65TH MISS UNIVERSE: CROWN IS BACK TO EUROPE!

Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines - A 24 year-old dental surgery student from Paris woo the judges and beats 85 other equally gorgeous contestants to capture the 65th Miss Universe 2016 title held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines in the morning of January 30. It took 64 years with Iris Mittenaere to bring home the elusive 2nd Miss Universe title to France the longest in Miss Universe history. France first won the Miss Universe crown back in 1953 with Christiane Martel. It also took 27 years to bring back to Europe the Miss Universe crown since Norway's Mona Grudt (Russia's Oxana Fedorova originally won the Miss Universe 2002 crown but eventually gave up the title for some undisclosed personal reasons and her first runner-up Panama's Justine Pasek took over the title. The pageant is back in the Philippines after 23 years since it last hosted in 1994 with India's Sushmita Sen as the winner.

First runner-up is Haiti, Raquel Pélissier who after the pageant revealed in an interview that her grandmother on her mother side is actually Filipino. 2nd runner-up is Andrea Tovar of Colombia. The rest of the six finalists include Kenya, Philippines and Thailand. Best in National Costume went to Myanmar with her heavy puppetry ensemble while the Photogenic award goes to Albania and Congeniality went to Korea.

Steve Harvey returns as the host of the event with backstage correspondence by Ashley Graham. The Red Carpet Event is hosted by Miss Universe 2010 4th runner-up Venus Raj who also hosted the CHI Pageant and Post Pageant Backstage Interviews (CHI by Farouk Systems is the official haircare sponsor of Miss Universe competition) and social media personality Brettman Rock.


Here's the complete result:


Miss UNIVERSE 2016 – Iris Mittenaere – France

1st runner-up  - Raquel Pélissiere – Haiti

2nd runner-up  – Andrea Tovar – Colombia


Top 6 Finalists

Kenya – Mary Esther Were
Philippines –Maxine Medina
Thailand – Chalita Suansane §


Top 9 Semifinalist

Canada – Siera Bearchell
Mexico – Kristal Silva
USA – Deshauna Barber


Top 13 Quarter-finalist

Brazil – Raissa Santana
Indonesia – Kezia Warouw
Panama – Keity Drennan
Peru – Valeria Piazza


 § - Online Popular Vote Recipient; Automatic Slot In The Top 13

Special Awards:

Congeniality - Korea, Jenny Kim

Best National Costume - Myanmar, Htet Htet Htun

Photogenic - Albania, Lindita Idrizi



Final Telecast Judges:

Dayanara Torres  - Miss Universe 1993

Sushmita Sen - Miss Universe 1994

Leila Lopes - Miss Universe 2011

Mickey Boardman - Editorial Director, PAPER Fashion and Pop Culture Magazine

Cynthia Bailey - Model, Real Housewives of Atlanta Star

Francine LeFrak - Emmy® and Tony Award-Winning Producer and Activist


Preliminary Judges:

Dayanara Torres - Miss Universe 1993

Cynthia Bailey - Former Model and Founder of The Bailey Agency, Star of Real Housewives of Atlanta 

Rob Goldstone -  Former Journalist, Publicist and International Marketing Director 

Fred Nelson - President/Executive Producer of the People’s  Choice Awards

Francine LeFrak - Emmy® and Tony Award-Winning Producer and Activist

Riyo Mori - Miss Universe 2007




Host:

Steve Harvey - TV Host, Family Feud

Backstage Host:

Ashley Graham  - Model


Red Carpet Event Hosts:

Venus Raj - Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner-Up
Brettman Rock - Social Media Personality



Performers:

Flo Rida

Boyz II Men


Photo Sources:

Miss Universe Organization Inc.
Global Beauties

DINAGYANG 2017 OFFICIAL RESULTS

Tribu Salognon 

Tribu Panayanon 

Tribu Paghidaet 

Tribu Ilonganon 

Tribu Hubon Binagtong sa Manggahan 

Tribu Tatusan 

     Tribu Salognon of Jaro National High School defended the championship title it won last year and declared as the winner of 49th edition of Dinagyang Festival 2017.       

      Aside from the top prize, Tribu Salognon also collected most of the special award from opening salvo to the main competition awards. The 1st runner-up went to the Dinagyang 2015 Champion Tribu Panayanon of Iloilo City National High School which was shockingly kicked out of Top 5 spot last year due to 20-point deduction on rule violation, 2nd runner-up went to Tribu Ilonganon of Jalandoni Memorial National High School, 3rd runner-up went to Tribu Paghidaet of Lapaz National High School and 4th runner-up went to Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School, 

       Dinagyang Festival competition which was started in 1970 is the only Philippine festival that has an official mascot named Dagoy and the winning tribe goes on a world tour in promoting not just the festival but also the Philippines as a tourist destination. Next year 2018 Dinagyang Festival will celebrate its 50 Golden Years of Festivities and Merrymaking Honoring Señor Santo Niño or The Holy Child Jesus.

Here's the complete result and winners of the Dinagyang Festival 2017: 

Dinagyang 2017 Results


Sponsors Mardi Gras Parade

Special Awards:
Best Float -  International Pharmaceutical Inc.
Best In Festival Music - Jollibee 
Best In Costume - University of San Agustin
Best Choreography - University of San Agustin

Champion / Over-All Winner - University of San Agustin



Tambor Trumpa Martsa Musika Drum and Bugle Corps Competition 2016:

Elementary Level

Special Awards
Best In Music - Mandurriao Elementary School
Best In Performance - Mandurriao Elementary School
Best In Costume - Mandurriao Elementary School
Best In Discipline - Banate Elementary School


Major Awards 

Champion - Mandurriao Elementary School
1st runner-up - Arevalo Elementary School
2nd runner-up - Banate Central Elementary School
3rd runner-up - Lapaz I Elementary School
4th runner-up  - Jaro I Elementary School


Secondary Level

Special Awards
Best In Music - Iloilo City National High School
Best In Performance - Iloilo City National High School
Best In Costume - Iloilo City National High School
Best In Discipline - Ramon Avanceña National High School

Major Awards

 Champion - Iloilo City National High School 
 1st runner-up - Ramon Avanceña National High School


Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition
Major Awards
CHAMPION - Tribu Hubon Binagtong Sang Manggahan Festival, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras
1st Runner-up - Tatusan Festival, Caluya Island, Antique
2nd Runner-up - Pintados de Pasi, Passi City, Iloilo
3rd Runner-up - Tinabuay Festival, Murcia, Negros Occidental
4th Runner-up - Salakayan Festival, Miagao, Iloilo


Special Awards

Best In Costume - Tribu Hubon Binagtong Sang Manggahan Festival, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras

Best In Music - Tribu Hubon Binagtong Sang Manggahan Festival, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras

Best Musical Director - Tribu Hubon Binagtong Sang Manggahan Festival, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras

Best In Street Dance - Pintados de Passi, Passi City, Iloilo

Best In Choreography  - Tribu Hubon Binagtong Sang Manggahan Festival, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras

Best Choreographer   - Lonelle Robles Carado, Luigi Bas-Maly Ramos, Tribu Hubon Binagtong Sang Manggahan Festival, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras

Best In Performance -  Tribu Hubon Binagtong Sang Manggahan Festival, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras

*Consolation Prizes to the rest of the non-winners or non-placers participating group



Dinagyang Festival Ati Tribe Competition   

Major Awards  

Champion – Tribu Salognon, Jaro National High School

1st Runner Up - Tribu Panayanon, Iloilo City National High School

2nd Runner Up – Tribu Ilonganon, Jalandoni Memorial National High School

3rd Runner Up – Tribu Paghidaet, Lapaz National High School

4th Runner Up – Tribu Pan-ay, Fort San Pedro National High School

 
Special Awards 

Opening Salvo 
Best In Costume - Tribu Salognon
Best In Discipline  - Tribu Salognon
Best In Performance   - Tribu Salognon

Main Competition
Best Choreographer - Romel Flogen, Tribu Panayanon
Best In Costume Designer - Paul Jerome Penuela, Tribu Salognon
Best In Head Dress - Tribu Panayanon
Best Musical Director - Ivan Legada, Tribu Salognon
Best In Discipline - Tribu Ilonganon
Best In Music - Tribu Salognon
Best In Costume - Tribu Salognon
Best In Street Dance - Tribu Salognon
Best In Choreography - Tribu Panayanon
Best In Performance - Tribu Salognon

Judges

Benhur Zerrudo Abolencia
Larry Cabag
Reynella Ibañez
Lortiño Vergara
Peter Agustin de Vera
Corazon Agustin
Franco Manny Villa
Pepito Mosquito
Adonis Voltaire Villanueva
Odesso Oyales
Edna Froilan
Cris Millado
Alden Lognasin
Jhett Tolentino 
Nestor Obsiana Jardin

Dinagyang Festival 2017 List of Participating Tribes

These are the list of participating tribes competing for the Dinagyang Festival 2017:

Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition

1. MassKara Festival (Non Competing Tribe) - Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

2. Tribu Salakayan - Miag-ao, Iloilo

3. Tribu Tatusan - Caluya, Antique

4. Tinabu-ay Festival - Murcia, Negros Occidental

5. Pintados de Pasi Tribe - Passi City, Iloilo

6. Tribu Manog-Gama - Maasin, Iloilo

7. Tribu Patabang - Tapaz, Capiz

8. Hubon Binagtong Sa Manggahan - Nueva Valencia, Guimaras

9. Tribu Haw-as - Dumangas, Iloilo

10. Tribu Dos Once - San Carlos City, Negros Occidental

Dinagyang Ati Tribe Competition 

1. Tribu Panayanon - Iloilo City national High School

2. Tribu Salognon - Jaro National High School

3. Tribu Dagatnon - Ramon Avanceña National High School

4. Tribu Amihan - Mandurriao National High School

5. Tribu Ilonganon - Jalandoni Memorial National High School

6. Tribu Paghidaet - Lapaz National High School

7. Tribu Obreros - Bo. Obrero National High School

8. Tribu Pan-ay - Fort San Pedro National High School

9. Tribu Abiador - Asian College of Aeronautics

10. Tribu Buntatalanit - Tiu Cho Teg Ana Ros Foundation Integrated School

Dinagyang Festival 2017 LIVE Streaming Links

Dinagyang Festival 2017 Official Banner 

Watch Dinagyang Festival 2017 events (Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2017 (January 18), Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition (January 21) and Dinagyang Ati Tribe Competition (January 22) on the following livestreaming links:


 

Dinagyang 2017 Live Streaming links:  

https://www.facebook.com/rmniloilo/ 

https://www.facebook.com/dyfmBOMBOILOILO/

Watchful Eyes' Miss Universe 2016 Pre Arrival Favorite Picks

The 65th Miss Universe will take place on January 30, 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines. More than 80 contestants are expected to compete for the much coveted crown. Popular tv personality Steve Harvey will reprise his role as the host of the coronation day with backstage commentary from Ashley Graham.

When someone mentions the Philippines three things come to mind: food, places and festival. These three things very well define the Pearl of the Orient beautiful country of happy people with good appetite for good food. I come up with my pre-arrival choices of contestants leading up to the start of the Miss Universe 2016 competition in January with my description of the contestants with their ideal comparison to Filipino Food, Philippine Festivals and Amazing Places of Interests in the country.

In the end it all comes down to the one who has the most intense and adequate trainings and preparation who will wear the crown!


So here goes my 65th Miss Universe 2016 Pre-Arrival Favorites.

Thailand - Chalita Suansane

30. Thailand - exotic but reserved and she has hidden potentials she will showcase during the competition.

Food - Champorrado sweet and warmth during the heavy downpour like Chalita regardless of what the mood and situations are

Festival - Moriones Festival is held during the Holy Week in Marinduque to reenact the miracle received by St. Longinus a half blind Roman centurion and his conversion to become a firm Christian believer. After her coronation I had doubts on her but as day goes by she progress and transform. I'll give her the benefit of the doubt.

Places of Interest - Banaue Rice Terraces. Chalita is like layers and layers of beauty to the sky.

Angola - Luisa Baptista

29. Angola - amiable, fun likable personality and noisy. She will gain attention by her social skills.

Food - Lechon. Suckling pig in a long bamboo pole roasted in charcoal ember

Festival - Kaamulan Festival

Places - Dapitan

US Virgin Islands - Carolyn Carter

28. US Virgin Islands - charming

Food - Sinuglaw

Festival - Halad Festival

Places - Roxas City, Capiz

USA - Deshauna Barber

27. USA

Food - Danggit

Festival - Kahilwayan Festival

Places - Kalinga and Mountain Province

Puerto Rico - Brenda Jimenez

26.  Puerto Rico

Food - Balut

Festival - Kagay-an Festival

Places - Cotabato Region

Malaysia - Kiran Jassal

25. Malaysia

Food - L'lulot na Baboy

Festival - Pamulinawen Festival

Places - Zamboanga Peninsula

Slovak Republic - Zuzana Kollárová

24. Slovak Republic

Food - Tuba

Festival - Pattaradday Festival

Places - Batangas Province

Mexico - Kristal Silva

23. Mexico

Food - Fishball

Festival - Sandugo Festival

Places - Negros Occidental

Dominican Republic - Rosalba Garcías

22. Dominican Republic

Food - Turon

Festival - Boling Boling Festival

Places - Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental

Norway - Christina Waage

21. Norway

Food - Isaw

Festival - Tinalak Festival

Places - Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Bahamas - Cherell Williamson

20. Bahamas

Food - Kuracha

Festival - Hermosa

Places - Ilocos Region

Honduras - Sirey Moran

19. Honduras

Food - Piaya

Festival - Pahiyas

Places - Davao Region

Paraguay - Andrea Melgarejo

18. Paraguay

Food - Buko Pandan

Festival - Carabao- Carroza

Places - Olongapo City

Curacao - Chanelle de Lau

17. Curacao

Food - Bagnet

Festival - Kadayawan

Places - Mararison Island

Slovenia - Lucija Potočnik

16. Slovenia

Food - Sapin Sapin

Festival -  Bailes de Luces

Places - Cagayan de Oro City

Finland - Shirly Karvinen

15. Finland

Food - Pinasugbo

Festival - Kalilangan

Places - Bicol Region, Misibis Bay and Caramoan Islands

Argentina - Estefanía Bernal

14. Argentina

Food - Sorbetes

Festival - Rodeo de Masbate

Places - Tagaytay

Nicaragua - Marina Jacoby

13. Nicaragua

Food - Sisig

Festival - Giant Lantern

Places - Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Indonesia - Kezia Warouw

12. Indonesia

Food - Bicol Express

Festival - Pintados

Places - Sicogon Island

Belgium - Stephanie Geldhof

11. Belgium

Food  -  Binignit / Ginataan / Linugaw

Festival - Kalivungan

Places - Mayon Volcano

Brazil - Raissa Santana

10. Brazil

Food - Bulalo

Festival - Paraw Regatta

Places - Mactan Island

Israel - Yam Kaspers Anshel

9. Israel

Food - Dinuguan

Festival - Higantes

Places - Intramuros

Ukraine - Alena Spodynyuk

8. Ukraine

Food - Pinakbet

Festival - Masskara

Places - Agho Island

Australia - Caris Tiivel

7. Australia

Food - Pancit Cagayan / Batil Patong

Festival - Pav-vurulun

Places - Isla de Gigantes

Philippines - Maria Maika Maxine Medina

6. Philippines

Food - Menudo

Festival - Meguyaya

Places - Iloilo

Canada - Siera Bearchell

5. Canada

Food - Pancit Molo

Festival - Buyogan

Places - Subic Bay

Barbados - Shannon Harris

4. Barbados

Food - Afritada

Festival - Panagbenga

Places - Cebu

Turkey - Tansu Sila Çakir

3. Turkey

Food - Lapaz Batchoy

Festival - Sinulog

Places - Batanes Group of Islands

Georgia - Nuka Karalashvili

2. Georgia

Food - Adobo

Festival - Ati atihan

Places - Boracay

Colombia - Andrea Tovar

1. Colombia

Food - Halu halo

Festival - Dinagyang

Places - Palawan

Photo Courtesy Of:

Miss Universe Organization, Inc.