Before the Preliminary Competition of the 70th Miss Universe begins in Eilat, Israel at 7pm (their time) or 1am (December 11 in the Philippines), I would like to share with you the twenty (20) ladies I anticipate to perform well. This is a mix of delegates who have been hyped from the start and those who just might have it in them to pull a surprise.
In alphabetical order:
Australia
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Czech Republic
India
Ireland
Japan
Mexico
Paraguay
Philippines
Puerto Rico
South Africa
Spain
Thailand
U.S.A.
Venezuela
Vietnam
Behold the Evening Gown of Miss Grand Philippines Samantha Alexandra Panlilio for the Preliminary Competition of Miss Grand International 2021:
“LAYAG BALANGAY”
A hand embroidered sheer Rian Fernandez cape gown is inspired with the seafaring vessel of the Philippines being the first wooden watercraft excavated in Southeast Asia. The bodice is fully bejeweled with Caribbean Blue opal rhinestones, glass beads, oversized Austrian swarovski crystals. This piece is a perfect way to reawaken Filipino pride in a forgotten heritage of the ancient Filipino ingenuity.
DESIGNER | Rian Fernandez
CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Enchiong Cambay
ARTISANS | Mark Brent, Angela Decano Arcenas , Roy Herrero Tadeo Bea Jamaica Caoile, Amie Mairina, Conchita Presentation Alamar Kyla Angelyn Tadeo
PHOTO & VIDEO | Seven Barretto
@claudevillahrmsa @darielmiraflor
CREATIVE DIRECTION | @erwnbotin
MAKE UP | @drewgalleguez
HAIR | @ariesmanal_hair
STYLING | Mac Intia @ Keith Angelo
@misskeithmanila @angelica.omos
SHOES | Jose Joaquin Bragais@bragaisjosejoaquin
During the Miss Earth 2020 Primer streamed over ktx.ph last night, the various winners of the Preliminary Events of the competition were announced per region, save for the Best in Eco Angel Outfit which had one overall choice. They are as follows:
This should give pageant followers a pretty good idea of who will figure out well during the finals. But since a good premium is given to intelligence and environmental awareness, some shuffling will still happen.
I reviewed my favorite interviews three times (reason why I lost some sleep doing so), and double-checked on one or two I might have overlooked. And this is what I came up with.
normannorman.com Pageantry Norms’ Top 15 for the Miss Universe Philippines Preliminary Q&A:
1. Bella Ysmael of Parañaque
2. Michele Gumabao of Quezon City
3. Billie Hakenson of Cavite
4. Pauline Amelinckx of Bohol
5. Adee Hitomi Akiyama of Oriental Mindoro
6. Zandra Nicole Sta Maria of Pasay
7. Jan Alexis Elcano of Batanes
8. Maricres Valdez Castro of Muntinlupa
9. Caroline Veronilla of Misamis Oriental
10. Skelly Ivy Florida of Biliran
11. Alaiza Malinao of Davao City
12. Rabiya Mateo of Iloilo City
13. Niña Soriano of Pangasinan
14. Tracy Maureen Perez of Cebu City
15. Christelle Abello of Aklan
Once and for all, the Preliminary Competition of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 can #only be watched on the #RingLightSeries.
Tonight at 9pm onwards, the Preliminary Q&A will premiere. This is a 4-part Special where the #phenomenalwomen will answer ten (10) #similar questions each and with only thirty (30) seconds to give their replies to each. See who excelled in this part so it can help you assess them better.
And on Friday, the National Costume Competition plus Preliminary Swimsuit and Evening Gown Competitions will air through the same series.
The Miss Universe 2019 Preliminary Competition and National Costume Show will be held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis on December 6.
Now as per my research, the said property has three ballrooms: Atrium, Marquis and International. It would be logical to conclude that one of the three will be the specific venue for the two-in-one event.
Given a likely theatre arrangement, the Atrium Ballroom will seat more than the other two. So I’m guessing it will be held there specifically.
At least it won’t be the Mezzanine Level like that of Miss Universe 2017. But still, doing big Miss Universe pre-pageant events like these two in a hotel ballroom leaves much to be desired.
The ‘Ibong Adarna’ is a mythological pulchritudinous bird that could change in several fascinating guises. Its enchanting voice can enable complete healing to anyone who hears it. Some artists liken it to the mythological Phoenix where it recurrently regenerates itself by arising amidst a spectacle of flames and candescence. This makes it a fitting symbol of resilience, rising and rebirth.
Catriona has a resilient, tenacious and unwavering spirit. Her voice is truly captivating literally and figuratively. She uses it to influence, advance her timely causes and both melt and heal hearts. Her will-power and burning passion drive her to make every Filipino proud in whatever she does. She is the blazing Adarna! Watch her rise in glory along with our hopes and dreams for our beloved country: the Philippines!
Inspired from the Philippine Adarna Bird, Phoenix & Mikimoto Crown
Miss Philippines Catriona Gray during the Miss Universe 2018 Preliminaries at the Impact Arena: she doesn’t have the best body but she slayed the swimsuit round with her walk and a slow-motion turn at the start that sets apart her presentation from the rest. She knows how to work it, that’s for sure.
In the Evening Gown part, her Mak Tumang “Adarna” number may have elicited mixed reactions from some. But just like her initially frowned at National Costume, this creation grows on you the more you watch her presentation in high definition. Wow factor may not instantly be triggered but you know that she has it in her to bring the gown to life in the best way possible.
I can bravely say now that she is safely up there among the best five (5) performers in both segments.
I am a bit surprised at some individuals (outside of this blog’s readers) whose less than pleasant comments about Catriona are not the most convincingly stated that they appear “planted” just to tone down the hype on her. I can take constructive views but not impressions that the individual/s cannot substantiate with a decent explanation.
Oh well, let’s just wait and see come Monday morning.
Hi! Norman here. When I'm not working, I spend most of my free time planning on daily blogs. If you will notice, I always make sure that a fresh topic comes out everyday - not an easy thing to do but it's all good. Thanks for dropping by and enjoy the visit!
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