I’m going out on a limb here and proclaim that my choice to win Miss International 2014 is Miss Philippines Bianca Guidotti. A back-to-back victory for the country! There, I’ve said it. Right off the bat.

Allow me now to look at the ladies who are likely to spoil things for our representative.

There’s the lady who, if only the prettiest is to be voted upon by the candidates will win hands down, Vianey del Rosario Vasquez Ramirez of Mexico.

There’s the best friend of Miss Philippines who will be equally happy if she or Bianca gets the title, Shauny Bult of the Netherlands.

There’s Osmel Sousa’s baby who, even if panned by many pageant followers, can still pull more than just a tennis elbow of a surprise given her 101% preparedness for the challenge – Michelle Bertolini.

There’s also the Thai beauty who shipped out of her commitments as Miss Water 2013 and faced up to the prospects of nailing a major crown to vindicate herself? Punika Kulsoontornroot could gift her country its first-ever Miss International win.

How about my 6th to 10th placers? Sri Lanka’s Tamara Makalanda and Rafaela Pardete can do rock-and-scissors to determine who is likely to steal a Top 5 spot from the aforementioned performers. But while they’re at it, it is very likely that Milla Romppanen of Finland could slip in and upend them for a sterling finish. Do keep in mind that Finnish stunners hold a soft spot among Japanese followers of the pageant.

And the Guyana girl? Ruqayyah is ready to do a Rocky (her nickname, incidentally) and outpunch fighters in her way. Either that, or Shani Hazan of Israel is given a clear shot to aim at one of the targets in the magic circle.

And let’s not forget about the spoilers.

Others might think that Jhataleka Malhotra of India should be an easy Top 5 finisher. We’ll have to see about that. Her performance during the international forum was relatively underwhelming.

Also, let’s not forget about Aurianne Sinacola of France, Deise Benicio of Brazil and Victoria Charlotte Tooby of UK. These reps are also coming on strong – though running hot or cold at times.

Finally, the Zuleika of the group is a potential scene-stealer. But with her #15 ranking on my score sheet, the possibilities are not as confidently perceived as the ones higher than this Colombian’s cumulative output.

I am most ready to accept whatever the results will show on Tuesday night.

I have already written my piece.

If you feel like a back-to-back record for the Philippines in this beauty contest is the stuff that can only happen in dreams, then perhaps, it is time to wake up from deep slumber. Now, more than ever, is the time for Miss International to shine stronger in the global stage. With Bianca Guidotti possibly at the helm, she can create a visible platform that will definitely please more than make the organizers ill at ease.

And if only a runner-up placement is what’s in store for her, then I will accept the fate like a good sport. Because I’m pretty sure our bet – while she won’t fake the initial reaction to losing – can quickly move on with her head held high.

courtesy of isnaberongmacutelet

So in summary, my Top 5 will remain in this order: Philippines, Mexico, Netherlands, Venezuela and Thailand. 😉