The finals of the 69th edition of the Miss Universe Pageant is just around the corner, and I am just grateful that, FINALLY, the pageant gods are letting us have this most-awaited beauty pageant in spite of this cursed pandemic! After watching the preliminaries and observing the girls through their social media accounts, here are my 'personal' choices for the top 20 + 1 !
21. PHILIPPINES. I know I'm going to be hated for this, but her placement could rightfully be through the fan voting system, cos why not? Filipinos are the greatest pageant fans ever! Rabiya is giving a good fight for her pageant-crazed fans, but it's apparent how she cracks under pressure after that socmed uproar for her national costume. That yellow evening gown during preliminaries was a letdown, TBH, but I do hope her team has another evening gown for her once she makes it to the top 10, cos I'm sure she'll make it through after a booby-licious swimsuit performance. She could be Miss Congeniality, too (if ever there will be one) for being the most approachable and sought-after girl by her fellow-contestants.
20. BRAZIL. Julia gave one of the most solid preliminary performances aside from being very outgoing and making efforts in acknowledging pageant fans who adore her. The placement streak continues for Brazil!
19. ROMANIA. Girl knows how to flirt in front of the cameras and comes off really sweet and welcoming to everyone. With an international pageant experience under her belt, Bianca did deliver the goods during preliminaries.
18. LAOS. Lovely Christina! So easy on the eyes with that undeniable pretty face. Could be one of the pleasant surprises come the finals if she makes it to the first cut.
17. ARGENTINA. The other Alina laughed at by another Alina prior to the competition, but boy, she proved 'em wrong and is actually one of the better girls during preliminaries. It's as if I am watching a 'Miss Venezuela' on stage, and Osmel's mentorship really paid off.
16. RUSSIA. Let's cut this girl some slack from that IG post incident cos we all, at some point, ridiculed others too, especially in this cutthroat pageant industry, where everyone is under scrutiny based on looks. Alina, easily, is way up there in terms of beauty and I am always gobsmacked looking at her face.
15. Nicaragua. I can't forgive myself for not paying that much attention to Ana until the preliminaries, and she turned out to be even better than the other perceived Latina frontrunner/s in the competition.
14. INDONESIA. My liking for Ayu did not dispel even if her fans are so exasperating to argue with on social media. She might not speak english that well, but the pleasing personality shines through. Indonesia is getting there in terms of preparation for their girls, and Ayu could keep Indonesia's momentum in Miss Universe.
13. AUSTRALIA. Maria may be the shortest contestant this year, but it did not stop her in making her presence known in this competition. Her eloquence is topnotch and could stand alongside the tallest contestants with ease.
12. NEPAL. Although Anshika made unnecessary pageant-patty gestures on stage, this svelte and sophisticated contender has the makings of a finalist, with an endearing disposition to boot.
11. VENEZUELA. Mariangel has qualities quite different from her more flamboyant predecessors as she comes of modest and unassuming. This girl speaks from experience and it's probably what made her more relatable when she speaks, and although she was rather, lowkey during preliminaries, her red gown was a standout.
10. VIETNAM. Always all-smiles, Tran lights up the room whenever she's around and evidently, she also shines with splendor on stage!
9. MYANMAR. The girl with a strong message. Thuzar stands up on stage not only as a pageant contestant, but for her country under turmoil. She's been through a series of obstacles from making it to Miss Universe to losing her luggage, but this did not stop her from being one of the actual frontrunners of Asia. Her success will also be everyone's success at the pageant especially to those who helped her out after losing her wardrobe for the pageant.
8. MEXICO. Andrea is already a household name in pageants even before she got crowned in her country to compete for Miss Universe and she is always on everyone's radar. Her solid preliminary performance sealed the deal for her and she is indeed one of the sure-shot finalists.
7. SOUTH AFRICA. Natasha made me realize how she's even more beautiful than Zozi and Demi combined when on stage. She has the most mesmerizing eyes and is so captivating on stage. I'm not a fan of velvet gowns and evening gloves, but she sure did werk it!
6. INDIA. The girl who lived to tell the story. I am just glad that she made it to the competition after surviving Covid and coming from the devastating effects of this disease in her country. Adline reminds me of great Miss Universe winners from India in the way she carries herself and the way she handles interviews. If she makes it to top 5, there's no stopping her from winning the crown.
5. PERU. Peru has been making grounds in Miss Universe as of late and took advantage of this and sent a spectacular candidate like Janick. Another well-rounded contestant, one wrong step from other equally competitive girls, and she's prepared to make it all the way to the crown.
4. USA. Asya upped her game when it mattered to most. I am seeing much vibe of the late Chelsi Smith in her and her spontaneity is off the charts. She'll be even more amazing as a spokesperson in a global scale when she wins the title.
3. THAILAND. Another contestant who really knows when to peak, Amanda never disappoints whenever she steps on the Miss Universe stage. She'd probably make it to the top 5, and when she does, she better compose herself well and be more coherent and not make the same misstep of her predecessors who reached the Q n' A round.
2. JAMAICA. Perfection. Miqueal-Symone is stellar. I have nothing but admiration for her after what she has shown during preliminaries, and I am sure that by now, the judges are already fixated on her. THE best in evening gown presentation of the night.
1. PUERTO RICO. After placing as finalist in two consecutive years, it's high-time for Puerto Rico to win another Miss Universe title apart from the idea of having a Latina winner again post-Trump era. Estefania could rightfully earn this. She is captivating to watch on stage and I could go in listening to her all-day when she speaks. On stage, she's just living the moment and is having a great time! What exciting reign she'd have when she actually wins as she could bring the Latina flare back in Miss Universe!
Thank you for reading and looking forward to our New Miss Universe of the new normal. Happy Miss Universe Weekend, ya’ll!