BEAUTY IN PAGEANTS

Watch VIDEOS of the Miss Universe 2009 swimsuit presentation

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:49:00 +0000

Watch videos of the Miss Universe 2009 contestants during the swimsuit presentation in Bahamas.

Mutya ng Pilipinas 2009 Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:57:00 +0000

Mutya ng Pilipinas 2009 crowned its winners last Sunday, August 9, in Quezon Province in the Philippines. Jane Banares who was representing Bicol and Jacqueline Schubert of Northern Germany were the overall winners.

Banares is Mutya ng Pilipinas International while Schubert is Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International.

Ana Baladad who was representing the Filipino community in Texas, USA, was proclaimed the winner of Mutya ng Pilipinas Overseas.

A question was raised about the title of Baladad. How could she be declared Mutya ng Pilipinas Overseas if she was not even a semi-finalist?

First and Second Runners-up of the pageant were Samantha East of Toronto, Canada and Jennielyn Natividad of Quezon City.

The semi-finalists were Athena Mae Imperial, Rene McHugh, Dominique Lagrimas, Mae Lanie Chan, Jo Ann Peria, Karen Nacario, Mary Ann Buenaventura and Jenroe Gubat.

For more information on the winners of the special awards, visit Joyce Ann Burton's blog.

The winner of Mutya ng Pilipinas previously goes to compete at Miss Asia-Pacific International. The last time this pageant was staged was in 2005 in China.

WATCH the VIDEO footage of the Miss Universe 2009 national costume competition

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:31:00 +0000

Thanks to joancute for this video. Miss Bahamas is getting a lot of cheers from her countrymen.

The best Miss Universe 2009 candidates during the swimwear and national costume events

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:15:00 +0000

Michelle Malcolm, a broadcast journalist in Bahamas, is joining the 84 candidates competing at Miss Universe 2008 in their daily activities. She is posting her regular updates about the pageant and her comments on the girls at Critical Beauty.

Michele attended the the swimsuit presentation last Sunday and the national costume parade last Monday. She made a lists of the ladies who impressed her both for the swimsuit and the national costume.

I am posting here her list for you to read.

Below are the ladies who caught her eyes during the swimwear presentation in alphabetical order:

Angola – great body, strong catwalk
Australia – fabulous body, beautiful face, good catwalk
Bahamas – the home town girl received a thunderous round of applause for her strong catwalk skills
Brazil – pretty face, great body
Canada – fabulous body! Not an ounce of fat anywhere!
Cayman Islands – great body, strong catwalk
Colombia – great body, sexy catwalk
Czech Republic – very good body, and oh that face!
Dominican Republic – very great body, excellent catwalk
France – good body, very outgoing and sexy on the runway
Great Britain – Loads of personality, good body
Honduras – fabulous body, fabulous catwalk, beautiful face
Hungary – beautiful face, great body, but needs work on the catwalk
Iceland – very good body, great catwalk Jamaica – beautiful face, nice body
Japan – great body, strong catwalk
Mexico – good body, lots of personality, good catwalk
Netherlands – very good body!
Nicaragua – great body, fun to watch on stage
Norway – fabulous body!
Puerto Rico – fabulous body, great catwalk skills
Russia – great body, amazing face, very sexy catwalk
Slovak Republic – good body, very good catwalk
South Africa – great body, legs for days!
Spain – very good body
Sweden – fabulous body, pretty face, catwalk skills could be stronger
USA – fabulous body, arguably the best in swimsuit at this competition!
Venezuela – great body, classic beauty

And below are the ladies who impressed her during the national costume parade in alphabetical order:

Angola, who wore a traditional dress showing scenes of everyday life in Angola
Bahamas, whose costume depicted the sun that covers The Bahamas
Bolivia, inspired by a dance of her country
China, a dramatic warrior
Colombia, a colorful traditional dress
Czech Republic, a gown with a butterfly motif
Ecuador, representing a bountiful harvest
El Salvador
India
Jamaica
Kosovo
Mexico
Namibia
Nicaragua, which represented the fury of a volcano
Panama, representing Diablo in pheasant feathers, glass and crystals
Peru
Philippines, a colorful twist to the traditional Filipiniana
Thailand, a combination of the Thai Hill Tribe and traditional costume
Ukraine
Venezuela, an exquisite costume which reminded me of the film My Fair Lady

She added that there judges presented at the national costume event. They will be the one to pick up the winner of the Best in National Costume. The judges include President of the Senate of Bahamas, Lynn Holowesko; the CEO of Mailboxes Etc. in the Bahamas and the Caribbean, Mr. Gershin Major; Founder of the Bahamas International Film Festival, Leslie Vanderpool; artist John Edward Cox; Junkanooer Kishlane O’brien; entrepreneur Elaine Pinder; and retail executive Rochelle Walker of Solomon’s Mines.

Michelle also added that the candidates who have the biggest fans or supporters in every event are Miss Bahamas Kiara Sherman (of course), Miss Philippines Pamela Bianca Manalo, Miss China Jing Yao Wang and Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez.

Does Ines Ligron honestly think Emiri Miyasaka won't win the Miss Universe crown?

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:05:00 +0000

I am copying Ines Ligron's blog on her updates of the ongoing Miss Universe 2009 in the Bahamas. While I was reading the article, a theory was formulated in my mind. It looks like Ines is now considering defeat and she thinks probably that Emiri Miyasaka won't win the crown. Well this is only my opinion but read this line from her blog.

...and now to open my mind to you with honesty… Emiri said: “Ines, I want you to know that it will be very difficult for me to win this year, there are so many amazing women here but I am doing my best and enjoying every moment as I am deeply proud to be wearing the Japan sash.”.

It seems that Ines is trying to condition the mind of her readers who must have believed her in the past days when she was saying Emiri was the girl to beat. Now, Ines is surely singing a different tune.

Ines also added that among all the contestants from Asia, she still has to meet Misses Philippines and Guam yet because the security is so tight. The contestants are not allowed to meet many of the gilrs.

Here is the full entry (unedited)from her blog:

~~UPDATES FROM INES LIGRON:~~

EMIRI AT THE SWIMSUIT FASHION SHOW YESTERDAY. Stunning!

And at the reception gala dinner wearing my favorite Versace gown of this season, with a Loewe clutch bag. people at the dinner commented that she was one of the biggest standouts of the evening. Emiri told me today, when I woke her up at 7:30 am before her breakfast time, that she is spending time right now mostly with Miss France, also Miss Switzerland, Bahamas and Miss Hungary. She says that she is the funniest girl and a good person. BUT she says that the security is very tight and that they don’t get to meet many of the delegates. Emiri is on the 10th floor and half of the girls are on the 9th and half on the 10th also Emiri hasn’t had a chance to spend time with some delegates and get to meet them. I asked her if she met all the Asian delegates but she said she has not yet met Miss Philippines and Miss Guam.

She said that many of the girls are on a very tight schedule and have no time for talking pictures because they are asked to run from place to place. Emiri says that she handles her extremely full schedule with excitement that she is having a great time, her room is huge and with ocean view and she said that she is very lucky to have the best roomate as she is always in a good mood and so genuine and with a big heart.

She said that during the fashion show yesterday, none of the girls could see the others on stage as it was very fast moving and the 84 girls were on stage without cameras backstage for the others to see it. That everyone comments among the crew that this year has the most beautiful delegates ever.and now to open my mind to you with honesty… Emiri said: “Ines, I want you to know that it will be very difficult for me to win this year, there are so many amazing women here but I am doing my best and enjoying every moment as I am deeply proud to be wearing the Japan sash.”.

I told Emiri, it does not matter if she wins, what matters is that she is doing her best and that I know well that this is exactly what she is doing right now. What is important is that Japanese women can be represented at a prestigious and world famous competition like Miss Universe being in the spotlight. In the past Japanese women moved away from the spotlight and lost confidence in their power, they tended to think that western beauty was superior to theirs. When I arrived in Japan, advertising campaigns were always featuring a caucasian woman and Japanese talent were paid half the fee compared to white women. I felt that this was wrong. Japanese women after the previous success have gained confidence and now they know that they are considered uniquely beautiful in the eyes of the world and that is what matters to me from now on, because it is the reason I have being doing this job for the past 12 years. I told Emiri to keep her beautiful energy and the sweetness that make her who she is, this is the best way for her to reflect who Japanese women are.

As I write, Emiri is getting ready to go for the pre-taping of the National Costume segment for the live telecast. We spoke about her costume and the way that she will wear it at the end. I will give more detailks when the pictures appear on the Miss Universe website.

Much love and wishing the best of luck to any delegates reading my blog. Emiri told me that many of them commented they are reading it in the lounge on their floor with computers at their disposal. I know I am the only Director having a blog and I feel the responsibility of what I write, also I am asked several times in the comments on my blog to give my opinion about certain delegates but I believe the reason each girl is wearing a sash at Miss Universe right now is because she is unique. Also do not try to copy or compare yourself to any other person, because each human being has a unique soul and beauty comes from the inside (oops, and how much you worked at the gym… LOL!).

Emiri Miyasaka's altered national costume

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:45:00 +0000

Now it can be told that Ines Ligron, the controversial director of Miss Japan Universe, gave in to pressure from fans and Japanese people who were offended over Emiri Miyasaka's atrocious national costume showing her crotch.

Last night, Emiri showed in her costume with a little modification. Her pink panty is no longer showing. I guess the Japanese people are now happy with this development.

The original costume

Miss U delegates parade in National Costumes

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:04:00 +0000

Last night, Monday, August 10, the 84 contestants of Miss Universe 2009 paraded in their national costumes. As expected, it was an exciting event seeing all the ladies in their colourful costumes. But I just saw them in pictures. I am not in Bahamas. LOL

I was impressed with Miss France Chloe Mortaud, Miss China Jing Yao Wang, Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez, Miss Philippines Pamela Bianca Manalo, Miss Panama Diana Broce, Miss Bahamas Kiara Sherman, Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos, Miss Ecuador Sandra Vinces and Miss Egypt Elham Wagdi. They all look fabulous wearing their costumes.

Miss Bahamas in National Costume

Miss China in national costume

Miss Ecuador in national costume

Miss Egypt in national costume

Miss France in national costume

Miss Philippines in national costume

Miss Puerto Rico in national costume

The ladies who did not impress me with their national costume are Miss Canada Mariana Valente, Miss USA Kristen Dalton, Miss Germany Martina Lee, Miss Netherlands Avalon-Chanel Weyzig.

Miss Canada in national costume

Miss Germany in national costume

Miss USA in national costume

You can now view the other national costumes in this LINK. I am still looking for the others so keep on visiting here.

Miss Philippines Looks like Miss Japan

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Do you remember Kurara Chibana, first runner-up at Miss Universe 2006 in Los Angeles? She is actually the first one who always comes to my mind every time I see Miss Philippines Pamela Bianca Manalo in this hairstyle. I've already noticed this resemblance when Binbibining Pilipinas released Bianca's photos at her send-off party for Colombia.

Will Pamela Bianca duplicates the fate of Kurara? Will she become the second most beautiful lady in the universe for 2009? What do you think?

Personalized Dresses for Miss Netherlands Avalon-Chanel Weyzig

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 01:30:00 +0000

Have you observed this? Miss Netherlands Avalon-Chanel Weyzig is sporting personalized dress and jacket? This is my first time seeing someone competing in a beauty contest with these outfits. I am just curious on how many dresses she ordered with her name on them. Does her long gown have a print of her name too? LOL

Miss Indonesia Meets Miss Netherlands

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Finally, I saw a picture of the two ladies competing at Miss Universe 2009 who share the same heritage - Misses Netherlands and Indonesia.

Miss Netherlands Avalon-Chanel Weyzig is half-Indonesian courtesy of her mother. Miss Indonesia Zivanna Letisha Siregar was so happy when she met her. This is what Avalon have posted in her tweeter account.

Avalon said "Miss Indonesia was very happy to meet me, and I was happy to meet her because of my Indonesian roots. She was very friendly."

This reminds me about the three beauty queens with Filipino roots during the Miss Universe 2007 in Mexico - Miss Norway Kirby Ann Basken, Miss Germany Angelina Glass and Miss Philippines Anna Teresa Licaros.

I remember watching a video of them being interviewed by a Filipino broadcast journalist.

Miss USA Kristen Dalton Bitches Misses Venezuela and Netherlands

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:05:00 +0000

Miss USA Kristen Dalton is getting negative publicities in some message boards for beauty pageants lately. Some fans have been convinced that the lady who beat Carrie Prejean, the better choice, is such a bitch. Kirsten apparently insulted Miss Netherlands Avalon Chanel-Weyzig and Miss Venezuela Stefan Fernandez.

Last few days, a rumour was circulated that during the welcome party at the Balmoral Club, Miss USA made rude remarks about the dress of Stefania. Miss Venezuela learned about the remarks afterwards but she just ignored it. Some of the girls were happy for Stefania for not stooping down on the level of Kristen.

The source of this news was one of the girls from Central America who was sharing a table with Kristen. She relayed the incident to her mentors and it was leaked then in the forums.

Just today, we got another incident involving Kristen and this time with Miss Netherlands Avalon Chanel-Weyzig.

Avalon made a post in her twitter account. The half Indonesian beauty queen said that Miss USA approached her.

"Miss USA came to meet me and the first thing she said very spontanious, from the Netherlands, wow, so you smoke weeds??? LOL only tourists do!" That's the unedited post from Avalon.

On the other hand, Miss Australia rachael Finch revealed that Kristen talks in her sleep.

Asian girls at the Swimsuit presentation

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:53:00 +0000

Last night was a swimsuit presentation of all the candidates competing in Bahamas for the Miss Universe 2009. Asia is I think one of the strongest batches this year, if not the strongest, but there is something funny with the photos of the delegates from this region.

Their mouths were wide open while they were parading in their swimsuits. Basing my comments on the pictures, Miss Philippines Pamela Bianca Manalo and Miss Japan Emiri Miyasaka were the best. They look regal and poised.

Miss Vietnam Vo Hoang Yen who is said to have a killer catwalk is a big disappointment, not with her catwalk but with her body.

Aside from Miss Philippines, Miss India Ekta Choudhary also donned a one-piece swimwear. Most of the Asians sported two-piece and I guess this was a wrong choice for them. This is only my opinion.

Were they imitating Miss Venezeula Stefania Fernandez who had the biggest of them?

Miss Universe 2009 Swimwear Event

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:09:00 +0000

The 84 delegates competing at Miss Universe 2009 in Bahamas took part yesterday, August 9, at the Swimsuit Event sponsored by BSC swimwear, the official swimwear of the pageant at the Infinity Pool.

This event was only a no competition. It was only staged to present the ladies to the people of Bahamas and the media covering the event. It was done with the purpose to let the spectators a better look of the ladies from all over the world.

Here are some of the pictures of the delegates.

Mrs Lithuania Vaida Ragenaite Wins Mrs Universe 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:44:00 +0000

Mrs Lithuania Vaida Ragenaite is the winner of Mrs Universe 2009 in a pageant that was held in Riga, the capital of Latvia - the home of the outgoing Mrs Universe 2008 Marika Gaderte - last night, August 9.

Joyce Ann Burton of Advetureofabeautyqueen.wordpress.com reported that the news was fed to her by the husband of Mrs Philippines Camilla Kim Galvez who won second runner-up.

First runner-up is Krista Hoeijmans of Belgium. Completing the Top 5 are Mrs Jennifer Cirone of the USA and Heidi Polkki of Finland who were proclaimed 3rd and 4th runners-up respectively.

According to the former Miss Philippines for Miss Universe 1985, Camilla also received two special awards - the Best in Long Gown and Darling of the Press.

Camilla was invited to sing a Latvian song and one Filipino song, 'Sana'y Wala ng Wakas', at the Riga International Music Festival. Her performances wowed the Latvians and she became a instant favourite. This event might helped Camilla get the Darling of the Press award.

18 candidates competed in the pageant according to mrsuniverse2009.lv, the official site.

The other special awards are as follow:

Mrs. European Union – Ana Ivanova of Bulgaria
Mrs. Mother of the Universe – Jayne Taylor of England
Mrs. Photogenic – Evija Indriksone-Nikonorova
Mrs. Famous – Evija Indriksone-Nikonorova
Mrs. Elegance – Elena Sandeva of Macedonia

Final Top 16 and not Top 15 in Miss Universe 2009?

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Rumours are circulating that the judges of Miss Universe 2009 will not only pick a Top 15 from the preliminary round but the pageant allows the picking of an extra contestant into the semi-finals, who will be voted by the people of Bahamas through newspaper and SMS voting.

It has also been said that the names of those who made the semi-final will not be disclosed until the day of the pageant, on August 23rd.

On Monday night, August 10, the 84 delegates will be parading with their national costumes before the first round of judging takes place.

It is not sure yet whether they will continue to award the Best in National Costume just like year when Miss Thailand Gavintra Photijak won the award with her Muay-Thai-inspired outfit.

Miss Australia Rachael Finch exposes Miss USA Kirsten Dalton Talks in her sleep

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:15:00 +0000

Miss Australia Rachael Finch disclosed that her roommate Miss USA Kirsten Dalton has a sleeping disorder of somniloquy or she talks in her sleep.

In an interview with an Australian news site, Rachael said that Kirsten is beautiful, smart and cute. When she walked to her room in Bahamas, Miss USA welcomed her with a big hug and a very loud 'hello'.

"She actually talks in her sleep too."

Kirsten had the privilege to personally choose Rachael as her roommate.

More Similar Gowns of Misses Puerto Rico, Mexico, Egypt, Bahamas - patterned from Ellie Saab

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 12:48:00 +0000

That picture posted above is taken from a Colombian message board. A poster found out that the gown of Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos is not only an imitation from an Elli Saab gown but also from Miss Bahamas World 2008 Tinnyse Jamel Johnson's.

A reader explained in his comment he left here that this is a natural thing. He said that "nothing is original in the world of fashion. Every design had been done before with little different twists."

He has a point there. And another talk of pageant lovers is the gown of Miss Egypt Elham Wagdi. Many believe that gown was copied from Miss Mexico Elisa Najera's Top gown at Miss Universe 2008 in Vietnam.

Miss Egypt Elham Wagdi's long gown for Miss Universe 2009

Miss Mexico Elisa Najera Top 5 long gown at Miss Universe 2008

But if you are thinking Elisa's gown is original, you are wrong since it is also an imitation from another Ellie Saab's gown which was worn before by Halle Berry.

Ellie Saab's gown

Mrs Universe 2009 Crowning Tonight

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 12:17:00 +0000

If MISS Universe 2009 is taking place in Bahamas, the MRS Universe 2009 is also ongoing on the other side of the world - in Riga, Latvia. Both pageants commenced in August 1st but Mrs Universe will now be crowning its winner tonight - August 9.

18 candidates from North and South America, Asia and Europe are vying for the title from outgoing Mrs Universe 2008 Marika Gederte of the host country who won her title in Bulgaria last year.

Among the 18 candidates, one came from South America, one from North America, two from Asia, two islands from Mediterranean and the rest are from Europe.

According to Miss Philippines Universe 1985 Joyce Ann Burton who is a good friend of the Philippine representative, Camilla Galvez, Mrs Philippines is making a splash in the pageant.

Camilla's popularity rose high when she was "invited to sing a Latvian song and the Filipino song 'Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas' at the Riga International Music Festival. As a result, photographers and reporters are chasing her and she’s all over the media."

Watch Joyce's interview with Camilla by visiting this site.

Mrs Philippines Universe 2009 Camilla Galvez singing a Latvian song. Picture is taken from www.adventuresofabeautyqueen.wordpress.com

Here is a list of the names of the 18 candidates in alphabetical order:

1. Belgium - Krista Hoeijmans
2. Brasil - Adriana Jackson
3. Bulgaria - Ana Ivanova
4. England - Jayne Taylor
5. Finland - Heidi Pölkki
6. France - Rejane KLEIN MAURER
7. Germany - Erika Krieger
8. Italy - Roberta Minischetti
9. Latvia - Evija Indriksone - Nikonorova
10. Lithuania - Vaida Ragenaite
11. Macedonia - Elena Sandeva
12. Malta - Claudianne Mifsud
13. Maltese Islands - Sally Bell
14. Philippines - Camilla Galvez
15. Russia - Iryna Zagoryiko
16. Singapore - Shalina Bte Mohamad Ismail
17. Ukraine - Diana Starkova
18. United States of America - Jennifer Cirone

Miss Universe Delegates Visit Exuma Island

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 11:15:00 +0000

Last Saturday, August 8, the 84 delegates competing for the Miss Universe 2009 title were divided in to two groups to visit two of Bahamas most beautiful islands, Exuma and Bimini, where the girls had their filming for the pageant finals.

The contestants who flew to Exuma Island toured Moriah Harbour and Elizabeth Harbour. Parts of their activities were to feed stingrays, go snorkeling and explore the many sandbars of the island.

Those contestants who flew to Bimini Island, on the other hand, toured Ansil’s Boat House, Bimini Bay Resort and visited the Bimini Sands Marina for Fountain of Youth.

I have pictures of the beauty queens who were in Exuma Island group which include Miss Philippines Pamela Bianca Manalo, Miss Peru Karen Scwharz, Miss Panama Diana Broce, Miss New Zealand Katie Taylor, Miss Colombia Michelle Rouillard, Miss Norway Eli Landa, Miss China Wang Jingyao and a lot more.

Miss Japan Emiri Miyasaka is losing her ground

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:51:00 +0000

Miss Japan Emiri Miyasaka is losing her ground at the ongoing Miss Universe pageant in Bahamas.

I don't know if you gonna agree with my statement but I based this opinion from weekly predictions of different websites which are ranking the girls who they think will make the Top 15.

Emiri is slowly sliding down from the rankings of these so-called pageant experts. Before the arrival of the delegates in Bahamas, the Japanese beauty queen was touted to be the girl to beat but now, I am hearing a different tune. Although, Emiri is still predicted to be one of the semi-finalists, she regularly stays in the bottom of so many lists.

It started when Emiri stepped down in Bahamas with her tan she acquired in Miami. Fans were disappointed to see her glowing skin that was made so dark. Her interview that was posted in her page at the Miss Universe official site is not also impressive.

But the fight is not yet over, I am still hoping Emiri will not break the winning streak of Japan at the Miss Universe that was started by Kurara Chibana in 2006.

Miss Indonesia Zivanna Letisha Siregar in a two-piece swimsuit

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:25:00 +0000

It's good to see Miss Indonesia Universe Zivanna Letisha Siregar in a two-piece swimsuit. Since 2005, Indonesian girls to any international beauty pageants always have chosen the "more conservative" one-piece swimwear than the "more revealing" two-piece. Indonesian girls wearing swimsuits can face public ridicule and government restrictions. This is in fact the reason why Indonesia, the biggest Muslim nation in the world, did not actively participate in beauty pageants in the past.

In 1996, Alya Rohali was forced to withdraw from Miss Universe when she was shown wearing the bikini. The following year, Indonesia stopped sending their girls to Miss U until 2004.

In 2005, when largest archipelago in the world resumed joining Miss U, the Indonesians publicly denounced Artika Sari Devi and warned her the consequences if she was seen parading in a swimsuit. That was one of the most anticipated events during the Miss U pageant in Thailand. But Artika was so brave that she defied all odds and went on to become the only Asian at the Final Top 15.

After the pageant, many feared for her life if she would return back home. But she came home safely.

I guess, the legacy of Artika paved the way for the Indonesian to accept or embrace swimsuit competitions in beauty pageants. Since then, Indonesia regularly participated at the Miss Universe pageant.

Going back to Zivanna, she has one of the freshest faces among all the ladies competing in Bahamas for the 58th edition of the pageant. She is one of Asia's front-runners in the beauty department. So, if she duplicates Artika's fate in 2005, it won't be a surprise.

You can check Zivann's long gown and national costume here.

Last year, at the 2008 Miss Universe in Vietnam, Putri Raemawasti was the first one to wear the two-piece.

Misses Vietnam and Philippines in a group picture

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 09:59:00 +0000

Vietnam and Philippines are two of the countries in Asia where beauty pageants are well-loved by the people. Fans from both countries always have heated arguments on pageant-related message boards as they try to hype their own representative or bash the opponent.

This year, Vietnam is represented by Vo Hoang Yen and Pamela Bianca Manalo is carrying the Philippine flag.

It's good to see the two beauty queens in a group picture with Miss Zambia Andella Chileshe Matthews.

So, who between the two will make the final cut? I hope to see them both.

Gowns of Venezuela and Puerto Rico are Imitations from Ellie Saab

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Puerto Ricans and Venezuelans look like having a word war in pageant-related message boards regarding their delegates' long gowns. Both parties are claiming, with evidence of course, that the gowns of both Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela and Mayra Matos of Puerto Rico are second rate copycat of Ellie Saab's, a famous designer, gowns.

I guess the Puerto Ricans first discovered the Ellie Saab gown in which Venezuela patterned their dress. To extract a vengeance, the Venezuelans tried so hard to research about the gown of Mayra. Fortunately, they were able to uncover also a gown which is so similar with Mayra's.

The funny thing in this exchange of words is that both gowns were copied from works of one famous designer.

Puerto Rico and Venezuela are one of the countries who take pageant seriously. Both have five Miss Universe winners in their caps.

Below are pictures of Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez's gown and the original gown. I took this from a Puerto Rican message board.

Below is Miss Puerto Rico's long gown and the original Ellie Saab gown. This was taken from a Venezuelan forum.

Pictures of Miss U Contestants at the Welcome Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:26:00 +0000

Here are pictures of some of the delegates at the Welcome Dinner that was held last night, August 7th. The Balmoral Club hosted the welcome reception and dinner in honor of the 2009 Miss Universe contestants. Just click on the pictures for larger viewing.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez is not mingling with Latin American candidates?

noreply@blogger.com (Kuh Chara) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 13:32:00 +0000

Is it true that Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez is not mingling with the Latin American girls? They say Stefania prefers to mix with the European candidates. Allegedly, she is avoiding the Latinas.

If this is true, probably Stefania would like to identify herself with her other heritage. She is a mix of Polish, Russian, Ukrainian and Venezuelan.

I have a feeling that Venezuela might not make it to the Top 15 this year just like in 2004 when Ana Karina Anez Delgado broke the 20-year winning streak of her country and in 2006 when Jictzad Nacarid Viña Carreño failed to advance. But the sash factor might work well on her also.

I've said that Stefania might not advance because I am not yet impressed with her photos and interview.

Her interview at the Miss Universe official website is so disappointing. She moves her hands too much which can distract the judges. There are also photos of her in which she looks not beautiful although most of them are stunning especially in her swimsuit picture. Her gown is also too busy. The design is too much to appreciate.

But if she choose to change her gown at the preliminary, I might be proven wrong.