Glam teams, prevail!

When the immediate task at hand is to review the ninety-nine (99) headshots – yes, one already dropped out for reasons I am not privy to – of the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 official delegates, I avoided overthinking as much as possible. There are considerations for makeup, hair, lights, and styling to think of. But I did not want to burden myself analyzing so many factors one by one. I just look at the image, and if I am instantly drawn to her, I surrender.

The Smile: it has to be natural-looking, if not the lady’s best angle. In this regard, I plucked Jane Darren Genobisa, Beatrice Luigi Gomez, Jedidah Hefervez Korinihona (what a mouthful of a name) and Grace Charmaine Vendiola.

The Mystique: she needs to exude that dreamy and magical presence that is at once hypnotic and with an air of secrecy. Victoria Velasquez Vincent (I swear I could almost genuflect if it was a life size photo), Khesha Ramachandran (a serene Fairy in an enchanted forest) and Katrina Dimaranan (like a Caribbean priestess or headdress-less Samba Queen) qualify here.

Those who did not disappoint: this is where the familiar names and faces come in. They delivered as expected and did not underwhelm (thankfully!). Steffi Rose Aberasturi, Leren Mae Bautista and Maureen Wroblewitz belong here.

One level up: Both Izabella Jasmine Umali and Sam Santamaria climbed one notch to show a side of their faces I haven’t seen before. The latter especially proved that a head-tilted-up pose can be surprisingly entrancing – with a beautiful neck sufficiently exposed.

So who are your favorites, dear readers?