As we close the chapter of Miss Universe 2009, let me take this blog opportunity to send my heartfelt thanks to our representative, Bianca Manalo.

Miss Philippines, Bianca Manalo, during the Miss Universe 2009 reception.

Bianca may not have reached her objective in the Bahamas. But in the eyes of all Filipinos and supporters from other countries, she made all of us proud with her mesmerizing beauty, unstinting fighting spirit and total grace under pressure.

Miss Philippines during the Miss Universe 2009 auction.

Bianca will always be remembered as the Filipina beauty who gave the Philippines reason to hope. I know that it was heart-breaking for her not to make the Top 15 at the very least, but all things being equal, she did an excellent job all around. Many external factors may not have gone to her favor and….on second thought, let’s not even go there so as not to spoil things up.

Bianca's offering of pearl necklace and earrings during the Miss Universe auction.

You should come home to the Philippines with head held high. We know how you tirelessly fought to reclaim some glory for your country and for that, Maraming, maraming salamat!

Mabuhay ka, Bianca!

One final smile from Bianca. We're proud of you, girl!

Images above are courtesy of OPMB Worldwide Forums.

Since the finals of Miss Universe 2009 is just a couple of days away, let me share with you these fresh videos of Miss Philippines Bianca Manalo courtesy of our friends at OPMB Worldwide Forums. This was taken during the parade of all the candidates around Nassau. Her beauty remains remarkable here and her candid take on the other ladies is just cool! I love how she enjoys the company of her roommate (Miss Colombia) and differentiates her from the other Latinas. She is wearing her arrival outfit (very comfy for the sunny weather of the islands) and accessorized the same with some stylish necklaces.

She also paid tribute to the late former President Cory Aquino during the preliminary interview and did it with grace and sincerity.

Enjoy the video!

In this second video, you can see Bianca with the other delegates as they board the float for the parade. Still fresh and lovely despite the hectic schedules. Can you imagine these ladies surviving on less than 3 hours of sleep almost everyday? I cannot blame the others for looking tired and haggard.

Minutes before the preliminary interview, Bianca took the time to pose for a picture.

Every year since 1999 when Miriam Quiambao placed 1st Runner-Up in the Miss Universe Pageant held in Trinidad & Tobago, Filipino pageant fans have been eagerly anticipating another respectable placement – if not a well-earned victory. In fact, the Philippines can take pride in having wins, near-wins and semifinal rankings every decade since the annual beauty contest started in the 50s. As a result, it is just normal to expect something wonderful from this year’s edition since it is a good 10 years since we last did.

But, honestly, what are Bianca Manalo’s chances in the competition? Before excitement gets the better of me, I would just like to point out that my optimism is not based solely on wishful thinking and the like. Feedbacks from friends who have saved money to make the trip to the Bahamas are not only encouraging but downright bright. Aside from being a hot favorite among the Bahamians to win the crown, Bianca has been consistently performing in all pre-pageant activities and racking up points to reach the Top 15. Her beautiful face and porcelain complexion is the talk of the town and not a few pageant pundits have chorused that this is the year that might end the drought.

I am keeping my fingers crossed – and tight. Bianca underwent preliminary interviews with the judges yesterday. A good friend was able to speak to her after the same (via overseas call) and our girl sounded very positive.

I am trying my best to set realistic expectations. At this point, all I’m hoping is for her name to be called as one of the Top 15 come Sunday’s finals night (Monday morning Manila time). From there, it will be Bianca’s game to turn on the charm full force and hopefully be rewarded with something that will make all Pinoys proud of her even more.

image courtesy of ecurb of OPMB Worldwide Forums.

Here are various images and compilation video of Miss Philippines Bianca Manalo during the preliminary competitions of Miss Universe 2009 in the Bahamas.

From left: Miss Peru Karen Schwarz, Miss Philippines Bianca Manalo, Miss Poland Angelika Jakubowska, and Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez stand together during the swimsuit event of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries

Image above is courtesy of AP Photo/Brennan Linsley.

Bianca Manalo, Miss Philippines 2009, competes in her BSC Swimwear and Nina Shoes during the swimsuit segment of the Miss Universe 2009 Presentation Show at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas. She is in the Bahamas for the 2009 Miss Universe competition which will be held in the Imperial Ballroom at ATLANTIS, Paradise Island, Bahamas, LIVE on NBC Television network at 9 pm ET on Sunday, August 23, 2009. HO/Miss Universe Organization L.P.,LLLP

Bianca Manalo, Miss Philippines 2009, competes in the Evening Gown segment of the Miss Universe 2009 Presentation Show at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas. She is in the Bahamas for the 2009 Miss Universe competition which will be held in the Imperial Ballroom at ATLANTIS, Paradise Island, Bahamas, LIVE on NBC Television network at 9 pm ET on Sunday, August 23, 2009. HO/Miss Universe Organization L.P.,LLLP

2nd & 3rd images are courtesy of the Miss Universe site and the compilation video is brought by ecurb of OPMB Worldwide Forums.

Let’s all wish Bianca good luck with the preliminary interviews which will seal her fate if she eventually makes it or not to the Top 15.