(Signed by Miss Universe 1000 B.C)
The 65th Miss Universe has finally come to an end but the journey of my dear Iris Mittenaere has just began. She is about to embark a wonderful and extraordinary year wherein she can be able to inspire and touch the lives of many. Believe me, through the whole course of the final telecast, my heart was constantly pounding. The whole time, I was cheering for Philippines, Thailand, Colombia and France. Come top 3, I just can't breathe anymore. At 4am, the 16th Arrondisement probably heard the loudest scream ---- my scream! Gosh, it is as if I won. Miss FRANCE, has finally won again after 63 long years. But before I share you more about the newly crowned Miss Universe, let me share my views regarding the recently concluded Miss Universe.
PHILIPPINES as a HOST COUNTRY
Third time's indeed a charm. Well, Philippines' success as a host is not measured if their representative managed to win or not. The Philippines has again showed their utmost best and hospitality, successfully hosted different ancillary events, and lastly, has given the candidates beautiful memories for them to remember by. Upon the girls arrival, we have witnessed different activities that showcased the diverse beauty of the country. I will commend the girls because regardless of their busy and exhausting routine everyday, they all managed to deliver and participate with their staminas and great amount of will. Kudos to Batch 2016.
I would like to commend the many people behind the ancillary events headed by my hardworking friend, Jonas Gaffud, for a superb job. He is not even sleeping at times. Big thanks to the people at the Tourism Department, headed by Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo, and of course, to Governor Luis Chavit Singson, for fighting his hardest and eagerness in the staging of this pageant. Hats off.
But, here's a jaw dropping news, are you ready for the 66th Miss Universe happening again in the Philippines this November? Well, people will raise their eyebrows on this news of mine for sure. There had been talks and negotiations, yes.
THE STAGE and PRESENTATION
Frankly, I can say that the LED projectors just like last year added a great amount of impact at the final telecast. The stage is "pas mal", though I wish it could be better. We saw that triangle again in the middle just like last year, and even at this year's Miss World. Is triangle a thing now? Or some people would again relate it to Illuminati. Well, who cares?
Going back, maybe the stage design wasn't as massive like the other editions because of the way they will choreograph the presentation. I mean, I am not a fan of these batch by batch thingy. Am I gonna start my list of the "BADS"? For me, the girls were given a short time to do their walk, and the element of surprise was gone. Instead of concentrating to just one candidate, audience eyes will be distracted with the other two. Well, maybe they want to have a shorter time of exposures for the girls. But as for me, I still love the 2003 presentation in Panama. The evening gown presentation of Miss Serbia & Montenegro walking and gliding on that long runway is still playing inside my head, along with the fierce catwalk prowess of Miss Japan with her epic evening gown. Sigh.
Another thing I noticed, the whole presentation do not have any Filipino flavor. The last time Miss Universe was hosted outside US was in 2013. And you can feel the Russian vibe from the production, and stage design. Even in recent years, you could feel the influence of Sao Paulo (2011), the beautiful ruins from the old city in Vietnam (2008), and of course, the lavish and elaborate stage design and music of Thailand (2005). Way back in 1974 and 1994, you could feel the cultural palate and nuances of the Philippines. This year, it seems a copycat of 2015, - very westernized. Overall, as I've mentioned above, it is "pas mal". I just hope a distinct Filipino touch was added.
THE HOST
Steve Harvey capitalized more on the mistake he had last year. Well, if that was really a mistake? This year, he was given the opportunity to bridge the gap to both the Philippines and to Colombia. Have you noticed that in two occasions, Colombia and Philippines were called back to back? I love the fact that Harvey asked Andrea Tovar about how her countrymen feel about him. And I will give it to Andrea by being honest as she answered that a lot of her people actually hate him. Hahaha! No sugarcoating, she was just being straight-forward. But what I love about Andrea is she turned it positively by saying us humans can do mistakes but what's important is we learn from it, and we ask & give forgiveness.
I love the moment when after Steve's introduction to Pia in the opening, Pia acknowleged Steve for making her the most famous Miss Universe winner. And Steve reciprocated her by thanking her as he became the most memorable Miss Universe host. There is this chemistry in them that is both entertaining and sensible.
Then comes the announcement of the winner. Pia interrupted Steve to give him his glasses. It might be staged, but it gives us a good laugh especially in a very tense moment wherein I can't even describe the nervousness I was feeling that moment as Haiti might win over my Miss France.
The GOOD(S)
Well, isn't it a good news to end the speculation about Andrea being pregnant, and asked the MUO not to disqualify her but instead just remove her at the top 13 if ever she'll make it? Isn't it also a good news, that while people counted her out after the prelims by saying she was a disappointment, still she managed to penetrate up to the final 3? I commend her stage presence, her confidence and I truly commend her answer at the top 6. Placing at the top 3 for Colombia for three consecutive times, is extraordinary.
Another good thing I like about this year's edition is the fact tha IMG wants to send their message across, that they are embracing women of any shape or form, color, or background.
Ashley Graham as a host is a clear representation of this. The inclusion of a plus size candidate from Canada continues it's theme. In fact, while other people would bully her body during the swimsuit competition, the judges honor her confidence and stage presence. It is a joy to watch. Canada has the momentum, until she wore that almost bridal-ish white gown.
For a country like Haiti, it is a GOOD feelins to see an unhyped nor a not considered frontrunner making it up to the final 3. Well, when she was called at the top 13, it was already a shocker to some. But Raquel's very deserving. Statuesque, poised, and has a good stage presence. In fact, at some angles, she reminds me of Eva Mendes.
It was indeed a crazy moment wherein you are starting to scratch your head as the truth is unfolding right through your very eyes, and realized Kenya, Peru, Panama, and Canada were called and taking the spots that could have been for the other frontrunners. You will then try to recheck your list and asked, "Who among the frontrunners and those who performed well will be ousted?"
Then I saw Australia, Spain, Netherlands, DR, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curacao, Thailand and Nicaragua still waiting to be called. But the twelfth name that was called was Haiti. Wow! One spot left. Thailand in the end earned the last spot as the People's Choice. Her inclusion as a semi finalist is indeed a GOOD news for her country who had just lost their King last year.
Indonesia, on the other hand, has managed to place as a semi-finalist for the 4th consecutive time. Such a fruitful 2016 for Indonesia indeed. Congratulations.
The BAD(S)
Mariam Habach's exclusion at the top 13 left a bad taste in the mouth especially for us pageant enthusiasts who really admired her performances not just at the prelims but in even in Ilocos, Cebu and Davao. Though, some are speculating that her alleged "bitchy and bad attitude" was the cause of her demise because IMG and MUO are now looking for a girl who exudes good behavior, still, as for me, she should have atleast given a second chance to prove herself that she can be better.
Or perhaps, the MUO is scared of the fact that Mariam will nail every round of the competition, and can easily penetrate the top 3 and might in fact win! If MUO is not ready again for another Venezuelan to win, then I find it unfair. Yes, the organization might want to give other countries to win Miss Universe but I still feel that they should give credits to where credit is due. The two Venezuelans who placed in 2014 and 2015 are no match with Mariam's memorable performance. Next...
Maybe it is just me, but I don't like Steve asking the judges about specific candidates to whom has impressed them. Singling out their favorites spoiled the suspense. Though I am happy to hear France and Philippines on their list, still I then knew Kenya, Haiti and Canada were also favored. It made me think in my head, OMG, is it goodbye Panama and Peru? I admire Leila Lopes as she chose not to give names but instead she is waiting up to the last segment as her list keeps on changing.
The next bad thing I hate was when Brazil, with that banging body, failed to advance to the top 9. Well, shall I blame it with her BAD make up that almost made her look like Tina Turner in a wide LED screen? Ouch. One of the best candidates and frontrunners got ousted.
The Opening with FloRida, hmmmmm, I wish they could have done it better. Well, I feel FloRida was just the last option since perhaps other more deserving performers might be fully booked and busy, while FloRida has nothing on the plate and has a widely free scheduled for Miss Universe. Singing his old tracks in the opening made it looked like out dated. The girls were just walking and quickly introduced.
The UGLY
Watching the live tv telecast in Paris Premiere is indeed a joy as while the show is going on, there are two French doing the voice over. When Iris' interpreter mistakenly utter the word casting, the female VO was furious saying, "What casting? Oh lala! Putain!" Hahaha And even all of us at the room watching got nervous.
I myself was afraid that people might think her opening statement is shallow. People can easily connect the word casting as "actors casting" or "a model's go see casting". Despite that, I am pleased to see Iris poised, composed, she was taking her time answering, and she managed to wrap her answer up with a satisfying closing statements that made her very likeable and honest. Throwback 2006, my fear that moment was for Iris to ended up like Kurara Chibana (1st runner up at MU2006 from Japan), as the interpreter blew her answer.
Full transcript of Iris' answer:
Kenya being called first at the top 13 was a joy, as it indicates that there will be other unhyped girls to place. In fact, when she was asked by Steve at the first time, she won my heart with her beautiful heartwarming answer.
But, it turned ugly when at the second time, she uttered another monologue. I was like, girl, reserve some for the actual Q and A. Then top 6 came, and she ended up running into circles with her answer. And my reaction was "Girl, when it's time to fire up your guns, it seems like you've finished your bullets!" And it was ugly to watch!
Another UGLY moment was with Maxine Medina. Again, Maxine do not need an interpreter. She managed to survived the casual interview Steve gave her upon her inclusion at the top 13. Come the question and answer portion in the top 6, she failed to give a satisfying answer. Girl, this the game charger, and her problem was her capacity to produce a sensible answer. And, I should stop from here. I do not need to add salt to the injury.
The BEAUTIFUL
First, let me start this BEAUTIFUL category with the confidently beautiful Miss Universe 2015, Pia Wurtzbach. She has given so much for the Philippines and her win as Miss Universe cemented the position of this Asian powerhouse in the field of pageantry. Thank you Pia forba BEAUTIFUL reign. ---Crowned in 2015, reigned supreme in 2016, and has relinquished the title in 2017! Epic.
Next on my beautiful list, is a sentimental favorite of mine. Thailand wowed the whole arena during the evening gown competition. Wearing a gown that honors their queen was amazing. In fact, Chalita Suansane won the hearts of the audience because of her dramatic execution. Hats off.
Most of the girls who penetrated at the top 13 shared their personal stories. From Kenya's humble beginnings, USA's impressive resume as a woman serving at the military, and Peru's story of survival after her car accident last October, must say, most of them are truly inspiring and empowering. I salute these girls with all my heart. Massive RESPECT.
Another thing that made me smile at the final telecast was the video wherein these candidates were filmed with their mothers. A touching moment indeed, as it honors the wind behind the wings of these beauties; - such a beautiful segment.
Other beautiful moment was Myanmar winning the Best in National Costume. Aside from having a massive and heavy costume, her performance was both entertaining and superb. Kudos!
Speaking of costumes, in the history of Miss Universe, we saw a number of laborious and massive costumes. But from time to time, we saw some of the most memorable costumes like last year's Tuk-tuk costume from Thailand, Kurara Chibana's Samurai costume in 2006, and this year, I must say, that France finally nailed it in the head. For the first time, Moulin Rouge allowed someone who is not their performer to wear their costume. Iris has won the hearts of a lot of people. Right girl, right costume, right timing, indeed.
The final three, I must say are one of the most deserving line ups in recent years. Andrea Tovar, beautifully nailed the Q and A in the top 6. Haiti has her momentum going on. And France is steadily shining her brightest. Truthfully, it could have been any of the three. And believe me, I am so nervous. In my mind, the Philippines has a reputation of crowning a first time country. Plus, one of the judges, Sushmita Sen, is eyeing for an underdog to win. In my mind, the stars are aligning in favor of Haiti. But, Haiti's didn't really answer the last Q and A. I feel, she pulled the sympathy card, and highlighted more on a tragedy that she went through, rather than sharing about her own personal failures. But, the crowd bought what she was selling, as Haiti managed to pull their heart-strings. On the other hand, Colombia failed to provide a specific personal failure of hers. It could have been Andrea, as she delivering her answer word by word. But, unfortunately, it wasn't enough and satisfying. So I was having a glimpse of hope, wishing for the judges to appreciate that France indeed answer the question despite of her interpreter's wrong translation.
Then, Colombia was called at 2nd runner up. Iris is up against a towering giant, Raquel, who gave an answer that made the crowd applauding for her. My friends Marck Prince and Gio were both sending me messages as they are in the venue watching it live. Truthfully, it was really a tight race to the finish, and when Steve finally announced that Miss Universe is FRANCE, It felt like I also won..... that, the entire Europe and not just France has won. Iris was the only european in the top 13. And in every round of the competition, she managed to pass one step at a time. A day before the finals night, the last reply she sent me was this:
Meaning, "I hope to be able to go to the end. We will see tomorrow."
And what a BEAUTIFUL moment indeed, to be the last woman standing in the end. You made it, ma belle.
As an ordinary man living here in Paris, and to have spoken to Iris from time to time as she's Miss France, was already an honor. This time, she is the new Miss Universe. And I just can't wait to see and congratulate her soon (hopefully).
As I mentioned from my previous thread, Iris was not in the list of most pageant fanatics. People was even having second thoughts about her as she was just playing her cards quietly. She wasn't hyped at all. Despite of her having a subtle and steady approach, the judges and the organization didn't count her out. Iris was never the attention seeker. She was blending just fine with everybody. Was she included in the Ilocos or Davao fashion show? No. Her Filipino Designer's dress was also not as grand as the frontrunners. But, there wasn't any complain at all. Instead, she enjoyed every moment of her time in the Philippines with her fellow candidates. In short, she was basically just there.
But, when is the right time to peak? Iris finally managed to fire up her guns at the preliminary competition. And boy oh boy, her body at the swimsuit competition is to die for! Tres tres chaud!
She also gave one of the best performances in her beautiful yellow gown. Our friend, Tala, shared to our FB group chat, that France has the most beautiful gown that night. In addition, her national costume has already drawn positive remarks. And come National Director's night, France was already a hot item. In fact, Osmel got scared of Iris' presence in the competition, as they all witnessed the blossoming of a worthy winner. If only Kirina Urduja managed to finished her aborted Final Prediction thread, Kirina will be at the same league with Xamurai who bravely predicted Iris as the next Miss Universe. In my case, with my reputation of jinxing my prediction winner year after year, I purposely put Iris at my number 8. I've always believed that 8 is a lucky number. I kept myself collecting screenshots from all of the final prediction lists published here in Missosology, and I would send it to Iris. She was both delightful and happy. She would reply with Smilies with a heart. So yes, before that final day wherein she was crowned Miss Universe, I am pretty sure, she has read your kind words for her. Thank you to all.
Well, counting out Oxana's win in 2002, as she was asked to resign, technically, Europe's last Miss Universe win was in a back to back victories of Angela Visser (then Holland, now Netherlands in 1989) and Mona Grudt (Norway, 1990). Iris hasn't been born that time, as Iris was born in 24 January 1993. After 26 long years, a French belle will soon bring the Miss Universe crown back to Europe. And we just can't wait. Again, to Iris, thank you for making us all proud. You were given this once in a lifetime opportunity because you have a beautiful and humble heart. Félicitations.
VIVE LA FRANCE!!!
"In France we want to have the most globalization that we can. We want to have the biggest exchange of people that we can. Maybe someday that will change, but now we have open borders. Having an open borders allows us to travel more through the world and to find out more about what's out there in the world." - Iris Mittenaere, Miss Universe 2016