Personally, Miss Earth 2012 has been one of the hardest editions to forecast. There are factors I needed to include in order to insure a satisfactory list of predictions, least of which is the fact that the competition is being held in Manila. Being (figuratively and literally) arm-length close to the ladies makes it even harder because one cannot simply allot enough time to rub more than elbows with all eighty (80) delegates. There is always the tendency to instill halo effects on the sweeter, friendlier and more accommodating than the rest. And it can’t be helped because their varying personalities pave the way for scattered impressions. As a result, I may have incessantly veered close to the consistently warm and genuine beauties in the roster.

Another consideration was given to the strong quality of contenders this year. Just when you thought you’ve made up your mind on a shortlist, here comes a slew of initially low-profile ladies who suddenly start shining bright and threatening to give the earlier favorites a run for their top-tier rankings.

Thankfully, the introduction of various medal-earning challenges is of tremendous help in seeing the girls a little more objectively. And if could only clone myself, I would closely observe them in each and every activity so as to clearly gauge their actual participation. At any rate, inspite of the often confusing medal updates and awarding of points, the real troupers floated on the surface and showed to the organizers who among the many wannabes come close to embodying the complete package required of Miss Earth 2012 – a young woman who possesses the charm of a Beauty Queen, the hands-on commitment of an Earth Warrior and the discipline to maintain a positive image as Spokesperson of Mother Earth during her reign.

On a sidenote, a little birdie told me that the challenges make up for a certain percentage of a delegate’s preliminary scores. This will then be added up to the Pre-Judging. It makes sense that a strong cumulative total in the former plus a good set of numbers from the judges will insure a semifinal slot.

So without further ado, here is my forecast for the finals of Miss Earth 2012 tomorrow night at the Versailles Alabang…

In random order, this is my Top 20 for Miss Earth 2012.

Now this is how I actually ranked my Top 20 preferred ladies which yielded a (highlighted) Top 16:

1. Ilknur Melis Durasi – Turkey
2. Osmariel Villalobos – Venezuela
3. Tamerin Jardine – South Africa
4. Warrathaya Wongchayaporn – Thailand
5. Camila Brant – Brazil
6. Siria Bojorquez – USA
7. Shauny Bult – Netherlands
8. Darli Pacheco – Puerto Rico
9. Fabiana Granados – Costa Rica
10. Jenna Seymour – Australia
11. Nina Fjalestad – Norway
12. Natalia Pereverzeva – Russia
13. Nel-Linda Zublewitz – Germany
14. Alexandra Fretes – Paraguay
15. Stephany Stefanowitz – Philippines
16. Prachi Mishra – India
17. Zoe Kinsella – Wales
18. Fiona Konchellah – Kenya
19. Tereza Fajksova – Czech Republic
20. Esther Foss – Fiji

At this point, any of the eight (8) ladies above can still take the top spot. But since a very crucial interview portion happens in this segment, one (or two) in the lower four is still capable of stealing the limelight and take an element from one of the leaders. At any rate, I’d like to stay firm with the Final Four, and here they are…

And so, I have finally arrived at my Top 4, Elemental Beauties if you will. Truth be told, I consider three of the four in dead heat as far as who should win tomorrow night. I have already pegged Warrathaya Wongchayaporn to be named Miss Fire. However, Ilknur Melis Durasi of Turkey, Tamerin Jardine of South Africa and Osmariel Villalobos of Venezuela – each representing three different continents – can still take it all the way. It boils down to who can give the best answer in the final Q&A (which we shall find out 3/4 into the pageant proceedings) and be hailed Miss Earth 2012.

Do share your selections! 😉

P.S. Watch the pageant live on Star World starting at 8:00pm