Miriam Quiambao's Fate at Miss Universe

Almost but not quite – but good enough just the same.

Miriam Quiambao’s winning as 1st runner up in the 1999 Miss Universe Pageant (with Miss Botswana as the winner and Miss Spain as 2nd runner up) is the closest a Filipina ever got to again bagging the title since 1973 (26 years ago) when Margie Moran brought home the bacon, so to speak, for the second time (from Greece where the Miss Universe was held that year), only four years after Gloria Diaz (the first Filipina Miss Universe) got it in Miami Beach, Florida, in 1969. Everybody thought Miriam was “it” until the final Q&A (the decisive portion when the judges are supposed to rank the top three finalists) when the seemingly simple but actually very tricky question was popped at each of the contenders (the two others have their ears covered while one of them is answering the question): If Miss Universe were to become pregnant during her reign, should she be allowed to continue as Miss Universe?
Although poised and smiling, Miriam hesitated a bit when she answered and, everybody is convinced that did her in.

Let’s compare and contrast the three finalists’ answers:

Miss Spain (Diana Nogueira, through an interpreter): “I don’t see why not because her head will still be the same. The only difference is that she will be bringing someone into the world. The only thing is if it were to in some way keep her from her travel, well..”

Miss Philippines: “It’s a very difficult situation to be in and, ah, I believe that if Miss Universe, if ever she becomes pregnant, I believe that she should continue with her reign if she has been a good example to be a Miss Universe, if she has pursued all the… all the goals that she has, that she had in the first place, and I believe that she should continue.” (A bit circuitous, isn’t it?)

Miss Botswana (Mpule Kwelagobe): “Personally, I think that Miss Universe is a symbol of a woman celebrating her femininity and I believe that if she becomes pregnant a woman can anyway interrupt her duty. I believe that as a woman she can celebrate her femininity.”
(Was that question coined as a subtle reference to a contestant who quit because of suspected pregnancy?) Miriam reluctant answer prompted one of the two anchorwomen, former Miss USA contestant Julia Moran to biatch, “She co amped up; it’s a pity. It’s a shame. She definitely choked!”

But the other anchorwoman, Miss USA 1996, Ali Landry, earlier praised Miriam for her answer in the preliminary Q&A portion. Question from host Jack Wagner (of Melrose Place); One of your proudest achievements was standing up to one of your professors back in college. Now, what did you stand up for recently?

Miriam’s answer “Oh, when I fell on the stage last Friday (during the pre-pageant night;)(laughing), I believe that I have stood up for the rest of the women who have fallen whether on or off stage. I believe that through this example of mine I have shown courage and strength of being a woman, of being who I am, and I hope to be a good example to the rest of the women in the world. Thank you.”
She got a thunderous applause from the audience and nice words from Ali Landry, “She has a lot of class, a lot of poise actually, I loved her from the beginning, “ adding with as some Filipinos perceived it, a hint of sarcasm, “I should say that she’s working on her having fallen from the stage… I’m afraid that next year, everybody may be falling watch.”

That fall turned into an advantage instead of disadvantage for Miriam because she showed poise and grace and presence of mind when she stood up and spread her arms with a huge smile on her face, drawing heartfelt applause from the audience who gave her a standing ovation. In that sense, Miriam literally “tripped” her way into the Magic 3, just a breath away from the coveted title.

Since the magnate Trumpo entered the picture and takeover the beauty pageant, no Filipina ever landed as a semifinalist in the pageant no matter how fierce and competitive the ladies were because his reason is purely business and he can’t allow a country to be recognized if he has no business interest with that country. Miriam Quiambao also turned down the offer of representing the country for Miss World 1999 because she believes that the pageant is only for nannies and grannies. Funny but true.

University of the Philippines (UP) Produced The Most Number of Beauty Queens

Here’s the list of UP alums who represented the country in various international pageant:

For Miss Universe:

1971 – Vida Valentina Doria, Miss Photogenic
1976 – Lizbeth Samson de Padua
1979 – Ma. Criselda Geronima “Dang” Flores Cecilio
1982 – Ma. Isabel Pagunsan Lopez
1985 - Joyce Ann Fellosas Burton
1989 – Sarah Jane Davies Paez
2000 – Nina Ricci Caldo Alagao
2001 – Zorayda Ruth Blanco Andam, 2nd Best in National Costume
2006 – Lia Andrea Aquino Ramos, Miss Photogenic
2007 – Theresa Licaros, Miss Photogenic

For Miss Earth:

2001 – Carlene Ang Aguilar, semifinalist


For Miss World:

1967 – Margarita “Maita” Favis Gomez
1977 – Ana Melissa “Peachy” Ofilada Veneracion (withdrew)
1989 – Estrella “Star” Singson Querubin
2001 – Gilrhea Quinzon
2004 – Ma. Karla Rabanal Bautista, 4th runner up, Asia and Oceania Queen of Beauty
2005 – Carlene Ang Aguilar, semifinalist

For Miss International:

1960 – Edita Resurrecion Vital, semifinalist
1972 – Yolanda “Yogi” Adriatico Dominguez, 2nd runner up and Best in National Costume
1977 – Ma. Cristina Valentina “Pinky” dela Rosa Alberto (withdrew)
1978 – Luz dela Cruz Policarpio


For Miss Maja International:

1973 – Ma. Nanette Macapagal Prodigalidad, 1st runner up and Miss Photogenic
1987 – Ma. Luisa Sarthou Jimenez


For Miss Asia-Pacific:

1978 – Epifania Luterio Lagman, 1st runner up
1988 – Ma. Hyacint Barbara Valencia Lotuaco
1993 – Michelle Zulueta Aldana, winner

International Title Holder

Nelia Sancho – Queen of the Pacific 1971

Read Brian Gorrell Blog Based On True Story

Read Brian Gorrell's blog based on his true account of one of the most nastiest deception, betrayal and scandal that happen this decade. You can also have the idea and preview of the blog at wikipedia and just search Gucci Gang controversy > wikipedia.

here is the url of Brian Gorrell's blog:

http://delfindjmontano.blogspot.com/

Philippines 58 Years With Miss Universe Pageant

Fifty years ago, an 18-year-old blonde, blue-eyed lass from Muhos, Finland, named Armi Helena Kyre Kuusela became the first Miss Universe (19520 at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium, Long Beach, California. She bested 29 other international beauties, including our very own Miss Philippines Teresita Torralba Sanchez, a 20-year old UST medical student from Bulacan. The first batch of Miss Universe semifinalists in 1952 were Miss Finland Armi Kuusela, Miss Germany Renata Hoy, Miss Greece Daisy Mavraki, Miss Hawaii Elsa Edsman, Miss Hong Kong Judy Dan, Miss Mexico Olga Perez Castillo, Miss South Africa Catherine Higgine, Miss Sweden Ana Maria Destler, Miss USA Jackie Loughery (from New York) and Miss Uruguay Gladys Rubio. The results were 4th runner up Germany, 3rd runner up Hong Kong, 2nd runner up Greece, 1st runner up Hawaii and Miss Universe Finland.
In 1953, Armi was invited to the Philippines as a special guest of the Philippine International Fair in Manila. She met a dashing Filipino bachelor named Virgilio “Gil” Hilario, a 25- year old Columbia University graduate and an assistant accountant at the New York office of the Philippine National Bank. Armi did not finish her reign because after a whirlwind romance she married Gil. She remained as Miss Universe of 1952.
In 1954, Maria Candida Blesilda Mueler Ocampo, a UST architecture freshman, was the first Filipina to land among the 15 semi-finalists. She was in London as part of her prize for winning the Boys Town Miss Philippines contest when she was asked to represent the country in the 1954 Miss Universe beauty pageant.
A 5’9” tall starlet who measured an impressive 35-23-36, Lalaine “Bing-bing” Betia Bennett, a 19-year old American mestiza from Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, won third runner-up in the 1963 Miss Universe pageant.
In 1965, another American mestiza from Iloilo, Louise Aurelio Vail, competed in Miss Universe in Miami Beach, Florida. She joined Bb. Pilipinas contest and Miss Universe as Louise Vail Aurelio in an attempt to Filipinize her name. That year, another Asian woman was crowned as Miss Universe, Apasra Hungsakula of Thailand (the first Asian to win the crown, in 1959, was Akiko Kojima of Japan). Louie was a semi-finalist.
A nursing student from Barrio Aniban in Bacoor, Cavite, Maria Clarinda “Arlin” Garces Soriano, was named Bb. Pilipinas-Universe in 1966. The 20 year-old UE nursing student, who slightly resembled the First Lady, Imelda Romualdez Marcos, was a semifinalist in Miss Universe.
In 1969, the year man (Apollo 11) conquered the moon, an 18 year-old student and model from Paranaque, Rizal, Gloria Aspillera Diaz, conquered the Universe. The 5’5” tall Gloria, whose well-proportioned body of 34-24-34 was enhanced by the proper amount of sex appeal and quick wit finally captured the elusive Miss Universe crown for the Philippines. She was the third woman from Asia and the first for the Philippines to win the Miss Universe title. She wooed the judges by her impressive answer to the question “If the man from the moon will land in your hometown, what will you do to entertain him?” when she replied, “I would do the same things I do, I think when he has been in the moon for so long I think when he comes over he wants to change I guess.”
Before Martial Law was proclaimed in 1972, Armi Barbara Quiray Crespo was selected as one of the 12 semifinalists in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The following year (1973), Maria Margarita Roxas Moran, a 19-year old Business student at Maryknoll College (now known as Miriam College) bagged our second Miss Universe crown in an ancient open-air Herod Atticus theater in Athens, Greece. Margie is the granddaughter of the late President Manuel Roxas. Her outstanding Spanish-French-Filipina features also earned for her the Miss Photogenic title.
In 1974, the Miss Universe was held in Manila. Our candidate, Guadalupe “Guada” Cuerva Sanchez, a 17-year old I.S. student, was among the 12 semifinalists. Margie Moran, Miss Universe 1973 relinquished her crown to her successor, Amparo Munoz of Spain Miss Universe 1974.
Rosemarie “Chiqui” Singson Brosas, an 18-year old model, was our bet in the 1975 Miss Universe held in San Salvador, El Salvador. She won 4th runner up to Finland’s Anne Marie Pohtamo.
In 1980, Seoul, South Korea hosted the Miss Universe beauty pageant, the 2nd Asian country to do so. Ma. Rosario “Chat” Rivera Silayan, a 21-year old college graduate and mode, was our bet. Chat, the daughter of veteran movie actor, Vic Silayan, won 3rd runner up to Miss USA Shawn Nichols Weatherly.
Four years after, a 5’7” tall dusky model from Laguna, Ma. Desiree “Dess” Ereso Verdadero, a Bb. Pilipinas second timer (she was 1st runner up in 1982 to Ma. Isabel Lopez) won 3rd runner up in the 1984 Miss Universe held in Miami Beach, Florida.
In 1987, 5’9” tall Caucasian beauty Geraldine Edith “Peebles” Villaruz Asis was the top contender in Singapore where the 1987 Miss Universe was held. She was no. 6 in the rank.
In 1994, the Philippines hosted the Miss Universe Pageant for the second time. Our bet was Charlene Mae Gonzalez Bonnin, a 19-year old UST student and the daughter of action star Bernard “Palos” Bonnin and former beauty queen Elvira Pamintuan Gonzalez. She was among the six finalists and voted as Best in National Costume.
The last Bb. Pilipinas to finish as semifinalists was Miriam “Am” Quiambao, a 22-year old UST physical therapy graduate who tripped on the stage during the preliminary evening gown competition. She ended up 1st runner up and also bagged the Clairol Best Style Award.
Since Donald Trumpo takeover of Miss Universe, no Filipina has ever landed as a semifinalist because Trumpo soured the idea of a Filipina as a semifinalist since he has no business interest in the country. You can view our delegates from other international pageants with their pictures at www.veestarz.com...
Here’s the roster of Philippine bet to Miss Universe and how they fare:
1952 , Teresita Torralba Sanchez – none
1953, Cristina Monson Pacheco – none
1954, Maria Candida Blesilda Mueler Ocampo – semifinalist
1955, Yvonne Berenguer de los Reyes – none
1956, Edith Noble Nakpil – Withdrew
Isabel Escobar Rodriguez – none
1957, Mary Ann “Annie” Phillips Corrales – none
1958, Carmen “Chuchay” Tuason – Withdrew
1959, Cristina “Tinay” Matias – Withdrew
1960, No Candidate
1961, No Candidate
1962, Josephine Estrada Brown – none
1963, Lalaine Betia Bennett – 3rd runner up
1964, Maria Myrna Cecile Sese Panlilio – none
1965, Louise Aurelio Vail – semifinalist
1966, Maria Clarinda “Arlin” Garces Soriano – semifinalist
1967, Pilar Delilah Veloso Pilapil – none
1968, Charina Rosello Zaragoza – none
1969, Gloria Maria “Glory” Aspillera Diaz – Miss Universe (Best in Swimsuit)
1970, Simonette “Monette” Berenguer de los Reyes – none
1971, Vida Valentina Fernandez Doria – Miss Photogenic
1972, Armi Barbara Quiray Crespo – semifinalist
1973, Maria Margarita Roxas Moran – Miss Universe (Miss Photogenic)
1974, Guadalupe “Guada” Cuerva Sanchez – semifinalist
1975, Rosemarie “Chiqui” Singson Brosas – 4th runner up
1976, Lizbeth Samson de Padua – none
1977, Anna Lorraine Kier – none
1978, Jennifer “Jenny” Mitzchek Cortez – none
1979, Cresilda “Dang” Flores Cecilio – none
1980, Maria Rosario “Chat” Rivera Silayan – 3rd runner up
1981, Marie Caroline “Maricar” de Vera Mendoza – none
1982, Maria Isabel “Maribel” Pagunsan Lopez – none
1983, Rosita “Cita” Cornell Capuyon – none
1984, Maria Desiree “Dess” Ereso Verdadero – 3rd runner up
1985, Joyce Ann Fellosas Burton – none
1986, Violeta Asela Enriquez Naluz – none
1987, Geraldine Edith “Peeble” Villaruz Asis – semifinalist
1988, Perfida “Perlee” Reyes Limpin – none
1989, Sarah Jane Davis Paez – none
1990, Germelina “Gem” Leah Banal Padilla – none
1991, Anjanette “AJ” Palencia Abayari – Resigned
Ma. Lourdes”Alu” Talam Gonzales – none
1992, Elizabeth “Lisa” Garcia Berroya – none
1993, Melinda Joanna “Dindi” Tanseco Gallardo – none
1994, Charlene Mae Gonzalez Bonnin – Finalist (Best in National Costume)
1995, Joanne Zapanta Santos – none
1996, Aileen Leng Marfori Damiles – Miss Photogenic (thru online voting)
1997, Abbygale “Abby”Williamson Arenas – Miss Photogenic (thru online voting)
1998, Olivia Teresa “Tisha” de Carlos Silang – Resigned
Jewel May Colmenares Lobaton – none
1999, Miriam “Am” Redito Quiambao – 1st runner up (Clairol Best Style Award)
2000, Nina Ricci Caldo Alagao – none
2001, Zorayda Ruth Blanco Andam – none
2002, Karen Loren Agustin – none
2003, Carla Gay Sunga Balingit – none
2004, Maricar Balagtas – none
2005, Gionna Cabrera – Miss Photogenic, (finalist, Best in National Costume)
2006, Lia Andrea Ramos – Miss Photogenic
2007, Theresa Anne Licaros – Miss Photogenic
2008, Jennifer Barrientos – none
2009, Pamela Bianca Manalo - none
2010, Venus Raj - 4th runner-up
2011, Shamcey Supsup - 3rd runner-up
2012, Janine Tugonon - 1st runner-up
2013, Ariella Arida - 3rd runner-up
2014, Mary Jean Lastimosa - Top 10 Finalist
2015, Pia Wurtzbach - Miss Universe
2016, Maxine Medina - Top 6 Finalist
2017, Rachel Peters - Top 10 Semifinalist
2018, Catriona Gray - Miss Universe
2019, Gazini Ganados - 

Miss Philippines International winners

The 49th Miss International pageant finals was held in Chengdu, Sichuan, China last November 28, 2009 with Mexico’s Anagabriela Espinoza taking home the title. The Philippines was represented by a Bicolana beauty in the person of Melody Gersbach who landed as one of the 12 semifinalists. She competed for the crown won four times by the country, Gemma Cruz in 1964, Aurora Pijuan in 1970, Melanie Marquez in 1979 and Precious Lara Quigaman in 2005.
Until 1968 when Nini Ramos won, the country was represented in the international pageant by a Miss Philippines, not a Bb. Pilipinas-International, a title which Nini was the first holder (her niece Pamela Bianca Manalo was this year’s bet in the Miss Universe contest).
From 1960 to 1964 , the Miss Philippines was sponsored by Boys Town Philippines to which Gemma Cruz donated her cash prize when she won in Long Beach, California. The first Miss International in 1960 was Stella Marquez Zawadsky of Colombia and later married to Mr. Jorge Araneta. The first Miss Universe from Finland, Armi Kuusela, also married to a Filipino, Virgilio Hilario. Here’s the flashback to Miss Philippines winners who represented the country in Miss International:

1960 – Edita Resureccion Vital (Miss Philippines), Josephine Brown (Miss Luzon), Editha Fargas (Miss Visayas) and Carminda de Leon (Miss Mindanao). The pageant was held on June 25, 1960, the first ever national pageant held at the Big Dome. Among the judges were 1952 Miss Universe Armi Helena Kuusela and businessman/movie-stage actor Virgilio Hilario. A month before the pageant, Editha won Miss Philippine Press Photography.
1961 – Pilar Arciaga (Miss Philippines), Concepcion Tan (Miss Luzon), Zenaida Ututalum (Miss Visayas) and Gloria Borromeo (Miss Mindanao). The pageant was held on February 26, 1961 at the International Fair Auditorium in conjunction with the 1961 Philippines International Fair. Pilar joined the Miss Manila Red Cross search in 1960.
1962 – Cynthia Lucero Ugalde (Miss Philippines), Lalaine Bennett (Miss Luzon), Adelaida Canda (Miss Visayas) and Juliet Pardo (Miss Mindanao). Cynthia was Miss PAF 1958 and 1961 Miss PPP. The pageant was held on July 7, 1962 at the Philamlife Auditorium. There were only seven hopefuls, outnumbered by the board of judges (11) headed by Manila Councilor Carmen Planas.
1963 – Monina Medenilla Yllana (Miss Philippines ), Leonor Testa (Miss Luzon), Sonia Orendain (Miss Visayas) and Violeta Alisoso (Miss Mindanao). The pageant was held on July 7,1963 at Philamlife Auditorium. 1960 Miss International Stella Marquez headed the panel of nine judges. Sylvia Gumabao (1963 Miss PPP) and Vida Hernandez (1963 Miss Luzon to Lalaine Bennett, 1963 Miss Philippines Universe and 4th runner up in that year’s Miss Universe pageant) were among the 10 finalists. Monina was also one of the seven Pink Camay Girls of 1961. Sonia was 1963 Miss PPP 1st runner up, one of the 15 finalists in the 1964 Bb. Pilipinas pageant and a 1965 Miss Ever Girl finalist. Violeta was 1963 Junior Miss Philippines of Cebu City.
1964 – Gemma Teresa Guerrero Cruz (Miss Philippines), Edna Rosanna Keyes (Miss Luzon), Alice Rosal Barr (Miss Visayas) and Erlinda Mendoza (Miss Mindanao).The pageant was held on May 30, 1964 at the Alba Supper Club, the only national pageant held at high noon in a night club. Gemma, who was No. 13 in a field of 16 contestants, was crowned Miss Philippines before 2 pm. She was MOPC (Manila Overseas Press Club) muse. Rosanna was a 1964 Bb. Pilipinas finalist while Alice was 1965 Miss Ever Girl.
1965 – The search was declared a failure because no candidate came up to the standards set by the previous year’s winner, Gemma Cruz. Instead, Isabel Barnett Santos (1965 Bb. Pilipinas 1st runner up and Miss Photogenic) was handpicked by the organizers, National Youth Foundation, to represent the country in the 1965 Miss International pageant.
1966 – No local and international pageants.
1967 – Margarita Lebumfacil Romualdez (Miss Philippines), Tessie Lastrilla (Miss Luzon), June Frances Roco (Miss Visayas), Evangeline de Leon (Miss Mindanao and Miss Friendship) and Patsy Sevilla (Miss Manila). Sponsored by the Textile Mills Association of the Philippines, the pageant was held on April 4, 1967 at the Philamlife Auditorium. Margarita, daughter of pre-war campus beauty queen Milagros Lebumfacil, beat eight other finalists and was crowned by Gemma Cruz. Margarita also bagged the Imelda Award and Miss Philippines Textile during the finals. Margarita was one of The Five Prettiest Girls of 1966 picked by the Bachelors Club. She also joined the search for 1966 Calendar Girl. June was a Miss Intercollegiate Girl of the Philippines (chosen by the College Editors Guild) and 1965 Bb. Pilipinas 3rd runner up and Miss Talent.

Presidential Elections in the Philippines in 2010: Help The Poorest Of The Poor

Hope these Filipino POLITICIANS stained in corruption, nepotism, political dynasty and ruled with guns, goons, and gold should have at least a heart to help the poorest of the poor most especially the 10 poorest provinces in the Philippines. Hope they will not be cold-blooded and rule like Adolf Hitler.

Some Of The Boots Images and their Stories

I talked to this guy from Ohio but since then I have a difficult time reaching him. Is there something he is hiding from? has he changed? I only want frienship for now.
this guy gave me his pic showing a part of his boots. this pic is taken just after his work for the day
this is one of the classic favorite pics of mine. this is a paratrooper about to jump a helicopter wearing the kilts and the jumping boots in about 1980s. He is different from others that he wanted to show everyone while wearing the kilts. I wonder where is he now?
I love these group of army guys with their boots shown and I have an eclectic feeling each time I see these pictures
the corcoran boots that I dreamt of owning a pair!

CNN Hero Of The Year 2009

A Filipino push cart educator, Efren Penaflorida triumphed over nine other finalists to be proclaimed CNN Hero of the Year last November 22, 2009 by US leading news corporation in a venue where Hollywood luminaries converge annually for the Academy Awards - the Kodak Theater and he is being watched by Hollywood celebrities such as Kate Hudson,Pierce Brosnan, Carrie Underwood, Nicole Kidman, Neil Patrick HarrisEva Mendes, Randy Jackson, Greg Kinnear, George Lopez and Julia Louis-Dreyfus and other stars as he receive his award. This is a welcome respite, a ray of light for the country darkened by the southern Philippines' Maguindanao massacre. He won a cash prize, a total of $125,000 plus a CNN plague. According to him, 90% of the cash prize proceed will be used to build a learning center in his hometown of Cavite City and 10% will go to the church. He won the accolade and admiration of CNN and people around the world who voted for him because of his cause championing children's education because he firmly believes in Jose Rizal's ideal that "children is the hope of motherland." He teaches the children along with his volunteers using a mobile makeshift pushcart wandering around different impoverished areas in southern Luzon and nearby National Capital Region, mostly out of school youth who have gone astray and had been a juvenile delinquent. He is admired and an inspiration to all because of his powerful influence transforming the lives of the degraded morals and virtues into a worthwhile youth of the future.
In his acceptance speech he said, "My message to children of all races, please, to embrace learning and love it for it will embrace and love you back and enable you to change your world. Each person has a hidden hero within, just have to look inside you and search it in your heart and be the hero the next one in need,."

Are You Willing To Spend For Your Vacation?

I want to suggest you some online travel site for you to book your vacation!

Election Season in the Philippines and the Maguindanao Massacre

Election season in the Philippines means the reign of terror, the reign of guns, goons and gold - in a country where politics means business and a source of livelihood the milking cow of the greedy warlords. Such is true in the Philippines exemplified in the southern Philippines province of Maguindanao where a tragic manslaughter or massacre took place few days ago masterminded by an influential powerful clan who ruled over a large area of the Muslim region for several decades attempted to prevent the filing of candidacy of his rival because he is threatened to be dethroned from his position through a clean automated election next year. There are already 57 recovered bodies buried from the mass grave in a desolate place by the armed militiamen of the powerful clan. This is an ordinary political and social scene integrated in the Philippine culture since Marcos era where corruption and nepotism is in the mainstream. Widespread corruption and dirty benefits in politics is what attract several people to shell out millions of money campaigning to run for an elective position and merge in the political arena stained with personal motives and hidden agenda. Sanction and suspension of development fund from UN and developed countries is just and due and proper accounting of the donated funds and transparency with the Philippine government transactions should be mandatory requirement to make sure the money will go to the projects and NOT to the POLITICIANS pocket.

Miss International 2009 Great Wall of Favorites 1 - 5

1. Brazil , Rayanne Morais

2. Panama , Joyce Jacobi

3. Philippines , Melody Gersbach

4. Mexico , Anagabriela Espinoza

5. Nicaragua , Slilma Ulloa

Miss International 2009 Pre Arrival Favorites 6 - 10

6. Venezuela , Laksmi Rodriguez

7. Greece , Diana Igropoulou

8. Canada , Chanel Beckenlehner

9. Poland , Angelika Jakubowska

10. Australia , Kelly Maguire

Miss International 2009 Pre Arrival Favorites 11 - 15

11. Finland , Linda Wikstedt

12. Belarus , Yana Supranovich

13. Moldova , Catalina Stascu

14. Germany , Valora Roucek

15. India , Harshita Saxena

Miss International 2009 Pre Arrival Favorites 16 - 20

16. Slovak Republic , Sona Skoncova

17. Colombia , Lina Mosquera

18. Dominican Republic , Victoria Fernandez

19. Ecuador , Isabella Chiriboga

20. Turkey , Begum Yilmaz

Miss International

Formation: 1960
Type: Beauty Pageant
Headquarters: Tokyo
Location: Japan


Miss International (officially titled The International Beauty Pageant) is the fourth largest beauty pageant in the world. It was created in Long Beach, California, USA in 1960 after the departure of the Miss Universe pageant to Miami Beach. Hosted in Long Beach until 1967, the pageant moved to Japan from 1968–1970, being hosted each year in the same city as the Expo '70. For 1971 and 1972, it was held in Long Beach again, but since that time it has been held annually in Japan.
Also called a "Festival of Beauty" and even the "Olympics of Beauty", this pageant is not based on looks alone. Contestants are expected to serve as "Ambassadors of Peace and Beauty", showing tenderness, benevolence, friendship, beauty, intelligence, ability to take action, and, most importantly, a great international sensibility.
The ultimate goal of the Miss International beauty pageant is to promote world peace, goodwill, and understanding.

Year Miss International Country Venue
2009 TBA TBA Beijing and Chengdu, China

2008 Alejandra Andreu Spain Kyoto, Japan and Macau

2007 Priscila Perales Mexico Tokyo, Japan
2006 Daniela di Giacomo Venezuela Tokyo, Japan and Beijing, China
2005 Precious Quigaman Philippines Well City, Tokyo, Japan
2004 Jeymmy Vargas Colombia Beijing, China
2003 Goizeder Azúa Venezuela Tokyo, Japan
2002 Christina Sawaya Lebanon Tokyo, Japan
2001 Małgorzata Rożniecka Poland Tokyo, Japan
2000 Vivian Urdaneta Venezuela Tokyo, Japan
1999 Paulina Gálvez Colombia Tokyo, Japan

By Number of Wins
Country/Territory Titles Winning years
Venezuela 5 1985, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2006
Philippines 4 1964, 1970, 1979, 2005
Spain 3 1977, 1990, 2008
Colombia 1960, 1999, 2004
Poland 1991, 1993, 2001
Australia 1962, 1981, 1992
USA 1974, 1978, 1982
Norway 2 1988, 1995
Germany 1965, 1989
Costa Rica 1980, 1982
Britain 1969, 1972
Mexico 1 2007
Lebanon 2002
Panama 1998
Portugal 1996
Greece 1994
Puerto Rico 1987
England 1986
Guatemala 1984
France 1976
Yugoslavia* 1975
Finland 1973
New Zealand 1971
Brazil 1968
Argentina 1967
Iceland 1963
Netherlands 1961


* -Note: Yugoslavia is now dissolved into 7 countries namely: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia.
Performances by Country and Continental Regions

As of 2008
REGION Titles Best performance

Europe 20 England/Britain, Poland and Spain (3), Germany and Norway (2), Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Lebanon, Netherlands, Portugal, and Yugoslavia1 (1)

Americas 19 Venezuela (5), Colombia, and United States (3), Costa Rica (2), Argentina, Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico (1)

Asia 4 Philippines (4)

Oceania 4 Australia (3), New Zealand (1)

Africa - -

Top 15 History
Rank
Country/Territory
Miss International
1st Runner-Up
2nd Runner-Up
3rd Runner-Up
4th Runner-Up
Semifinalists
Total

1 Venezuela
5 4 1 0 0 20 30

2 Philippines
4 0 2 0 1 16 23

3 United States
3 7 1 4 3 8 26

4 Spain
3 2 3 1 0 22 31

5 Australia
3 1 1 0 1 10 16

6 Colombia
3 1 1 0 0 25 30

7 Poland
3 1 1 0 0 6 11

8 Britain
2 2 0 0 0 6 10

9 Germany
2 1 0 1 0 12 16

10 Norway
2 1 0 0 0 9 12

11 Costa Rica
2 0 0 0 0 2 4

12 Brazil
1 3 1 1 2 14 22

13 Finland
1 2 4 0 1 10 18

14 France
1 1 1 0 0 7 10

15 Iceland
1 0 2 0 1 8 12



Miss International Trivia



• Miss International remains the only one of the Grand Slam Pageants or Big Four Pageants with no winner resigned or dethroned.
• Almost all first winners of all the major beauty pageants are of Scandinavian descent: Finland won the Miss Universe 1952, Sweden captured the Miss World 1951, and Denmark gained the Miss Earth 2001. Miss International was the exception wherein Colombia won the Miss International crown in 1960.
• Five Miss Universe delegates placed as runner-up or semi-finalist in that pageant and later won the Miss International title. They were: Stella Marquez Zawadsky- semi-finalist, Colombia 1960; Julieta Urrutia Chang - semi-finalist, Guatemala 1984; Laurie Simpson Rivera - fourth runner-up, Puerto Rico 1987; Lia Victoria Borrero - finalist, Panama 1997; Priscila Perales - finalist, Mexico 2006.
• One Miss Universe and Miss World delegate unplaced and later won the Miss International title. She was: Sophie Perin, France 1975.
• One Miss World delegate placed as finalist in that pageant and later won the Miss International title. She was: Goizeder Azua Barrios - quarter-finalist, Venezuela 2002.
• One Miss World delegate unplaced and later won the Miss International title. She was: Anne Lena Hansen, Norway 1994.
• Two Miss International delegates placed as runner-ups in that pageant and later won the Miss World title. They were: Catharina Johanna Lodders - third runner-up, Holland 1962; Aneta-Beata Kreglicka - first runner-up, Poland 1989.
• Since the 1966 Miss International was cancelled, 1965 winner Ingrid Finger's reign was the longest among titleholders, totaling 624 days (more than 20 months). For a one-year reign, the longest belonged to her successor, Miss International 1967 Mirta Teresita Massa who held the title for 529 days (more than 17 months). The shortest reign was that of 1975 Ladija Vera Manic, which spanned just 242 days (less than eight months).
• Venezuela has won a record of five Miss International titles. Four of those came in cycles of three years starting in 1997 (1997, 2000, 2003, and 2006). The country's first victory came in 1985. This also happened to United States, three titles came in cycles of four years starting 1974.
• Colombia is the first Latin and South American country to win the Miss International title. On the other hand, Netherlands is the first European country to win the Miss International title.
• No African country has ever gone to win the Miss International title since 1960, the nearest was in 1996, when Tunisia placed 1st runner-up.
• Miss International 1961, Stam van Baer of the Netherlands became the first Caucasian winner of the pageant.
• Miss International 1964, Gemma Teresa Cruz of the Philippines is the first Asian to win the Miss International title.
• Miss International 1979, Melanie Marquez of the Philippines is the youngest Miss International in history. She was 15 when she won the title.
• Miss International 2002, Christina Sawaya of Lebanon is the first Middle Eastern to win the title .
• Miss International 2004, Jeymmy Paola Vargas Gomez of Colombia is the only black winner since the pageant began in 1960.
• Miss International 2005, Precious Lara Quigaman of the Philippines is the shortest Miss International, standing at 5'6 feet.
• The largest gap in between winning Miss International (at present) is from Colombia wherein Stella Marquez Zawadsky won the title in 1960, and 39 years later, Paulina Galvez Pineda became the second recipient afterwards.
• According to some references and survey, Miss International 1979, Miss Philippines Melanie Marquez is the most beautiful Miss International ever produced.
• The shortest gap is only two years later (by this day, no country has won twice in a row, the shortest gap was made by Poland won in 1991 and 1993).
• At present, Stella Marquez Zawadsky-Araneta is the organizer of the Binibining Pilipinas.




Source : Wikipedia

Miss Earth 2009 Post Analysis

The beauty pageant that concerns about environmental awareness, Miss Earth 2009 culminated last Sunday, November 22 with Larissa Ramos of Brazil taking home the crown as the new Miss Earth. But even after the pageant has ended, the air of cynicism and discontent kept chilling me to what has transpired over the three weeks of tireless fun and frolic of delegates yet so mediocre and substandard running of a pageant. I expect much out of the pageant considered as one of the biggest glamorous pageant in the planet but instead turns out to be the biggest flop. There are hits and misses that I found disorienting – a slap in one’s face. Here’s the detail of what I observe during the finals night.
The night started with the sexy, chic introduction of the 80 gorgeous competing ladies clad in swimsuit splashing the waves of the beautiful paradise island of Boracay. They introduce themselves wearing their national costumes with the backdrop of idyllic images of the island paradise. Then the ladies wearing a two-piece with a velvet piece of garment draped over their body running from the outside towards the stage, while the audience confused looking at them. The ladies seems excited and agitating with moves and actions of their own anticipating of who will make the cut. Then came the presenters/hosts for that night’s event. They seem relaxed, friendly but look like they are well-rehearsed and composed.
Announcement of judges left me numbed for awhile to see if they are noteworthy & would give incredible scoring and something keeps asking me if they are the same judges as the preliminaries (in my own opinion the preliminary judging is clouded in mystery & controversy because there is no formal preliminary competition of ladies in swimsuit, evening gown & interview where everybody can watch either on television or on the web and have a scoring displayed so the audience including the experts will have an overview and have their own preferences – except their personality where they will be judged on different occasions & situations so as to justify the top 16 semifinalists) and also to pick out only the strongest contenders for the crown. I was dumbstruck to find out the judges were mostly Filipinos either businessman or politician whose pageant & fashion expertise is questionable and not validated, the rest are beauty queens and a hotel owner who I can only perceive as judging based on their sashes and performance on Miss Earth. The country’s tourism is promoted before the commercial ads – places where the ladies visited which should be given emphasis and utmost importance since the pageant is all about nature and wildlife. After commercials, top 16 were revealed and again I was surprised of who made the cut. Surprising delegates who were not either a favorite or interesting and fierce competitive ladies and does not exude charm & exotic looks but who made the cut were Brazil, Thailand, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Singapore, Martinique, India & Paraguay. Brazil may have the exotic looks but a serious and prestigious pageant such as Miss Universe would ignore and snub her considering some other ladies would fare better than her. Thailand has very strong physical features that deserve no better than a big pageant but no less than a local community pageant and her catwalk skills plus uneven body figure would be too boorish to be considered. Northern Ireland is not savvy and not even a pageant patty lady in serious contention but her sunny disposition and pleasant demeanor help her shoo-in the finals. I have seen gorgeous, fierce Amazonas from South Africa competing in various pageants but not Miss Earth. They sent mediocre and lousy ladies to compete at the pageant and Chanel Grantham is no exception. She doesn’t seem like competing but just enjoy the pageant has to offer. Singapore ‘s participation in several pageant is a friendly gesture in warm support of the event and rarely made the cut due to kind of ladies being sent for competition but was surprised to watch their representative the less attractive Valerie Lim made the lousy 16 semifinalists maybe a friendly consolation to a small country faithfully participating in the pageant, or maybe just maybe they saw Miss Universe 1987 where less known but deserving delegates made the cute unlike Miss Earth where the undeserving made it - but actually for some pundits, one of the bottom lists. Martinique has a good standing and performance at the pageant and to be fair with Pascal Nelide, Martinique representative this year, she is competitive and working her way to make the cut but it seems that other fierce ladies should’ve easily outrank her in the top 16. India is considered as one of the beauty pageant powerhouses that always made a placement in major beauty pageants except Miss International, but this year Miss India’s Shriya Kishore didn’t show exuberance, brilliance, sparkling and seductive appearance and her lack of blazing aura and flare would’ve automatically cost her placement. Have the accommodating Miss Earth judges based their criteria on her sash? Paraguay seldom send competitive delegate to beauty pageant (the last one is Lourdes Arevalos, semifinalist in Miss Universe 2006) and Gabriela Rejala is no exception. She doesn’t have the glow and sparkle and her voluptuous figure and awkward presence would’ve dislodge her from serious contention.
The announcement of semifinalists doesn’t elicit excitement and prestige because the ladies are in a hurry going to their posts as they were announced with just a split second glimpse of their beauty. The top 16 went on to compete for swimsuit and evening gown and the top 8 highest combined score will move closer to the crown. At first, I saw some desperate and sorely painful to the eye gowns of a few ladies but comes the finals I saw some trendy and fabulous gown though their catwalk skills are still a so-so. Stunners for me that night were Spain, Poland and Venezuela though all throughout the pageant I felt that the latter doesn’t feel like competing and she doesn’t look fresh and amiable. Miss Philippines’ gown has a striking resemblance to ketchup gown of Stefania Fernandez perceiving that this kind of gown would be a standout. The top eight ladies went on to compete for a simple yet sensible message based on the images they saw. Introduced by Miss Earth in its early years and once again integrated in the competition, this is a unique approach and also a trendsetting alternative to a final question that will determine the eventual winner. Each of the eight finalists were shown different images from different places on the planet based on a certain environmental issue or problem and they were only given thirty (30) seconds to deliver a message based on what they saw. This is one of the most controversial part of the show watching the host intercepting the ladies in their speeches to tell them that their time is up as no bell is available to ring the end of their 30-second message. The host bet themselves to shame and insult by the jeering, uncontrolled rowdy mobs, by just perspiring and heart beating rapidly until the end the competition. It seems more like of a circus show than a formal beauty pageant competition as the audience behavior is focused for awhile in the camera. Most of the delegates gave astounding and persuasive answers except Venezuela who delivered a scripted message right before the images were revealed and again stick to her notes after watching them. For me, it would technically deny her a placement. Some ladies gave an unsubstantiated answer since they are still building up their message when their time is through. But somehow they are much knowledgeable, sensible, aware and eloquent compared to vague and dumb top five in Miss Universe 2009. After all the drama, upsets and rising controversy, the results were revealed. Runners-up were announced and most people expect that there will be a back-to-back victory for the Philippines after Sandra Seifert delivered a warm and calling message to unite and provide solution to the critical environmental problems or issues that we are facing affecting the planet Earth and the people instead she eventually ended as 1st runner-up to Brazil’s Larissa Ramos who won Miss Earth 2009. I observe that Miss Universe 2009 is way prettier and sexy than the T-Rex Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez. I also observe that when Miss Universe pick up a less than pretty lady as winner, Miss Earth also do the same. I don’t know why Miss Earth don’t have a mind of their own. After the winner is proclaimed, there is no symbolic first walk for the reigning queen that should’ve been done to give a moment and fame to the winner but unfortunately everything is done in haste that only a pictorial of top four is done and right after that the candidates goes giggling over the winner and the crowd is uncontrollably mingling with the delegates with some taking some pictures with the delegates wearing their sashes and pushing each other on stage. Mind you, no press conference thereafter. There is no crowd control, no manners around and everything is chaotic. What a mess!
The pageant started, conducted and ended hastily without much buzz and hype due to tacky conduct of the pageant. There is a lack of coordination between the organizers and its partners, officials to conduct a fabulous, well-organized pageant and run a glamorous show and flaws were exposed during the conduct of the pageant. The TV network that helped organize the event for years will have its reputation put on the line for lack of efforts and expertise in staging a magnificent show. Some pundits even recommend transferring the beauty pageant to a rival large TV network that’s known for world class and stunning production and entertainment. The quality of ladies competing, their costumes and evening gown indicates and describe the reputation and the quality of the pageant. Reform, transformation and creative, open-minded approach to the pageant would spell the difference and would regain the attention of the pundits. For now we will give the benefit of the doubt to Miss Earth Foundation and who knows what will happen. Congratulations to the winners and may you have a fruitful and powerful year of reign to influence others in defending Mother Earth!

Order Of Announcement At Miss Earth 2009

Top 16 semifinalists: Poland,Korea,Brazil,Colombia,Thailand,Spain,Northern Ireland,Philippines,South Africa,France,Singapore,Georgia,Martinique,India,Venezuela,Paraguay


Top 8 finalists: Thailand,Brazil,Poland,Martinique,Spain,Venezuela,Philippines,Colombia


Miss Fire: Spain

Miss Water: Venezuela

Miss Air: Philippines

Miss Earth 2009: Brazil

Brazil Is Miss Earth 2009!

Boracay Island, Aklan- Twenty-year old Larissa Ramos of Brazil won the Miss Earth 2009 in a simple and austere ceremony held at Boracay Ecovillage and Convention Center Boracay Island, Aklan. She bested 79 other gorgeous ladies to win the much coveted crown designed by Florida-based jeweller Ramona Haar. She will take home a $10,000 cash prize and several other prizes by sponsors. This is the second time in the nine years running of Miss Earth that Brazil bag the crown that first won by Priscilla Meirelles back in 2004.
1st runner-up (titled Miss Air) went to Philippines, Sandra Seifert
2nd runner-up (titled Miss Water) went to Venezuela, Jessica Barboza
3rd runner-up (titled Miss Fire) went to Spain, Alejandra Echevarría Pedrajas

Unfortunately there is no 4th runner-up due to only four elements of nature were provided.


The rest of the top 8 finalist were:

Thailand - Rujinan Panseethum
Poland - Isabela Wilczek
Martinique - Pascale Laurie Nelide
Colombia - Alejandra Castillo Munera

Rounding up the top 16 were

France - Magalie Thierry
Georgia - Nonna Diakonidze
India - Shriya Manthari Kishore
Korea - Park Ye-ju
Northern Ireland - Kayleigh O’Reilly
Paraguay - Gabriela Mercedes Rejala Llanes
Singapore - Valerie Lim
South Africa - Chanel Grantham

Miss Earth 2009 Finals Night Tonight

Who will struggle and fight fierce and survive the quest and reign supreme over mother Earth's throne? Who will inherit the crown from Miss Earth 2008, Karla Paula Henry? Find out in tonight's final of Miss Earth 2009! Miss Earth 2009 Live Telecast finals will start tonight November 22,2009 at 10pm (Philippine time) 14:00 (GMT Time)

"The eyes of the world are focused on one destination. Get ready to experience a fiesta of all things beautiful as we travel through exotic Philippines. Here the most gorgeous women on the planet are gearing up for the opportunity of a lifetime. They come from all parts of the globe to compete for one chance one title and nothing will stand in their way. At the end of the night, one of them will be crowned the next Miss Earth. Live from Boracay Ecovillage Resort and Convention Centre in Boracay Island, Aklan, its Miss Earth 2009. Let's meet the 80 contestants. Let's see who will inherit the earth!"