Batch 3 of the Miss Universe Philippines candidates is the biggest so far with thirteen (13) doing their Preliminary Q&A. And I would say that this is the most predominantly relaxed group so far.

When an interviewee is relaxed, the words come out more fluidly. And because of that, I selected four (4) favorites here:

1) Adee Hitomi Ariate Akiyama of Oriental Mindoro – while she may tend to talk fast, her thoughts still come out clear and convincing. This Doctor of Medicine really knows her stuff – and not only those allied to her profession.

2) Maricres Valdez Castro of Muntilupa – she is so inspirational-sounding that you can’t help but be lulled by her voice – not to sleep but to actually listen to her suggestions and life learnings.

3) Caroline Veronilla of Misamis Oriental – she shows unabashed pride not only for her Province but also for Mindanao. She has a forceful but disarming grace about her. And that allowed a very pleasant interaction with the questioning panel.

4) Patricia Pineda Santos of Pampanga – this Flight Attendant is cool, calm and collected in her thoughts. She knows when to step on the breaks and when to go full speed ahead.

Kudos to the nine other ladies for overcoming your nerves, especially Alexandra Abdon of Manila who gave the most chill vibe to the judges so far.

4th Batch

So many good interviews in the 4th and Final installment of the Miss Universe Philippines Preliminary Q&A. It seems that all eleven ladies knew how tired the panel was. As such, they really made the conscious effort to revive their tired minds and make conversations that will make them smile.

My Top 5 – and I am putting my first two in the same breath just because they really delivered on their frontrunner status – are:

1) Bella Ysmael and Michele Gumabao – one is serenely charismatic while the other is diplomatically engaging. Their speaking styles are entirely different but the substance of their answers are laid out so clearly – even visually if you really try to imagine the words coming out of their lips.

3) Zandra Nicole Sta Maria – she is practical and persuasive in a big-sister kind of way. Her responses are easy to digest.

4) Sandra Lemonon – her frequent laughters bring joy to a room of low-batt interviewers. This is the lemon we all thought of as unable to turn into a lemonade. But she is now flavorful and magnetic.

5) Niña Soriano – her sincerity overflows, and you can tell that she goes beyond lip service. So when she answers, the consistency in her beliefs are coming from the right place.

Kudos to Riana Agatha Pangindian, Faye Dominique Deveza, Ericka Evangelista, Maria Fee Tajaran, Carissa Rozil Manasan Quiza and Perlyn Yamuta Cayona for also handling themselves in front of the panel very well.

So time now to tally all my scores so I can figure out my Top 15 from among all of the #phenomenalwomen.

#MissUniversePhilippines2020