer and a college student at the Ateneo de Manila University.
Angela, 22, Bicol. I loved her interview with the judges but I thought she looks more than her actual age. The show should really do something about that hideous hair!
Shekie, 23, Cagayan de Oro. Shekie is totally on my radar as one of the potential winners! Her dad’s Nigerian and with a Filipina mom of course. I loved her cockiness! It’s rather endearing coming from her! She just need to tone it down at times but she’s good to go for the (finale??) haha! We’ll see.
Aivie, 21, Canada. She’s got a very interesting lineage. Her dad is half-Vietnamese-half-Chinese and she obviously looks more pinay because of her mom. I’m still on the fence about her inclusion but I liked her!
Sarah, 23, Pampanga. My homegirl! I loved her face! She’s definitely this season’s commercial goddess! It’s such a shame that she’s only 5’4″ but I think with that face – she could very well use it to go as far as top 5 and who knows – one nailed beauty shot and uwian na mga bes, may nanalo na! lol
and the final spot goes to…
Janelle, 27, San Diego, California. She’s one of my favorites. She’s obviously the oldest in the bunch and this would always haunt her during the competition. I just hope that she won’t get uber-angsty about it during confessionals. I thought her beauty is very marketable especially here in the Philippines and I cannot wait to see her make-over!
Okay – let me reveal the rest of my initial Top 3 then. Since I’ve already mentioned Ann being my ultimate winner this early, I’ve also have a feeling that Shekie will do really well. Rounding up my top 3 is the lovely Janelle! Gaaahhh! Her face is just perfection – just sayin’.
Special mention to Anna.
Nganga!
As for the their first photoshoot, it would be an underwater shoot where the girls will try their hardest and fiercest while submerged in a big aquarium! Yikes!
What about you guys? What can you say about the premiere? Who are your favorites?
So as early as now, I will be putting a poll on who do you think (on first impression) will most likely make it until the end?
Screengrab from the TV obviously but these images are still the exclusive rights of Pottle Productions, Inc. I’ll try to update this post with HQ pictures soon!
Director: Bill Condon Cast: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson, Audra McDonald, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Nathan Mack, Adrian Schiller, Hattie Morahan, Gerard Horan, Zoe Rainey, Henry Garrett, Harriet Jones
Beauty and the Beast in 3D is as magnificent as its grandiose cast that includes Sir Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, Ewan McGregor, Luke Evans and its main stars Dan Stevens and Emma Watson among others.
I don’t think there’s even a doubt about Emma Watson’s star-power after the weekend success of the live-action remake of one of the most beloved Disney animations Beauty and the Beast where she played the iconic role of Belle – the provincial lass who felt too confined in her small-minded-small town who fell in love with a cursed prince.
The film just raked in $350M worlwide since its March 16 release despite controversies involving LeFou’s “gay” character (which is totally a non-issue to begin with so to you bigoted piece of shits – Disney doesn’t need your money – kbye!)
I’ve read a tweet last week that says, a new generation is going to forget Emma playing Hermionie because of Beauty and the Beast.
If I’m being quite honest,I think it’s going to be the exact opposite. Emma has been immortalized by the Harry Potter franchise as the dorky, know-it-all Hermionie and with Watson playing Belle and meeting every expecations, it solidifies her star-power that trandscends generation. So she’s gonna be remembered for sure playing the two equally iconic roles.
Kids and kids-alike will get a kick out of its fun, funny and endearing characters and songs that will remind them so much of their childhood. I was actually on the verge of tears when Mrs. Potts started singing the theme of the movie during Belle and the Beast’ romantic dance.
The lovely and well-detailed faithfulness of this adaptation from its original animation is what made the film even more special. The magic stayed with Condon’s fresh new take and fresh new songs from Alan Menken and TIm Rice that includes “How Does A Moment Last Forever,” heard at the beginning of the movie being sung/hum by Maurice (Kevin Kline), Belle’s father and during the end-credits belted by none other than, Celine Dion.
From the moment Watson appeared on screen, I just knew that it’s gonna be as epic as its trailer. Beauty and the Beast did not disappoint one bit. It was pleasing to the eye, lovely to the ears and just a full-on heartwarming movie that will make you believe in the power of true love – Disney style!
I know it’s been a couple of weeks since the announcement of the official candidates of this year’s Binibining Pilipinas and so far, no one has been disqualified yet! *wink* Kidding aside, this is definitely a very strong batch with repeaters, crossovers and newbies battling for the six crowns at stake in this year’s edition!
Upon watching their web interviews, candid and official photos and other videos – I came up with my first hot picks of the season. They are definitely the frontrunners whom I’d like to call at this point the Power Six!
Six. Gabriela Patricia Ortega
She may not be the most facially beautiful girl in the competition but this girl definitely has that regal bearing fit for a queen! She’s an articulate speaker and has very good bone structure! I’m waiting for her to shine even more but so far, she’s doing a wonderful job edging out the competition!
Fifth. Sirene Sutton
This “independent” joiner from the Mercartor Models created a rather loud buzz during the final day of screening and you can see why in this picture. She’s statuesque, conventionally pretty (though she reminded me a bit of Miss Universe Malaysia 2011 Deborah Henry) and does seem to have the brains to back her looks so she’s probably the spoiler for the top frontrunner at this point.
Fourth. Rachel Peters
I loved Rachel during the Miss World Philippines 2014 until that final question and answer portion and I loved her aura even more now. I just hope that she’s going to take this more seriously now because she’s one of the Binibinis who has it all – beauty, personality and brains.
Third. Katarina Rodriguez
Asia’s Next Top Model runner-up turned beauty queen aspirant is an instant favorite the moment she decided to try out for the nationals and for good reasons. She’s vibrant, articulate and a face to die for. For now, she’s still giving me that “I’m a commercial model” vibe so she better step it up!
Second. Maria Angelica de Leon
Let’s face it – Mariel has one of the most beautiful faces in the competition and with an impressive pedigree to boot, she could very well topple my top pick for the Miss Universe Philippines at this stage of the competition. It’s going to be a tough job so she better be ready to shine ever brighter!
And the top goes to…
Numero Uno. The One to Beat.
Charmaine Elima.
After choking in the Q&A portion during the Golden Edition of this pageant, Maine took a break from the pageant scene to work as a flight attendant for the Philippines’ national carrier – the Philippine Airlines. Since then, it looks like her life experiences including her 2013 defeat made her an even stronger candidate making waves as she return this year with a bang! She is now handled by Aces & Queens transferring from its rival beauty camp – Kagandahang Flores. Do I think that it’s for the best? I think so. And it’s none of my business, anyway.
Charmaine looks and sound more confident now. She seems more articulate and she’s just glowing like a real queen! At this stage, there’s no denying that everything’s pointing to her succession of Maxine Medina’s title and if the stars will align this year in her favor, there’s a very big chance that she’d finally clinch that Miss Universe Philippines title!
After watching Ice Idanan’s Sakaling Di Makarating last weekend, I was on the fence about it being a rip-off of “That Thing Called Tadhana” or perhaps just ‘a way better storytelling’ ala-Before Sunrise trilogy which ‘Tadhana” obviously tried to emulate. What I didn’t consider is the message within the film. Sakaling Di Makarating in comparison to the profanity-laden “Tadhana” has a much deeper message and obviously is more aesthetically pleasing.
What initially enticed me to watch the film is that it features the diverse beauty of the Philippines. Its beautiful landscapes being one of the focal points of the story should be a fantastic watch for a traveler like myself yeah? Then I found out that Alessandra de Rossi will star in it and I was absolutely sold! I knew I have to see this on the big screen.
A series of mysterious hand-illustrated postcards take a young woman on a journey throughout the Philippines in search of its anonymous writer.
The film didn’t disappoint with its aesthetic value. It felt like you’re traveling with Cielo (de Rossi) here – discovering the beauty of this tropical country whilst accompanying Cielo on her search for M.
Cielo’s journey is a way for her to alleviate her pain and find the answers to the many whys of her failed relationship. Cielo, for all her strength, is only human, though. She’s in the process of grieving and trying to decipher what her next move will be. Her journey to finding the postcard sender, M, is her journey to finding herself again. Some of us call it soul-searching, but more than anything else, I’d like to think that it’s finding a reason to live again. The places she’s been to, I’d like to think, have made her realize that there’s so much more to life.
The storyline, however, felt a bit disjointed for me. It’s like I’m watching a movie within a movie; rather, it felt like watching two films altogether. The connection between the first and latter parts of the film was startlingly obvious, but it felt forced. Good thing the kid who played Sol (Teri Malvar) is an absolute joy to watch! When the spotlight was focused on her, ‘girl, just kick some ass like no other.
I have to be honest, though. I actually enjoyed the latter part of the film more. The beginning, which I find a bit mechanical, was too reminiscent of ‘That Thing Called Tadhana.’ The dialogue was a bit off, and Paul’s character was unnecessary in my opinion. The short affair involving Manuel (JC Santos) was a rather welcome distraction from the bleak narrative of the first half of the film. The parallelism of their scenes in connection to M in the latter part was just too clever! I just loved how apt it was. I’m not sure if it’s just me who thought of it, but if you think about it, there’s a rather eerie similarity.
Overall, this film was able to deliver a solid ending. The story may or may not work for many, but I’d love for it to have a sequel! I want a storyline with more of Paul in it. Maybe I’m just not giving him a chance. The story could be everybody’s story about struggling not only with their love life but also with our daily struggles while looking for an escape. The film won’t fix your problems, but it will inspire you to go out there. Have the courage to search for what you’re looking for, and as corny as it may sound, you have to remember that you only live once.
Rating: 7 out of 10 stars
Directed by Ice Idanan
Cast: Alessandra de Rossi, Teri Malvar, JC Santos, Pepe Herrera
So how do I even start with this one without spoiling it too much for you guys? I’ve been meaning to write a review after watching it last weekend but I’m still at that point where I’m trying to digest every scene, every moment of Mia and Sebastian together and everything that makes it one of the best films from last year.
Okay, so let’s start with the stars of the film.
Emma Stone here is flawless. There’s nothing I’d change about her in this film. It’s like watching a beauty pageant contestant on stage performing flawlessly for her audience to win the crown. Emma plays a ‘struggling’ actress here who knows that she’s destined to play A-lister roles for the camera and her struggles to make it into the city of stars is so transparent in her luminous depiction which I’m pretty sure will resonate with everyone of us dreaming – maybe not of the same thing – to be that something or someone.
Ryan Gosling meanwhile plays a passionate Jazz musician whose dream is to own a Jazz club in order to keep the musical genre alive. It all sounds very simple but in context it is a rather heartbreaking realization that indeed, jazz is dying and we need the likes of Sebastian in the real world to save it! Ryan played his role so
convincingly – playing the piano and dancing with vigor – that you’d fall in love with him all over again the way you fell for Noah in the Notebook. Ryan Gosling here without question cemented his status as a true ARTIST.
As for the story, it reminded me a bit of Satine and Christian’s love affair in Moulin Rouge what with both of them chasing their dreams and having to sacrifice love in the process.
There’s nothing extraordinarily new in it but there’s that surprising element of the storyline’s effectiveness. The storytelling will affect you. It will make you contemplate about your abandoned dreams and will make you weep at some point. I know I did and I cannot really explain why it affected me so much. Isn’t that crazy?
Perhaps, I was thinking of all the things we really have to let go in life in order for us to achieve something? I was asking myself tho, how worth is it to sacrifice one precious thing in exchange of similarly precious something? How do you weigh things out? I warned you that this may contain spoilers but there’s a lot of things to think about in this film – things that will make you stop, wander, and look back. Well, aside from the fantastic song and dance numbers, this film is just up there which will make you think that sometimes in life, we just have to keep dreaming. It’s free anyway!
Director: Damien Chazelle Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend, Rosemarie DeWitt
I wasn’t even aware of Pietro being recruited by BENCH to be their newest endorser so it’s such a wonderful surprise to see the “hottest maths teacher in the world” sporting what arguably the most popular clothing brand in the Philippines.
This is going to be a bit tricky for me because I’ve never seen the interviews of each candidate and I’m basing my final choices based on the preliminary competition as well as the events they have participated in leading into this event.
(Also, I’m a bit late posting this because I’ve just been to Burias Island and have not slept at all – so I’m basically zombie-ish watching this one right now.)
So off to my final 13 (apparently, the 13th spot will be given to the girl voted by the public worldwide to go through)
So I’ve made a ranking based on the swimsuit and the evening gown competition from the prelims (again) and below is what I came up with. (tho not necessarily my final 13)
13. Indonesia – this is supposed to be the girl with whom the public voted for and Miss Philippines has it in the bag but she’s not gonna be awarded this because she’s a shoo-in even without this. I am predicting that Indonesia will get the 13th spot! Also, I found her not that impressive during the prelims so she should thank her lucky stars!
12. Curacao – sash factor wise, she may not make it at all.
11. Brazil – She didn’t make my Top 12 from the prelims but she’s obviously very personable in person and the fans just loved her! I do think that she’d make the cut but during the Prelims, she’s just too much for me.
10. Great Britain – This girl has got a great personality. She’s also exceptionally pretty. She need better styling if she wanna go further than this.
9. China – What a dear surprise from China! She’s not as polished as Miss Universe China 2011 but she’s got this enchanting aura that may work in her favor…
8. Portugal – This girl for me aside from Belgium, France and Australia has one of the most beautiful faces in the competition and if I’m being honest, her face alone made me put her on my list
7. Spain – she was exceptional during the prelims but I’m not sure how exactly memorable she was when it comes to the eyes of the judging panel. I will still give her a chance tho. After all, her compatriot Amparo Munoz was crowned here during the second staging of the Miss Universe in 1974.
Top Six
6. Thailand – This girl won’t go unnoticed because she’s got a very interesting story to present to the judging panel. Aside from that, you can see that she’s studied so hard to be a perfect Thai delegate. She’s the one I’m suspecting to be the biggest spoiler of the night!
5. Venezuela – She’s my initial pick for the title of Miss Universe but I’ve seen some of her videos and I just have this feeling that she’s going to falter come Q and A portion.
4. Australia – this young fresh thing from Australia has all the making of Miss Universe. She’s gonna go higher, I can already tell but I don’t think she’s stronger than my pick for the final three.
2nd Runner-up: Argentina – I know that this is not a popular pick but I just loved her! She was spectacular during the prelims! She was mesmerizing and if the Q&A will work on her favor, she could make it. The only thing that’s preventing me from elevating her as my Miss Universe pick is her sash.
1st Runner-up: Philippines – This resilient, brave and very beautiful Philippine delegate will always be remembered as the first Miss Universe representative from the land of the orient sea to use an interpreter (as confirmed by the Philippine Tourism Secretary, although there’s a disclaimer that says, “In case”). From the divisive support from pageant fans Filipino and Non-Filipino alike, Maxine has rise to the occasion and delivered a spellbinding preliminary performance.
She still can accomplish a back to back but she needs to be perfect tonight to do such thing!
My Miss Universe 2016 is Miss FRANCE!
She was gliding like a queen during the preliminary. Her body’s to die for and clearly has the best face in the competition. I firmly believe that she should win the crown for these points alone and if she’s got the wit to back these area – then we will have the perfect successor of the confidently beautiful Pia Wurtzbach!
The 65th Miss Universe fever is finally on full swing and the delegates from around the globe are trying to out-stage each other while trying to play nice! Hah! Just this week, we’ve witnessed the Terno Fashion Show from some of the ladies who graced the beautiful historic Vigan to showcase the beautiful ternos created by Filipino designers. Then there’s was the Governor’s Ball, Their photoshoots from different historic sites in the metro as well as visits in the beautiful Boracay Island, Cebu and Batangas. With more press releases, videos and photos available for fans and pundits, let me present to you my first hot picks for this Manila edition of the Miss Universe beauty pageant!
Mariam Habach of Venezuela
At this stage of the competition, Miss Venezuela for me is the most ready to become the new queen – charisma and performance-wise. Her simplicity and unconventional beauty is refreshing from the usual brunette-filled Venezuelan delegates sent by their great national director Osmel Sousa to this pageant. Her posture and contagious smile is a thing of beauty that you can’t help but fall for her. Mariam came prepared to battle it out to the finish here in Manila!
Maxine Medina of the Philippines
Admit it or not, Miss Philippines’ beauty is a beauty that is very hard to ignore. She exudes confidence and a hint of mystery whenever she struck a pose – until she opens her mouth that is, as per pageant pundits’ usual criticism. To be fair tho, I think we’re too critical of Maxine because we’re comparing her to Pia and whether or not she’ll be able to carry on the latter’s legacy. I still believe that there is a big fat chance for the host-nation to snag a back-to-back win equating Venezuela’s record back in 2008-2009. After all, Maxine has the hometown advantage and with a smooth performance, albeit, a most probably less than confident answers in the Q&A round – she could probably pull it off.
Raissa Santana of Brazil
This Amazonian goddess is everywhere! Like literally every event! She’s such a stand out that you can’t help but be mesmerize by her modelesque bone structure and captivating smile! I’m only placing her as my third pick for the crown at this point because I’m still not sold with her overall presentation. It’s too finesse for me and I want her to be more vibrant and more natural!
Kiran Jassal of Malaysia
Miss Malaysia may not be getting much hype compared to her ASEAN counterparts such as Thailand, Indonesia, and her roomie Miss Philippines but she’s definitely someone to watch out for. She’s a real stunner in pictures and in motion and it may look like she’s playing it under the radar for now but come preliminaries, I’ve a feeling that she’ll be in everyone’s list afterwards. I actually think that she’s way better than Deborah Henry – the most prominent Malaysian delegate in memories who got snubbed during the 2011 edition of the pageant. Like Deborah, she’s got an amazing personality, stunning looks (way better than Miss Henry, IMHO) and good communication skills to boot. Will her sash prevent her from entering the top 16? I hope not.
Chalita Suansane of Thailand
Chalita is definitely a force to reckon with in the Manila edition of the pageant. She came prepared and ready to fight it out like Miss Venezuela and the other three in my top 5! She’s by far my ‘ultimate spoiler’ for the crown! She’s very polished, though not the prettiest candidate, she’s one scene-stealer that has a very likable personality to boot!
Andrea Tovar of Colombia
Andrea Tovar is no Adriana Gutierrez. The latter is personable whilst Andrea has this superior air about her. I’m not saying that it’s a bad thing to project but at times, it’s almost as if she’s already won the crown when in fact she hasn’t even step up her game performance-wise. I was expecting more from her and so far she’s giving me such lackluster performance that I’m relegating her to 6th place. Why is she still in the top 10 despite non-personable aura I’ve mentioned? Well, she’s Miss Colombia and Miss Universe loves their controversy. She’s a definite shoo-in for the semis plus her beauty is truly undeniable that truly separates her from others. Thing is, she really needs to work the crowd. After all, nobody wants a villain queen.
Deshauna Barber of the USA
Facially, Deshauna Barber isn’t the most conventionally beautiful delegate in the bunch but her background as US military and her subpar communication skills matching her vibrant personality makes her the most interesting girl to talk and listen to which I think is a big plus for whoever will win the Miss Universe crown!
Kezia Warouw of Indonesia
Indonesia is up for the country of the year in 2016 and a win here will cement their newfound status last year. It’s not an impossible feat because the reigning Indonesian queen is a breathtaking beauty that is both relatable and personable! I am still waiting for her spark to go full on but I’ve a feeling that she will deliver when it matters most.
Hawa Kamara of Sierra Leone
This debuting lass from the West African nation of Sierra Leone is already endearing a lot of pageant fans around the world as she struts with her natural hair on flick, she’s definitely stealing the spotlight from the more hyped candidates. She’s also very dear to Filipino pageant fans as the OFW’s and local fans helped her preparation for the pageant which include her flight to Manila as well as her wardrobe for the duration of Miss Universe. And she didn’t disappoint so far as she is both luminous in pictures and in motion. I’m not sure if Miss Universe is ready to crown another African queen after Leila Lopes’ victory in Brazil but if Sierra Leone delivers the goods come finals night, I’m pretty sure that everyone will be celebrating with her win!
Caris Tiivel of Australia
It’s very simple how Miss Australia landed as my 10th pick. She’s the prototype of the Miss Universe Australia in recent years and I can totally see her eclipsing some of the powerhouse Latinas to make it all the way into the top 5. She’s beautiful, a good communicator and very polished. Although I haven’t envisioned her winning just yet, I’ve a feeling that if she step it up in the prelims – there’s a big possibility of that happening.
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