CONTROVERSIES HOUNDS THE PROPOSED HOSTING OF THE 2018 MISS UNIVERSE IN THE PHILIPPINES

It has been reported that the Philippines was highly favored by the Miss Universe Organization to host the 67th Miss Universe pageant but with the recent development following the ouster of DOT Secretary Wanda Teo (due to alleged corruption), it looks like it's not bound to happen.  The newly appointed DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat  asserted that it's rather too soon since the country just hosted the pageant two years ago and there are other agendas that should be given priority other than hosting another Miss Universe pageant.  

The Department of Tourism then secretary Mrs. Teo allegedly awarded Php 60M advertising campaign to BMUI, a media firm owned by her brothers.  BUMI is a block-timer on PTV-4 which is a government operated network.  The advert campaign was suppose to air a six-minute DOT advertisement segment and a three-minute DOT spot in "Kilos Pronto," a magazine-news program produced by Mrs. Teo's Brothers.  As reported, COA questioned the award noting that it was not properly documented and the fact the the show is not even a top-rater.

Back to Miss Universe, I agree with the newly appointed DOT Secretary's point to cancel the proposed hosting of the Miss Universe pageant.  It's kinda too soon and lacks excitement.  Observers says that the 65th Miss Universe pageant held two years ago wasn't as grand and spectacular compared to the two previous Miss U pageant held in the country (1974 and 1994) and little did it touch on cultural aspects that promote Philippine tourism.  The production values was inferior and the presentation was not as vibrant as in the past; this is something that Miss Universe organization should look into and possibly re-define it's image other than just a mere orchestrated fashion event showing overly trained beauties in swimwear and evening gown competition.

During the past few decades there has been an upsurge of international beauty pageants with one promoting environmental awareness (Miss Earth) and another one advocating the stop the war sort of thing (Miss Grand International) but Miss Universe remains the ultimate beauty pageant for most pageant enthusiasts, followed by Miss World and Miss International. Besides MU, MW etc. there's also Miss Supranational, Miss Globe and numerous tourism related beauty contests and what have you not to mention the male pageants.  The magic may still be there but somehow the prestige is slowly fading, what with numerous scandals from cheating rumors and gaffes to nude-photos past and present and it is becoming more of a business enterprise global event.  Recently 2012 Miss Universe Olivia Culpo posed in her birthday suit for a men's magazine and not to be outdone, her first runner up Janine Tugonon from the Philippines, stripped and posed fully naked for her photo shoot in the Dominican Republic last year as one of the calendar models of Nu Muses that shocked her followers.  She has not been invited by the Bb. Pilipinas for quite sometime though they say she's busy with her modelling career in the U.S.  Beauty queens are supposed to be role models but if we see them posing nude for magazines and all that stuff - that's another thing.  

There's still no confirmation whether the country will host the pageant or not.  The plan was suppose to hold the pageant in time for the re-opening of the world famous resort island of Boracay to tourists after its closure.  The island is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a period of six months following President Duterte's order to close the island due to environmental issues of what is believed to be the result of unbalanced over development.  RELATED STORY  To comment or react - pls read instructions

.

MISS U 2018 MIGHT BE STAGED IN THE PHILIPPINES

The possibility of holding Miss Universe 2018 in the Philippines is once again brought to attention as the government is vocal about bringing back the pageant into the country and might coincide with the opening the world famous resort island of Boracay after its rehabilitation.  The island is up for a scheduled rehab for six months beginning April 26 but might be cut short in the event that they close the deal with the Miss Universe Organization. Tourism Secretary stated however that the shortened Boracay closure was not necessarily prompted by Miss Universe plans. If this push through, it will be the fourth time for the country to host the pageant. But unlike in 2016, this time it's the Philippine Government who will entirely sponsor the pageant.  

There are also unconfirmed reports that Miss Universe 2018 will be held in China.  Mrs. Teo noted that if the deal is not done this year, they are looking into the possibility of bidding the event next year.  In an article published by Philstar, Mrs. Teo divulged that at their their recent cabinet meeting, it was President Duterte himself who suggested to bring back the Miss Universe pageant to the island once it is re-open citing that it will be a perfect timing to promote the island after the closure.  

Just a thought, there are pros and cons about this.   What if it will be held in the Philippines, will it be favorable to our representative Catriona Gray? As of now, Catriona is considered one of the favorites to win the crown and if ever she win, this will surely ignite a backfire and the host country will be flooded with negative criticism and question it's credibility.  And what's Catriona's chances of winning if it will be held in China? As we all know, there's political tension between the two countries notwithstanding President Duterte's pronunciation of strengthening ties with China amidst political differences with both China and the U.S.  However pageant observers reason out  saying that Miss Universe is different and that the organization will not allow politics to intervene to preserve their credibility.  

Incidentally China is also the venue for this year's Miss World. How about holding the event in other countries like Australia, New Zealand or bring back the pageant in Singapore and Taiwan.  I think it would be more exciting to hold the event in countries mentioned since the Philippines has just hosted the pageant two years ago and having China hosting the Miss Universe and Miss World in the same year is certainly not exciting.

TWO 1984 MISS UNIVERSE CONTESTANTS MET AGAIN AFTER 34 YEARS

Desiree Verdadero Abesamis posted on her facebook and instagram account on March 3, 2018, that she met her fellow Miss Universe contestant Miss Holland Nancy Neede at an airport.  She didn't say how they met and which airport, but she posted her pictures of their surprise meet up. Desiree was the Philippines representative at the 1984 Miss Universe held in Miami, Florida where  she placed 3rd runner-up while Miss Holland was one of the 10 semi-finalists. .

Meanwhile, Desiree's daughter (Aya V. Abesames #11) is one of the top favorites in the ongoing Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant.  Will she follow her mom's footsteps?  Why not, after all Aya has all what it takes.  She is definitely one of the front-runners and who knows, she could be the next Bb. Pilipinas-Universe.  Coronation night will be held on the March 18 at Smart Araneta, same venue where her mom was crowned Bb. Pilipinas Universe 34 years ago.

Credits: Pictures are taken (with permission) from Miss Desiree's facebook account.  Thanks a lot Ms. Desiree and good luck to Aya!

MU BEAUTIES SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA ABOUT THEIR VISIT TO THE PHILIPPINES

The 4 day visit of Miss Universe beauties concluded last Saturday at a gala night billed as "Women of Significance" at Sofitel-Manila prepared by the Department of Tourism.  

Newly crowned Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and the other beauties including 2016 Miss Universe Iris Mittenare have already left the country last Sunday but three of them stayed behind and flew to Siargao Islands for an extended tour (sponsored by Skyjetair).  They are Kara McCullough (Miss USA), Lauren Howe (Miss Canada) and Samantha Katie James (Miss Malaysia).  Miss Philippines Rachel Peters plays host to the three beauties as they explore the islands.  If you've watched the the 2017 Miss Universe finals, this is the same island that Rachel mentioned in her video profile where she opened her coffee shop.

Siargao Islands is a tear-drop shaped island situated 800 kilometers of Manila in the province of Surigao del Norte.  The island is fast becoming a top tourist destination known for it's surf spots where big international surf contest are held every year.

Beauties share their thoughts on social media:

MISS UNIVERSE 2017 MANIA CONTINUES IN MANILA

(1) Top left: Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere, Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach.  (2) Top middle picture:  Miss Singapore, Miss USA and Miss Korea.  (3) Top right:  2014 Mr. International Neil Perez and 2017 Miss Universe.   (4) Miss Philippines Universe titleholders (Bianca Manalo-2009, Venus Raj-2010, Mary Jean Lastimosa-2014, Rachel Peters-2017, Shamcey Supsup-2011, Ara Arida -2013 and front girl - Maxine Medina -2016)

Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters (photo credit: OMPB Worldwide)

As expected Miss Universe beauties led by the current titleholder Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and 2016 winner Iris Mittenaare enjoys media mileage from the local press and the netizens.  Accordingly, authorities are talking about the possibility of holding the 2018 Miss Universe pageant in country.  In the event that it push through it will be the Philippines' 4th time to host the pageant.  The beauty queens were invited by the Department of Tourism as part of its "Bring Home a Friend to the Philippines" campaign. 

DOT has lined up various activities for the international beauties including visit to some of the country's top tourist island destinations like Batanes, Camiguin and Bohol and a fashion show attended by three Miss Universe titleholders and local beauties was held at Dusit Thani Hotel. To wrap up their tour, a gala night billed as "Women of Significance" is set on the December 9 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Manila.  

POSTSCRIPT TO 2017 MISS UNIVERSE

The 2017 Miss Universe pageant is over, but it seems Filipinos still can’t get over with the non inclusion of Rachel Peters in the top 5.  Expectations were high before the finals and the whole nation participated in the online voting including high profile celebrities who openly endorsed their support for Rachel, but alas the country’s bet managed to reach the top 10 only.  As usual people are saying “oh she was robbed, she should have been in the top 5 instead of Miss _ _ _  bla bla” and so on and so forth.  When I asked a friend what's her opinion of the results of  Miss Universe pageant last Monday, she said “Ay, ano ba yan, di man lang naka top 5” (“what the heck, she did not even make it to the top 5”).   I asked another girl and I got the same response.  Should we curse our girl for failing to make it to the top?  She did her best to represent the country and certainly a top 10 finish isn’t bad at all considering that there were over 90 beauties from all over the world competed for the title.

Before the finals, I’ve read a lot of commentaries from pageant enthusiasts.  I also watched several  video profiles of  a number of candidates and scrolled hundreds of pictures online. I thought Rachel did well but I felt that her performance during the finals was not what many expected.  Her performance was somewhat calculated with forced smile plastered on her face showing less of her personality. I am not sure if this was part of her training or she was just under pressure.  Other semi-finalists were kinda casual and hyper on stage while Rachel lacked energy and looked a bit timid on stage. Her video profile wasn’t impressive though compared to other girls; there was no mention of any advocacy on her part other than being a beach bum, in other words it lacked depth and drama so to speak.  Philippines was leading the online votes but nonetheless it didn't help her advance to the top 5.

The funny thing is that Pia Wurtzbach (who was one of the telecast judges) is being dragged into this mess citing camp rivalry between Kagandahang Flores and Aces & Queens.  As we all know Pia was trained and managed by Aces & Queens while Rachel was trained by Kagandahang Flores camp.  Pia issued a statement defending herself stating that she just did her job as a judge and that she was impartial to all the girls including Miss Philippines.  She added that she was proud of Rachel who received the loudest cheers from the audience during the announcement of the top 16.

Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of  South Africa was one of the heavy favorites for the crown even before she set foot in Las Vegas, thanks to the power of internet and the influence of social media.  Demi may not be as tall or as statuesque like other favorites but obviously her strength is her warm and wholesome personality.  She is the second South African to win the title after Margaret Gardiner won the title in Acapulco, Mexico in 1978. Second to her was Colombia's Laura Gonzales and Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett placed third.  Miss Thailand (Maria Poonlertlarp Ehren) and Miss Venezuela (Keysi Sayago) rounded up the top 5.

Miss Jamaica charmed everyone wearing her natural hair standing apart from a sea of blowdries.  Jamaica is fast becoming a powerhouse in Miss Universe having placed three times during the past seven years (1st runner up in 2010 and 4th runner up in 2014).  Colombia continued their impressive top 3 finish in the last four consecutive years (2014-winner, 1st runner-up in 2015, 2nd runner-up in 2016 and this year 1st runner up).

What's Next for Philippines?

Miss Universe is a big event for pageant crazy country like the Philippines and people would literally stop and skip work just to watch the live telecast.  During the past 8 years, the Philippines’ representatives to Miss Universe haven’t missed a semi-final slot.  It all started in 2010, when Venus Raj placed 5^th and the winning streak continued year after year and in 2015 the Philippines finally bagged its third Miss Universe crown.  

This early pageant watchers are trying to convince Catriona Gray to join the 2018 Bb. Pilipinas.  Catriona finished 4^th in 2016 Miss World and many people believe that she should have placed higher.  On the other hand,  a Thai modelling agency is reportedly on the lookout for their possible bet next year and is grooming an Indian-Thai girl to join Miss Thailand Universe and also don't undermine the new emerging pageant crazy countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and Myanmar who are all willing to spend money to train their representatives abroad.   It is interesting to note that rich countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Japan don’t seem to care much even if they lose and  they just kinda enjoy themselves taking part in the activities.  Ditto with Miss Australia who said (in a tv interview) that she and other girls just laugh it off and they just ate a lot while others were crying backstage. 

There’s brewing rumor (again) that Miss Universe will be held back in the Philippines for the fourth time. Another story has it  that the Miss Universe Org., in conjunction with the Department of Tourism, has agreed to have all the 15 semi-finalists visit the Philippines this month to participate in various activities to promote local tourism.  What can I say? Welcome back to the craziest pageant country in the Universe.

Rachel Peters with her boyfriend Camarinez Sur Governor Migs Villafuerte

WHO WILL SUCCEED FRANCE'S IRIS MITTENAIRE TO WEAR THE BLUE DIAMOND STUDDED CROWN?

There are unconfirmed reports flying around that there will be major changes in the format for the selection of the semi-finalists for Miss Universe 2017. Apparently, only 4 will be chosen from each 3 merged continents as follows:

          4 from the Americas (North and South America)

          4 from Europe
          4 from Africa, Asia and Oceania          
          4 wildcards (probably the referring to the online voting)

However these are just plain rumors and Miss Universe has yet to announce the new format. If this is true, it will somehow affect Asian countries in particular, as many believe that Asian delegates are strong this year. They will have to compete for the 4 slots with other favorites notably Miss South Africa and Miss Australia (representing Africa and Oceania, respectively) but as the case may be, only 4 slots are up for grabs.

Latin Americans are apprehensive of the alleged format as they are represented by 33 delegates including countries from the Caribbean region.  Europe has 26 countries and Asia, Africa and Oceania has also 33 countries (if to include Turkey).

Popular Filipino Columnist Ricky Lo, published on his column today that Rachel Louis Peters is currently leading on the pageant's Facebook poll with over 209,000 votes, followed by Miss Thailand with over 155,000 likes; Brazil with 28,000; Colombia with 37,000; Indonesia with 24,000; Nicaragua with 18,000; and Germany with 14,000.

Among the frontrunners are Miss Thailand Maria Poonlertlarp, Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, Miss Indonesia Bunga Jelitha Ibrani, Miss USA Cara McCullough, Mis Venezuela Keysi Sayago, Miss Philippines Rachel Louis Peters and Miss Russia Kseniya Alexandovova.

2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach will be one of the telecast judges.  She will join  Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam, makeup artist and TV host Jay Manuel, Venezuelan-American YouTube star Lele Pons, TV personality Ross Mathews, and host and presenter Megan Olivi as part of the panel of judges.


Eight-time Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum artists Fergie and pop star Rachel Platten are set to perform at the coronation night.  

Hosted by Steve Harvey, the three-hour special airs live from the Axis at Planet Holywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas Sunday 26 November on Fox (27 November Monday morning in Manila).  Model, enterpreneur and body activist Ashley Graham returns as backstage host and to provide analysis and commentary throughout the telecast are TV personality and fashion expert Carson Kressley and Supermodel and pageant expert Lu Sierra.

There are 92 contestants contestants vying for the blue diamond studded crown.  According to Miss Universe Org. the crown has an estimated value of $300,000 or roughly P14.32 million. It is encrusted with 311 small polished diamonds, weighing a total of 10.37 karats. The crown also contains five large blue topaz stones, weighing 18.6 karats each. These symbolize strength and loyalty. The 198 dark blue sapphire stones that weigh 18.6 karats each represent faith and wisdom. Who will be the lucky girl to win the crown?