
Group photo during the taping of our episode for the “Winning the Crown” Series of CNN Philippines with host Pinky Webb (center)

Earlier in the afternoon at the Lobby Lounge of Okada Manila, your blogger joined columnists George Sison of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Robert Requintina of the Manila Bulletin and fellow blogger Jesson Capuchino of Sash Factor for a lively discussion about the 65th Miss Universe and just about anything related to the pageant.
The episode was originally set to have just a 30-minute airing, but with how the actual talks turned out, we got extended for an hour because the show’s producer will have a difficult time editing out all the juicy tidbits that the four of us shared with the host.
The subject matters went from how we individually got hooked on pageantry to how impact-ful the hosting of Miss Universe to how the next winner will be chosen all the way to our early picks to stand out in the competition.

I was also able to meet the friendly Oscar Cabrera, Asia Pacific Entertainment Head for Okada Manila
Do catch the airing of the episode this coming Saturday, January 14 at 9:30PM on CNN Philippines. Modesty aside, I know that you – my dear readers – will share in the joy that I feel for getting this chance to show how passionate I am about Miss Universe and pageantry.
PS I got an extra bonus for meeting the Asia-Pacific Entertainment Head of Okada Manila Oscar Cabrera (a Bolivian expat with the friendliest vibe). He personally invited me to attend the After Party of the 65th Miss Universe to be held at the highly-anticipated Cove Manila on the night of January 30.
More reports to come out soon! 😀
my vote:
Brazil
Philippines
Turkey
Belgium
Germany
Curacao
Barbados
Slovak Republic
Netherlands
Jamaica
France
Madaming maganda but not all of them are a total package… My current faves:
TOP 10
Brazil
Aruba
Philippines
Canada
Venezuela
Australia
Colombia
Indonesia
Thailand
USA
TOP 15
Curacao
Ukraine
South Africa
Spain
Dark Horses:
Sierra Leone
Puerto Rico
Vietnam
Mexico
Panama
Netherlands
Kosovo
Angola
Croatia
Slovak Republic
Paraguay
Barbados
Turkey
France pa pala.. sa TOP 15
Tito Norms, congrats!
So excited for u… btw, bagay! Hahaha 😀
No more National Costume for the fans why, why?
Nagmamaganda ka tito Norman ha, in a positive way hehe.. Just in case you need a PA for the Miss Universe series of events, I am willing to volunteer, pro bono. Love you tito Norman.
Congrats Tito Norms!!! By the way, paki Hi ako oscar please, di na po ako choosy. HAHAHA CHAR LANG!
May question pala ako! akala ko si Okada ang accommodation ng candidates, why are they in Conrad? or sa conrad talaga? anyone…
Eto b yung pinagkakalat ng miswa na sinasabotahe di umano sila ni mama jo? Di dw sila sinasali sa nga press. Jawskuh!!!
Well, wait na lng ako at convinced naman ako na mapapawow ako sa EG ni Maxine.
Congrats Rhett 🙂
That’s awesome, Norman! Congrats.
Suwerte naman ni Mommy N.
Ano kayang lasa sa Bolivian flavor compared sa local/native flavored dog’s meat … ayyyy charette lang hihihi
Congratulations and Thank You Sir Norman for d Chismax of Beauty Pageants whether it’s High tide or Low tide hihihi 🙂
and the possible cherry on top of your cake Norman- a really, really good outcome for Ms Philippines..who knows, a back to back…
I don’t have anything else to say to you, Sir Norman but congratulations for adding another feather in your cap ! May you have more success to come, but just keep your feet on the ground ok ? Baka naman dumating na yung time na di ka na namin ma reach kasi sobrang malayo na narrating mo. ha ha ha. Just kidding. I’m still one of your legions of followers on here. love love love 🙂 🙂 🙂
A thumb down ? what the heck – ok obviously from one of the trolls here 🙂
He “thumb -u-down” cause he can t comprehend what u just wrote 🙂
congratulations, tito norms! i’m glad that the country’s hosting of miss universe has opened doors for local and international pageant followers to know you and get informed by you. more power! your passion and dedication, not to mention your sacrifices have finally paid off big time for you!
Wow! Tito Norms, Oscar Cabrera looks delicious.
Luma-lovelife din ang peg ni Tito norms ha! Hehe… Happy for you and congrats po. 😊
Congrats Sir Norman. Pls. advise us kung kelan selling ng prelims tickets. Doon na lang ako manonood, para makita lahat ng delegates.
You deserve the exposure! You work hard for it. This is your passion. Cherish every moment! Sunod na diyan Ang international invitations!