Beauty Pageants In Nigeria: After The Glitz And Glamour

When beauty pageant began in Nigeria, many people viewed it as a trivial event which focused mainly on the physical attributes of the contestants and talent. But today, it has become lucrative and also serves as an avenue for employment to the youths.

The first beauty pageant show was showcased in 1958 in Nigeria with the popular Miss Nigeria premiered by the Daily Times Newspapers. But today, the event has turned out to be one of the most popular and celebrated events in the country.

Turkey, Egypt, Austria and Belgium Have Miss Universe winners

If we look into the list of Miss Universe title holders, we will never see a winner from countries like Austria, Belgium, Turkey and Egypt. But if we look deeper into the history of beauty pageants, these 4 countries I have mentioned have actually one winner each. It happened from the period of 1929 to 1935.

You might argue that Miss Universe pageant was held first in 1952 in Long Beach, California. You are right but this is the pageant we are accustomed to nowadays. This is the pageant which is currently under Donald Trump. But I am talking a different pageant that is now a history. There was once a beauty pageant called the International Pageant of Pulchritude where the winner was sashed or named Miss Universe. It started in 1926 in Galveston, Texas.

This pageant is also known as International Pageant Contest or Miss Universe Contest by its followers. It was held in the US until 1931. But when the US economy went to drain known as Great Depression, US decided to stop this.

Belgium came to rescue the pageant by bringing it to Brussels in 1932. In 1933 and 1934, the pageant was not held for an unknown reason but it came back once again in 1935 which marked its final staging. It was not held since then because of the World War II.

In 1952, a separate pageant was given birth by Catalina Swimsuit Company. It was named Miss Universe. This is the pageant we love to watch now but it has no connection with the old one.

The winners are:

1926 - USA - Catherine Moylan
1927 - USA - Dorothy Britton
1928 - USA - Ella Van Hueson
1929 - Austria - Lisl Goldarbeiter
1930 - USA - Dorothy Dell Goff
1930 - Brazil - Yolanda Pereira
1931 - Belgium - Netta Duchâteau
1932 - Turkey Keriman Halis
1935 - Egypt - Charlotte Wassef

You will observe that in 1930, there are two winners of the said contest. This is because there were two editions - the Brazil version and the US version.

In 1929, International Pageant of Pulchritude became so popular in Brazil. The Brazilians had high hopes their representative would win. But when their girl did not make it, the angry Brazilians created their own Miss Universe Contest the following year in 1930 where their girl won the title. The representative from the US was also excluded in the semi-finals. It is not clear if this was a vendetta by the Brazilian judges.

The winner shown in that picture posted above is Dorothy Dell Goff of the US in the 1930 US version of the pageant.

Watch this video also.

Miss Earth 2009 Winner - Miss Spain Alejandra Echevarria?

The final stage for the Miss Earth 2009 pageant at Boracay Resort and Convention Centerin the Philippines.

Today is the big day for Miss Earth 2009 pageant when the new winner will be crowned at Boracay Ecovillage Resort and Convention Center in the Philippines.

In less than 4 hours, we will see if the most anticipated back-to-back win for the Philippines with Sandra Inez Seifert happen. Or will the overrated Cuba's Jamillette Gaxiola and Venezuela's Jessica Barboza live up to the expectations.

Sandra started the competition with fire. Her Best in Swimsuit and Long Gown Awards are validation to this. Unfortunately, these awards have no bearings come tonight's final.

I just would like to address those people who are questioning the victory of Sandra. I have seen the videos and I can say Sandra was deserving to win the Best in Evening Gown. She had the most unique gown. The other gowns are equally beautiful but you usually see them in beauty pageants. The moment Sandra was flashed in the screen with the so-called rainbow gown, I was really mesmerized which I didn't feel with the others. In fact, she deserved the Best in Long Gown more than the Best in Swimsuit.

At the preliminary swimsuit competition, Sandra may not have the best body among all the finalists but she was oozing with charisma. She was so energetic in her presentation. She was simply glowing. I guess these are the factors the judges saw on Sandra which eventually convinced them to give the title to her.

But relax and sit back, folks. The pageant has not even started. It's not yet over 'till it's over. Like what I have said earlier, the awards that were given to Miss Philippines have no bearings tonight. These awards only cemented Sandra's fate as one of the finalists - that is for sure - but all the ladies who will be included in the Final Top 18 will start the night again with equal chances. They will all start from scratch.

Just take a quick look on what happened during the Miss Earth 2007. Venezuela's Silvana Santaella bagged these two major awards also during the preliminary competition but she ended up Miss Earth-Water or second runner-up only.

Like what I have said in my entry yesterday, I would have love to come up with my prediction of the Final Top 18 but since I was just fully updated with this year's pageant few days ago, I am afraid I will be very biased with my list. For sure, I will only be basing my judgment on the pictures which is not fair to do. But in case you are interested to know my bias opinion, I will tell you that I have the feeling that Miss Spain's Alejandra Echevarria will take the crown.

We will see.

Beauty In Pageants is Back

Contestants of Miss Earth 2009 pageant during the filming at the famous world-class Boracay in the Philippines. The new Miss Earth winner will be crowned on Sunday, 22 November 2009, by Miss Philippines Karla Paula Henry.

Beauty In Pageants has not been updated for 3 months and 9 days to be exact. The last blog entry we have posted was on 12 August by Kuh Chara, at the heights of the 2009 Miss Universe pageant in Bahamas which was won by Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez.

Now, that I am back with my favourite hobby and that is blogging on beauty pageants, I am very happy to tell everyone that I missed you all. It was actually almost six months that I never posted anything in my blog because of the accident I was involved with.

And, I also would like to thank everyone for the support you have given on this site. Some of you remained regular visitors despite of having no fresh updates from us for more than 3 months. Kuh had to leave blogging for more important things and I don't know if he's coming back. I can't tell. For the benefit of my new readers, it was Kuh who continued writing on this blog for almost 3 months when I can't do it because of the accident.

It's a good thing I am over with my ordeal - hospital and jail. So, now I can concentrate on bringing you up the latest news, gossips and comments about the latest beauty pageants on earth. I will try to introduce some changes in my site for the next few days and hopefully, everyone would still remain loyal. I owe to all of you the success of this blog.

I just want to tell everyone about this one big opportunity I missed for a lifetime -bigtime!

I was surprised to learn that the more than hundred delegates of the Miss World 2009 pageant visited Abu Dhabi for a fashion show. They were in the capital of United Arab Emirates for 3 days, I guess. They left the country for South Africa on 14th November. Here's the most depressing part of the story. I was released out from jail (because of the accident)of Dubai on 15th November. I missed the chance of covering the event. As a beauty pageant fanatic, I should have given you personal updates and tidbits about the Miss World 2009 pageant here if only I was released earlier. Sigh!

Anyways, I am excited about the upcoming Miss Earth 2009 pageant to be held at the famous Boracay Beach in the Philippines on November 22nd and the Miss International 2009 pageant in China on November 29th. Unfortunately, I can't give you my predictions on who will most likely penetrates the Final Top 15 or Top 18 because I have little information about the ladies. I am hoping I can do this with Miss World 2009.

So, stay tuned.

Misses Vietnam and Philippines in a group picture

Vietnam and Philippines are two of the countries in Asia where beauty pageants are well-loved by the people. Fans from both countries always have heated arguments on pageant-related message boards as they try to hype their own representative or bash the opponent.

This year, Vietnam is represented by Vo Hoang Yen and Pamela Bianca Manalo is carrying the Philippine flag.

It's good to see the two beauty queens in a group picture with Miss Zambia Andella Chileshe Matthews.

So, who between the two will make the final cut? I hope to see them both.

Gowns of Venezuela and Puerto Rico are Imitations from Ellie Saab

Puerto Ricans and Venezuelans look like having a word war in pageant-related message boards regarding their delegates' long gowns. Both parties are claiming, with evidence of course, that the gowns of both Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela and Mayra Matos of Puerto Rico are second rate copycat of Ellie Saab's, a famous designer, gowns.

I guess the Puerto Ricans first discovered the Ellie Saab gown in which Venezuela patterned their dress. To extract a vengeance, the Venezuelans tried so hard to research about the gown of Mayra. Fortunately, they were able to uncover also a gown which is so similar with Mayra's.

The funny thing in this exchange of words is that both gowns were copied from works of one famous designer.

Puerto Rico and Venezuela are one of the countries who take pageant seriously. Both have five Miss Universe winners in their caps.

Below are pictures of Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez's gown and the original gown. I took this from a Puerto Rican message board.

Below is Miss Puerto Rico's long gown and the original Ellie Saab gown. This was taken from a Venezuelan forum.

Racism Against Miss Turks and Caicos Jewel Selver?

Miss Turks and Caicos Jewel Selver poses with Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela.

Miss Turks and Caicos Jewel Selver is "loved" by many beauty pageant fans all over the world. The black beauty queen is always the subject of jokes and ridicules from insensitive people who dwell on pageant-related message boards.

Jewel may not be as sexy and beautiful as the other contestants but she definitely is in her own right. I am trying to defend her because I believe she is a sweet and genuine person. I am basing my opinions from her candid pictures I've seen in the net.

Jewel has a sweet smile and I guess that is her greatest asset. Remember, a heart of stone can be melted down in one stroke by a single sweet smile.

Rumour has it also that Jewel is complaining of racism against her and the other black candidates despite the pageant is being held in a country of predominantly black people.

Last week, there was a gossip involving two Latin American candidates who were making fun of her.

Where's the world peace advocacy now in world pageants?

Miss Turks and Caicos Jewel Selver in her swimsuit.

Miss Turks and Caicos Jewel Selver in her white long gown.

Miss Thailand Chutima Durongdej Faints

Miss Thailand Chutima Durongdej fainted last Thursday, August 6, while she and other fellow candidates for the Miss universe pageant were visiting the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas.

I don't know if you've already heard this but this is a report coming from a Senior Manager of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Michelle Malcolm, who is having regular updates about the pageant at Critical Beauty.

Apparently, the reason why Miss Thailand fainted was because of the heat in Bahamas. Most of the candidates especially from the Nordic countries are still trying to adjust from the heat.

Chutima was not able to join the rest of the candidates at the veranda of the National Art Gallery for refreshment because she was tended to. But the Thai beauty was able to join them for lunch at the next stop - the historic Graycliff restaurant.

I am impressed with Chutima's attitude in the pageant. No one can deny her effort to make herself visible in every photo shoots. She makes sure she's in every photos with a drama. That's her style and it's working. She's very vibrant and playful.

Because Chutima doesn't have the prettiest face in this batch, she's trying to compensate this with her outstanding personality. It won't be a surprise if she makes it to the Top 15.

Asians, this year, are very competitive.

 

Miss Thailand Chutima Durongdej in her official swimsuit photo.

Truth or False: Miss Trinidad and Tobago is competing at Miss Universe 2009 with Kerry Ann King?

The participation of a Miss Trinidad and Tobago at the ongoing Miss Universe 2009 is still a mystery.

We all knew that Peter Elias, the franchise holder for this Caribbean country, has already confirmed that there will be no more  Miss TT for this year due to lack of sponsorhip.

But with the keen eyes of beauty pageant fans, rumours started to circulate that there is a Miss TT this year because of a sash hanging at the back of other contestants registering for the pageant in Atlantis Hotel. It was captured by the camera.

Click on the picture to view it larger in order for you to see the sash of Miss Trinidad and Tobago.

Some "informants" also claimed in beauty pageant message boards that Wendy Fitzwilliam, Miss Universe 1998, acquired the franchise of Miss Universe at the last minute and she decided to send a representative this year. The representative was said to be a close relative of Wendy and she is Kerry Ann. Well, this is only a rumour.

Michelle Malcolm, Senior Manager at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and a broadcast journalist, who does a daily updates on Miss Universe at Critical Beauty also wrote that the last candidate to arrive in Bahamas for the pageant was "Miss Trinidad and Tobago - Kerry Ann King".

In an update dated August 6th, Michelle said "there are now 85 contestants competing in this year’s pageant. Miss Trinidad and Tobago Kerry Ann King, who was a finalist in the 2008 Miss Trinidad and Tobago pageant, was the last delegate to arrive."

A pageant fan also claimed that he saw a picture of Miss TT along with Miss Turks and Caicos Jewel Selver but that was the only picture he saw. I have been searching for that picture but to no avail.

But a quick check at the official Miss Universe site, not a single shadow of Kerry Ann King or a Miss TT can be seen.

So, what is the truth on this? It's already 15-days before the coronation and we haven't seen Miss TT in action.

I found this picture of Kerry Ann King who is a beauty queen from Trinidad and Tobago. i just don't know if this is the Kerry Ann we are talking here.

Miss Mexico Karla Carillo is First in Bahamas?

Is Miss Mexico Karla Carillo the first who arrived in Bahamas for the Miss Universe 2009 pageant? We got a message from a Bahamian source that (It's not confirmed.) Karla is already in Bahamas and is causing a traffic jam with scores of onlookers and fans at the Cable Beach Roundabout.

We can't verify the message but it could be true since Karla had her send-off party today and Mexico is very near in Bahamas.

The picture shown above is Karla in her national costume.

Miss Philippines Universe is now ready for Miss Universe 2009

Pamela Bianca Manalo and Stella Marquez-Araneta

Pamela Bianca Manalo, Miss Philippines Universe 2009, is ready for the Miss Universe 2009 pageant in Bahamas. I got this article from Manila Bulletin. It was written by Robert Requintina.

Pamela Bianca Manalo left Wednesday night for the Bahamas where she will compete in the 2009 Miss Universe Beauty Pageant on August 23.

At the send-off party at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Manalo, 22, said she is ready and challenged to bring the title once again to the Philippines.

“I believe that if you really want something, you have to give it your 101 percent,’’ said the former flight attendant, who stands 5’10’’.

In preparing for the pageant, Manalo said she took language courses, reviewed Philippine history, geography, economics, and arts and culture, and brushed up on her knowledge about the Bahamas.

The beauty queen has also undergone on-cam training, like hosting and angles, plus hair and make-up lessons since she will have to do her own hair and make-up during the Miss Universe pageant.

Manalo is a sister of Miss World semifinalist Katherine Manalo-Hernandez.

Their aunt is former Miss Philippines International Nini Ramos Licaros.

She has been taking part in humanitarian missions to uplift the plight of poor Filipinos, and improving the morale of the country’s wounded soldiers.

She also finds time to take part in community-based projects. “I am very thankful that my family has always been blessed but I’m also concerned about the plight of the poor families in our community.”

“Before I joined Bb. Pilipinas, I’ve always been happy to volunteer for Gawad Kalinga in building houses for the poor, joining medical missions and participating in our community’s feeding programs,’’ Manalo said.

When she competed in the 2009 Bb. Pilipinas pageant, Manalo also won special awards such as the Manila Bulletin Reader’s Choice Award, Miss Natasha, Miss Philippine Airlines, and Best in Swimsuit.

Prior to the competition, Manalo stood out in cheerleading during high school and college. She also dabbled in modeling when she was 14 and also tried her hand at TV hosting. During her safety training as a flight attendant, she graduated first honorable mention among 75 cabin crew members.

If she wins the Miss Universe pageant, Manalo will be the third Filipina to win the title. The past winners were Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran.

Ma. Isabel Lopez Has Forgiven Myrna Sese Panlilio

Now that Miss Philippines Universe 1964 Myrna Sese Panlilio died of cardiac arrest the other day, the incident involving her fellow Miss Philippines Universe (Binibining Pilipinas) alumna, Ma. Isabel Lopez, at the last edition of Binibining Pilipinas is once again a hot discussion.

Ma. Isabel, who represented Philippines at the Miss Universe 1982, lashed out at the beauty contest organizer last March 2009 when she received mistreatment from them. It was reported that Ma. Isabel was forced to leave the pageant for attending it without an invitation. And who did it?

It was Myrna Panlilio who told her to leave the venue and who apparently called the security guards to escort her to the exit door. The reason why Ma. Isabel was barred was apparently because of her sexy image during the 1980's.

But with the death of Myrna, Ma. Isabel said in an interview that she had already forgiven the dead beauty queen.

Speaking sadly, Ma. Isabel said that "she respected and understood what she had to do at that time".

"I pray for her soul. I am sure she's happy now with the Lord."

Miss Earth Gets a new crown?

Miss Earth 2008 Karla Paula Henry of the Philippines with the new Ramona Haar-made crown

Miss Earth's official website has a new look. You gonna love it. It has a new domain name also - from www.missearth.tv to www.missearth.info.

I was looking for updates about this pageant when I discovered this. But there is one thing that I'm curious about. Miss Earth will reveal its new crown soon.

The teaser goes like this, "Over 80 gems from all over the world on one coveted headpiece - The NEW Miss Earth crown, Unveiling soon"

We all knew that the crown lying on the head of Karla Paula Henry, the current Miss Earth, is new as it was only introduced in November during the latest edition of the pageant. It was designed by Ramona Haar Fine Jewelry and its value is US$25,000.

The new crown is still a masterpiece of Ramona Haar.

Rachael Finch will be in the Top 15 of Miss Universe 2009

Rachael Finch, Miss Australia Universe 2009, in a swimsuit during her national pageant.

We would love to make our Top 15 prediction for the Miss Universe 2009 but it's too early. We'll do it later but as early as now we are sure Miss Australia Rachael Finch will be one of them.

Why are we so sure? It's because Donald Trump, the owner of the pageant, is really trying so hard to win the Australians. He wanted Miss Universe to be hosted by Australia for the second time.

In fact, he offered the hosting of Miss Universe 2009 to some cities in Australia but he was refused because they weren't interested. Now, he wanted to bring the pageant closer to the Aussies.

Donald is determined to get the Aussies' attention. Read this article from news.com.au. Donald is full of praise for Rachael and Jennifer Hawkins, Miss Universe 2004, is one of his all-time favourite Miss Universe.

Just to add, I remember reading a book authored by Donald Trump that his most favourite Miss Universe is Amelia Vega of Dominican Republic who won the pageant in 2003 in Panama. I forgot the title of that mini-book but I report this when I find it out.

Here's the news.

Miss Universe 2004, Jennifer Hawkins

MISS Universe pageant co-owner Donald Trump is full of praise for Australia's Rachael Finch as she tries to follow in the footsteps of one of his all-time favourite winners, Jennifer Hawkins.

The tycoon said he had heard only good things about the current Miss Universe Australia and had been informed the Queenslander was "wonderful".

"I've heard Rachael is beautiful and I hear she's a lovely lady," Trump said.

The glamorous 21-year-old from Townsville will travel to the Bahamas next month in the hope of clinching the crown, won by Hawkins five years ago.

Trump, who also owns the Miss USA competition, said Hawkins was one of his favourites because she was so problem-free, unlike many others.

"Jennifer Hawkins is one of my all-time favourite Miss Universes," Trump said.

"She's phenomenal. She's a great person and just absolutely beautiful.

"She was absolutely great, she was so problem-free."

Trump's pageants have been riddled with controversy recently.

Miss Universe Australia finalist Stephanie Naumoska made international headlines for her skeletal-like frame. "

I think she was too thin, but I hope she's better,'' Trump said.

In the Miss USA competition, the most recent Miss California was dethroned after missed appearances, topless photos and homophobic comments.

But Trump admitted controversy can be positive too.

"Frankly the controversy is a good thing, not a bad thing, because everyone's talking about my pageants," Trump said.

Walcott: It’s too late for Miss Universe

If asked to Gabrielle Walcott will not represent Trinidad and Tobago (TT) in the Miss Universe 2009 pageant which takes place in the Bahamas next month.

There is just not enough time for either her or any other woman to prepare for the internationally popular beauty competition, said Walcott, the third-placed winner in the Miss World 2008 pageant.

“I understand girls have to be there in the Bahamas in the next two weeks. I would never do myself or our country that injustice or disservice. How could I be prepared in just two weeks?” Walcott told Newsday.

Several broadcast media reports over the past two days claimed Walcott was expected to be approached by the Government to represent this country at the pageant. TT has had two winners at Miss Universe, Janelle Penny Commissiong in 1977 and Wendy Fitzwilliam in 1998, along with a string of semifinalists in recent years. Giselle La Ronde won Miss World in 2006, and again, this country has had successful runner-ups in this competition.

In 2008, Anya Ayoung-Chee represented the country in the Miss Universe in Vietnam, while Walcott went to South Africa for the Miss World competition. Ayong-Chee did not place among the semifinalists but Walcott placed third, and even won the Queen of the Caribbean prize.

Walcott denied the media reports and said no one from the Government had approached her to be a possible delegate to send to Bahamas. Even so, Walcott said it would be too late for her to get ready to compete.

“I think it’s just too late to be properly prepared. Our girls have done well at that competition before and I don’t want to be one to spoil that record.”

Former pageant trainer Allyson Brown, who has previously helped past delegates to both beauty competitions, was also in the dark about Walcott or any other woman being selected for Bahamas.

“I did not hear anything. I have absolutely no information whatever on that,” said Brown.

According to Miss Universe Inc, 86 countries have already confirmed their attendance with this country listed as a withdrawal along with Antigua & Barbuda and Sri Lanka.

That this country would be without a delegate at Miss Universe and possibly Miss World 2009, stemmed from the previous struggles of former franchise holder Peter Elias to obtain consistent support from the Government and the business community. In 2007, TT did not take part in Miss Universe because of lack of funding, and afterward Government stepped in and supported Valene Maharaj’s entry to Miss World 2007 where she placed third.

Elias could not be reached for comment yesterday. However, after Walcott’s success at Miss World last year, Elias stated that he was giving up the franchise for both competitions.

Source: Joan Rampersad of newsday.co.tt

How's Miss Universe 1997 Brook Mahealani Lee now?

Here's an article I took from the net on Miss Universe 1997, Brook Mahealani Lee,

A Kamehameha Schools alum became Hawaii's first and only Miss Universe more than a decade ago. Brook Mahealani Lee won the coveted crown in Miami, but what has she been up to since then?

Twelve years ago, Lee made pageant history. She was the seventh Miss USA to become Miss Universe, but the first from Hawaii and the only native Hawaiian ever to win the title.

She was witty and quick on her feet in answering the final question: If there were no rules in your life for one day, and you could be really outrageous, what would you do?

"I would eat everything in the world," she answered in front of a live audience. "I would eat everything twice."

That answer made her the one to beat.

"But I was like there's no way I was going to win with that answer," Lee said. "And when I won, my jaw, the picture, my jaw just dropping to the floor."

Her family and friends showered her with aloha at her homecoming in June 1997.

"It's good to be here," she said right after her victory. "Everyone come out to the parade tomorrow. Let's all eat Spam musubis together."

More than a decade after her win, Lee still meet people who remember that moment.

"Now everywhere I go, people serve me two things," she said. "I got on planes all year long. Flight attendants were like, ‘You eat everything twice. Here's two!"

The year after her win, she helped bring the Miss Universe pageant to Hawaii, which pumped tens of millions of dollars into our local economy.

"I was just thinking it would be good to give back to Hawaii and help them market themselves to an entire world that had been my host for an entire year," said Lee. "It's like bringing them home, bringing the world home back to Hawaii for me and showing them where it is I came from."

These days, Lee wears many hats: actress, hostess, wife and mother to 2-year-old Fynnegan. She's also been told she moonlights as the Hawaiian Airlines logo.

"Brook, if you could help us either confirm or deny a rumor. Are you the face of Hawaiian Airlines?" asked KHNL.

"See, that has a legal concern," said Lee. "Let's have the viewers vote, shall we? Is this it? Hmm? All you need is the flower. I like to think I inspire, maybe a couple of free tickets? I don't know."

Lee encourages kids from Hawaii to follow their dreams and see the world.

"So it's good to get the perspective and to be able to appreciate even more the trade winds, and the people and waving to each other, simple things," said Lee. "Getting on the freeway, people waving to each other. It's so important: kindness, appreciation. A smile makes the world go around."

Lee is in town for her 20th high school class reunion at Kamehameha Schools and Punahou.

She will appear on KHNL News 8 Today, bright and early Friday morning with Dash and Di.

It's that time of the year when schools welcome back their graduates. Kamehameha schools celebrate alumni week with some good old competition.

It's "Iron Chef" meets ho'olaule'a. Each class creates a signature dish to share, then the alumni vote on who has the most ono creation in the spirit of friendly competition, but it's the people that keep them coming back every year.

"Every five years, we're able to come back to this campus and be a part of reuniting with our classmates and other classes that we know of," said Toni Lee, Kamehameha Schools Class of '59 alumnae. "It puts us in a really wonderful sense of being for us."

"It is a very special place that has produced a lot of very special people so to get everybody together, we all feel the same way," said Andrew Lai, Kamehameha Schools Class of '89 alumnus. "We all bleed blue and white and it's a real special thing. So it's great. It's a fun week."

Makeover of Miss Philippines Universe 2009 Pamela Bianca Manalo

Philippines is no doubt the most hated country in world pageantry. You'll gonna agree with me if you just take some time to browse pageant-related forums and read the messages from rabid fans. Constant name callings are directed to Philippine representatives every year. These so-called "bashers" claim the reason why they love to attack Philippine representatives is because of some Filipino fans who love to hype their candidates. What I observed, they hate others hyping a candidate but they do hype their own representatives and get angry when they're accused of doing so.

Pamela Bianca Manalo, Miss Philippines Universe 2009, is no exemption. The moment she got the crown in March, she already started getting flak from disappointed fans.

At first, I didn't like Bianca also because I believe there were more deserving candidates for the crown. But with the new glamour shots and some fresh videos of her spreading on the net lately, I started to rethink to put her in my list of my own Top 15.

Why not? Of all those confirmed beauty queens to the Miss Universe 2009 in Bahamas, I can say that Bianca is the girl who improved the most. She may not be the best girl in this batch so far but her make-over was tremendous. It can't be denied.

Take a look at these photos and tell me if you agree or not.

 

  

 

Martine Andraos Becomes the Third Confirmed Delegate to Miss Universe 2010 after Winning Miss Lebanon 2009

Eighteen year-old Martine Indraous (Andraos in some reports) became the third confirmed candidate for the Miss Universe 2010 pageant after she was crowned as Miss Lebanon 2009 in Adma, north of Beirut, last Friday, 26 June 2009.

Miss Universe 2009 pageant has not started yet but three countries have already selected their delegates for the 2010 annual pageant.

Turkey is the first country to select their representative when they crowned Senem Kuyucuoglu as Miss Turkey 2009 in April 29.

The second country to crown its representative is Bolivia when Claudia Arce was proclaimed as Miss Bolivia 2009 in May 21.

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The new Lebanese beauty queen will compete first at this year's Miss World pageant to be held in London and Johannesburg, South Africa in December before she will take her chance at the 59th Miss Universe. The venue is not yet known as of this time.

Martine beat 18 other beautiful ladies who participated in the pageant. Her First Runner-Up was the crowd favourite, Marie-Ange Sibaaly. Seline Hassoun was Second Runner-Up.

Miss Lebanon 2008, Rosarita Tawil is Lebanon's representative to the 58th Miss Universe pageant in Bahamas in August 23.

 

CONFIRMED: Top 15 Semi-Finalists will be chosen for Miss Universe 2009

The rumor that Miss Universe 2009 pageant will go back to its old format of having Top 10 semi-finalists only, instead of 12,15 or 20 is confirmed as purely RUMOR. There's no truth about this stuff that started circulating in different Latin American beauty pageant message boards.

Miss Universe 2009 will have Top 15 semi-finalists as confirmed by a report of an American newspaper which is shown below.

Click on the image for larger viewing.

"Each contestant from more than 80 countries around the world will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview TO SELECT 15 SEMI-FINALISTS, who will vie for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2009. In recent years, worldwide distribution of the popular competiton has topped more than 180 countries."

That was the exact texts confirming that the 58th Miss Universe pageant to be held in Bahamas in August 23 will select 15 semi-finalists instead of 10.

Well, from that said report, Billy Bush and Claudia Jordan will host the pageant live from the Atlantis, Paradise Island.

Poonam Mehni, Miss India Worldwide UK, is a picture of Elegance

During the finals of the 18th Annual Miss India Worldwide in Durban, South Africa which was held on a Valentines Day, 14 February 2009 at the International Convention Center, there was one Indian beauty that caught our attention. She is no other than the representative of UK, Poonam Mehni.

Poonam, Miss India Worldwide UK 2009, is a picture of elegance like most Indian beauties. Although, Poonam did not win the title in South Africa (Nikkitasha Marwaha of USA won the Miss India Worldwide 2009.), the experience helped her showcased her talents. For her, being a part of the pageant is already an opportunity because Miss India Worldwide and Miss India Worldwide UK are based on a hybrid of talent, speech and beauty.

To read more about Poonam, you can check this LINK.

Now that Miss India Worldwide UK is calling for interested applicants to join the pageant, Poonam has to face the reality that she has to pass her crown to her successor.

According to its official website, Miss India Worldwide UK is an event for those of Indian origin between the ages of 17 and 27, never married, and are citizens, residents, or born in Britain. The pageant consists of four segments: Evening Gown, Indian Dress, Talent and Question-Answer. The winners of all the various national pageants from all over the world vie for the glamorous and prestigious title of the Miss India Worldwide.

 Poonam Mehni at the Miss India Worldwide 2009 pageant in South Africa.