Philippines’ Catriona Gray is Miss Universe 2018

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ Catriona Gray is Miss Universe 2018.

Gray was hailed as Miss Universe 2018 during the coronation held at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday.

The 24-year-old beauty queen from Albay bested Miss South Africa and Miss Venezuela in the Top 3, as well as candidates from 91 other countries, to take the crown.

South Africa’s Tamaryn Green finished 1st runner-up, while Venezuela’s Sthefany Gutiérrez finished 2nd runner-up.

During the Top 5 question and answer portion, Gray was asked about her stand regarding the legalization of marijuana.

“I’m for it being used in a medical use but not so for recreational use, because I think if people were to argue what about alchohol and cigarettes, well everything is good but in moderation,” Gray said.



For the final question, Gray and her Top 3 contenders were asked: “What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your life, and how would you apply it to your time as Miss Universe?”

Gray answered: “I work a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila and the life there is very poor, sad and I’ve always taught myself to look for the beauty in it, to look in the beauty of the children and be grateful.”

“I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining and to assess where I could give something, where I could provide something as a spokesperson.”

“If I could teach people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster and children would have smiles on their faces.”


Gray was crowned by Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa.

The coronation was hosted by comedian Steve Harvey and supermodel Ashley Graham, while American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo performed at the competition.


Gray bagged the country’s fourth Miss U title, following Pia Wurtzbach in 2015, Margie Moran in 1973 and Gloria Diaz in 1969. /cbb

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

German-Filipina Imelda Schweighart wins Miss Philippines-Earth crown

A German-Filipino student based in Puerto Princesa City bagged the 2016 Miss Philippines-Earth crown in ceremonies held at the UP Theater in Quezon City Saturday night.

Imelda Bautista Schweighart, 21, bested 45 other aspirants from all over the country and from overseas Filipino communities to inherit the national crown.

She will try to secure a “three-peat” for the Philippines in the global Miss Earth pageant later this year.

Kiara Giel Gregorio from the Filipino community in London placed second and was proclaimed Miss Philippines-Air. She was also named Miss Hana Shampoo and Miss Oasis Dental.

Loren Artejos from Laoag was crowned Miss Philippines-Water while Shannon Rebecca Bridgman from Rosales, Pangasinan, was hailed as Miss Philippines-Fire.

Melanie Mader from the Filipino community in Vienna was proclaimed Miss Philippines-Ecotourism.

Schweighart is a veteran of beauty contests. She joined the Binibinibing Pilipinas in 2013, the same year 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach joined the said national tilt. She is the reigning Miss Puerto Princesa and placed second in the Miss Palawan pageant.

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Pia Wurtzbach hurdles unexpected twists and turns to win third Miss Universe crown for PH

FORTY-TWO years of waiting for one of their own to be crowned Miss Universe weren’t enough, as pageant-crazy Filipinos had to wait a few seconds more before American host Steve Harvey corrected his mistake: Miss Universe 2015 wasn’t Ariadna Gutierrez-Arevalo as he earlier announced, but 26-year-old German-Filipino beauty queen Pia Alonzo-Wurtzbach.

“It was my fault,” Harvey kept telling a global TV audience and those who paid to watch the show at Planet Hollywood Hotel in Las Vegas, venue of this year’s contest.

This year’s edition, under new owners IMG, a New York-based events and talent management company, which bought the 64-year-old beauty pageant from billionaire businessman and Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, proceeded without a hitch until Harvey announced the names of the winner and first runner-up.

Miss USA Olivia Jordan, who, like Wurtzbach, was an online and crowd favorite, clinched second runner-up.

“Since Steve was new at hosting Miss Universe, I think he was confused,” said Manila-based publicists and events planner Albert Almendralejo, who witnessed the entire show up close. “I heard that he was told by the Miss Universe staff to announce Miss Colombia’s name first before Pia’s. He did do that, but he unwittingly managed to interchange their positions.”

After realizing his mistake, Harvey had to correct himself to the shock of both Arevalo, who was already wearing the crown and waving a small Colombia flag, and Wurtzbach, who was already in the sidelines with Jordan and the other delegates. He even waved the written results to the audience to convince them.

With some prodding from Jordan, a reluctant Wurtzbach walked to the center of the stage. It probably took awhile for the Spanish-speaking Arevalo to realize what was happening, said Almendralejo, since she just stood stoically with “her chin up.”

Boos and jeers from the Latino audience were countered by cheers from Wurtzbach’s Filipino supporters, who dominated the venue.

It took Arevalo’s compatriot Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega to break the impasse by gently removing the crown from the first runner-up’s head and putting it on Wurztbach’s.

“Not everything was captured on TV,” said Almendralejo. “A crying Miss Colombia run to her fellow Latinas, while a somewhat dazed Pia received support and profuse congratulations from Miss USA and most of the delegates from Asia and Europe.”

“I want to apologize emphatically to Miss Philippians (sic) and Miss Columbia (sic),” Harvey later said on Twitter. “This was an honest human mistake. I am so regretful.”

Instead of the usual ten to 12 judges, only four celebrity judges, including Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, determined the results this year. For the first time in the pageant’s history, organizers allowed online voting to constitute 20 percent of a contestant’s overall score in each event. There were four events: swimsuit, evening gown, and two sets of question and answer.

From Top 15 contestants, the results of last week’s preliminaries, the number of girls was whittled down to 10, then five and finally three. When the combined online votes were counted, Wurtzbach emerged on top.

Each contestant in the Top 5 answered a question relating to current issues in her country. Wurtzbach was asked about her views on the presence of American troops in the Philippines.

Filipinos and Americans, she said, have had a long history and “special relations.” As a “colonized” people, Filipinos are generally welcoming of Americans. She didn’t see it as a “problem.”

For the second set of question and answer, the Top 3 were each asked the same question: Asked why she wants to become Miss Universe, Wurztbach gave a short and straight answer about the importance of having a global platform to pursue her advocacy of AIDS and HIV awareness. Being Miss Universe, she said, is about being “confidently beautiful with a heart.”

Another twist awaited the Top 3 as Harvey told them that their fellow delegates would also weigh in on the final outcome. For the first time in years, the Philippine delegate was wearing a gown designed by a Filipino–Albert Andrada. Pageant observers believed that the blue silk gazaar serpentina gown was instrumental in boosting Wurtzbach’s chances in the finals.

Wurtzbach follows in the footsteps of Margarita Moran, the second Filipina to win Miss Universe in 1973. Moran won the titled four years after Gloria Diaz first brought home the crown to the Philippines.

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Miss Georgia Betty Cantrell wins Miss America pageant

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Miss Georgia Betty Cantrell is the new Miss America, but her crowning moment was nearly overshadowed by a three-decade old pageant scandal, and a still-raw debate over whether the NFL’s reigning champions cheated on their way to a Super Bowl victory.

Cantrell rode an opera performance of “Tu Tu Piccolo Iddio” from “Madame Butterfly” to the title in Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall on Sunday night, besting 51 other competitors in the nationally televised pageant. She won a preliminary competition earlier in the week, also with an opera performance.

“I’m still so overwhelmed, I don’t know what to say other than thank you! ” Cantrell told reporters moments after being crowned Miss America.


She won a $50,000 scholarship along with her title.

Cantrell is due to make the traditional pageant-winner’s frolic in the Atlantic City surf on Monday morning.

The pageant also marked the return of Miss America 1984 Vanessa Williams, who was back for the first time after resigning the crown in 1984 following a nude photo scandal. Pageant executive chairman Sam Haskell apologized to Williams, who served as head judge, on behalf of the pageant.

“I want to apologize for anything that was said or done,” Haskell told Williams as they stood on the stage and the audience bathed her in applause. “Vanessa: Welcome back!”

Cantrell was asked during the question and answer portion of the pageant whether New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady cheated en route to his team’s run to a Super Bowl title last season by using footballs that were improperly deflated. A league-imposed four-game suspension of Brady was recently overturned by a federal judge.

During the pageant, Cantrell said, “I’m not sure” when asked if Brady cheated. “I’d have to see the ball and feel it” she said, before adding, “If there’s any question, then yes, he cheated.”

Asked by The Associated Press to clarify her remarks afterward, Cantrell said, “It was kind of a funky question to ask me if Tom Brady cheated. I’m not a football player and I really wasn’t there to feel that ball. If there was any question as to whether or not he cheated and somebody else felt the ball and decided that it was deflated, then yes, I guess he did cheat.”

The 1st runner-up was Miss Mississippi, Hannah Roberts, who earned a $25,000 scholarship. Her talent was classical violin. The 2nd runner up was Miss Colorado, Kelley Johnson, who performed an original monologue and won a $20,000 scholarship.

Miss Georgia’s win ended New York’s dominance at the Miss America pageant. Last year’s Miss America, Kira Kazantsev, was the third consecutive Miss New York to win the title.

“I can’t believe it’s been a year since I was backstage getting ready to compete, just as the contestants are right now,” Kazantsev said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon in Boardwalk Hall. ”

Preliminary competition in talent, interviews, evening wear and swimsuit competition ran through Thursday.

On Saturday, the Miss America contestants hit the Atlantic City Boardwalk for the annual “Show Us Your Shoes” parade.

Most of the shoes had designs specific to the contestant’s home states. New Jersey, for instance, had dice and Monopoly money on her shoes in a nod to the pageant’s Atlantic City history. Miss Idaho had a potato.

Contestants from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico were vying for the crown. The U.S. Virgin islands, which competed last year, could not field the required minimum number of entrants this year, pageant officials said. It is eligible for future competitions.

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Megan Young tells what it takes to win Miss World title

MANILA, Philippines—The next Miss World should be “genuine.”

Reigning Miss World Megan Young made known her preference for her successor in an interview posted on the Miss World website.

“I hope that the next Miss World, whoever she is, is genuine. It is a competition but her authenticity is what will win the judges over and carry her throughout her reign,” Young said.

She said being a Miss World title holder is not all about beauty and glamor.

“A lot of it is really behind the scenes and about getting your feet dirty without your heels and without the make-up,” she said.

The 24-year old beauty queen also emphasized patience.

“My advice is to be patient. In this job, patience is a virtue. Also, it is important to always be understanding and nice to everyone you meet. Kindness and compassion will take you a long way,” she said.

On her part, she admitted that she was “at first afraid” when she was crowned the title.

“I thought that I was not going to be able to see my family, as the job of a Miss World is non-stop humanitarian work, and that was something I didn’t know how to come to terms with,” she said.

 

But she said she was thankful that between travelling around the world and seeing new things, she was able to return home and visit her family.

“That was really helpful as it kept me levelheaded and sane throughout my year,” she said.

She thanked the Filipinos for their support throughout her reign and even before she was crowned as the first ever Miss World from the Philippines.

“The reaction from my country and the support I received was completely out of this world and beyond my wildest imaginations.”

But as she makes her final walk as a Miss world on Monday, December 15, (Philippine Time), she said her reign was full of worthwhile memories.

She said helping in the relief operations after Super Typhoon “Yolanda” devastated the Philippines was one of the highlights of her reign as Miss World.

“I was able to help out my countrymen in ways I never thought possible, because of my Miss World title,” she said.

“I could connect to so many people and inspire and encourage help on such a wide scale and that was a true highlight of my year,” she added.

She said she is excited to host the coronation night in London since she is the first reigning title holder to do the job.

She said it is not her first time to be a presenter of a major event, but she remembered that before being given the opportunity to host Miss World, she wanted to host Miss Philippines or a local show.

“Hosting Miss World, which is watched by billions of people worldwide, is something that I never expected and totally blows my mind away when I think about it,” she said.

“I am the first reigning title holder to be hosting the show so whenever history is being made there certainly is pressure,” she added.

According to her, she hopes that in five years she would be able to do “something big internationally.”

“I love to win an acting award. You have to dream big and have that goal so you can work hard for it,” she said.

The Miss World 2014 will be held at the ICC Auditorium in London on December 15 (Philippine time).

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Megan Young crowned Miss World

MANILA, Philippines—Megan Young of the Philippines is the new Miss World.


In a glittering finale on the Indonesian resort island of Bali Saturday, Young bested 128 beauty queens from around the world to win the coveted title in a contest broadcast to more than 180 countries worldwide.

In the finals, Young beat five other finalists, including France and Brazil.



She thanked the judges for choosing her and promised to “be the best Miss World ever”.

The 23-year-old Filipino actress pledged to “just be myself in everything I do, to share what I know and to educate people.”

Before her, no Filipina had won the prestigious crown in the 63-year-old London-based pageant. With Agence France-Presse

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Miss New York crowned 2014 Miss America

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey — Nina Davuluri became the first contestant of Indian heritage and the second consecutive contestant from New York to win the Miss America pageant Sunday night.

Davuluri, 24, won the title as the nationally televised pageant returned home to Atlantic City.

She succeeds another Miss New York, Mallory Hagan, whose tenure was cut short when the pageant moved back to Atlantic City after a six-year stint in Las Vegas, where winners were chosen in January.

Davuluri performed a classical Bollywood fusion dance for her talent competition.


After the traditional frolic in the Atlantic City surf Monday morning, she will head to the scene of a devastating boardwalk fire in the New Jersey communities of Seaside park and Seaside Heights on Monday afternoon.

The pageant had pitted 53 contestants — one from each state, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands — in swimsuit, evening gown, talent and interview competitions.

“This is where we belong,” Sam Haskell, CEO of the Miss America Organization, told The Associated Press. “This is the home of Miss America, and this is where we’re going to stay.”

Much attention had been given to Miss Kansas, Theresa Vail, who is believed to be the first Miss America contestant to openly display tattoos. She has the Serenity Prayer on her rib cage and a military insignia on the back of a shoulder. While other contestants wore glamorous costumes and elaborately decorated footwear during Saturday night’s “show-us-your-shoes” parade on the Boardwalk, Vail wore camouflage gear and Army boots.

In a Twitter message Sunday, Vail wrote: “Win or not tonight, I have accomplished what I set out to do. I have empowered women. I have opened eyes.”

Vail made it to the Top 10 and won a nationwide voters’ choice award propelling her into the semi-finals.

Another noteworthy contestant was Miss Florida, Myrrhanda Jones, who made it into the top 5 while wearing a bejeweled knee brace. She tore ligaments in her knee while rehearsing her baton twirling routine on Thursday. Sunday night, she performed the routine flawlessly.

The pageant started in Atlantic City as a way to extend the summer tourism season for an extra weekend.

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Czech crowned Miss Earth; PH beauty wins ‘Air’ title

German-Filipino model Stephany Stefanowitz bagged the Miss Earth-Air title during the 12th Miss Earth coronation night at Versailles Palace in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, on Saturday, sustaining the Philippines’ winning streak in the global competition.

Czech Republic’s Tereza Fajksová, 23, was crowned Miss Earth 2012, beating 79 other international delegates.

Stefanowitz, 22, also boosted the Philippines’ pageant record for 2012, following the victories of Queneerich Rehman and Nicole Schmitz, who entered the semifinals of the Miss World and Miss International pageants, respectively.

Last year, Philippine representative Athena Imperial was proclaimed Miss Earth-Water. Two other Filipino representatives advanced to the Top 4 in previous years—Catherine Untalan and Sandra Seifert, who were crowned 2006 Miss Earth-Water and 2009 Miss Earth-Air, respectively.

Fajksová took home $20,000 worth of management contract from pageant organizer Carousel Productions, $1,000 worth of diamond, pearl and gold jewelry from the Amparito Collection of M. Lhuillier Jewelers, a five-night stay at the Best Western F1 Hotel, a Naomi pearl necklace, MyPhone cell phone, a year’s supply of Ever Bilena cosmetics, shoes from Alberto, crystals and precious stones from Charms and Crystals by Joy Lim, a Canon Pixma printer and a specially designed Miss Earth pendant from jewelry designer Ramona Haar who designed the Miss Earth crown.

Sustainable energy

This year’s competition took sustainable energy as its central theme, following the United Nations General Assembly’s declaration of 2012 International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, which aims to ensure universal access to modern energy services.

Fan favorite Osmariel Villalobos of Venezuela, who was also proclaimed Miss Photogenic, Best in Resorts Wear, Miss Golden Sunset Resort and Miss Ever Bilena, was proclaimed Miss Earth-Water, while Camila Brant of Brazil was crowned Miss Earth-Fire.

During the final round of the competition, the top four delegates were asked the question, “What is your defining moment as a woman?”

Stefanowitz, earlier voted “Darling of the Press,” replied: “I am a woman of the earth and I’m here to fight and conserve and preserve our environment. My advocacy is basically for the betterment of the environment, because this year we are celebrating the year of sustainable and renewable energy for the rest of the world. And, of course, Mother Earth is the most beautiful gift that God has given us. It is our task to fight to preserve it.”

Fajksová, who did not ask for an interpreter, apologized for her minimal grasp of the English language, and responded: “I’m so sorry but I don’t understand the question. I will try to send this message: We have to protect Mother Earth. She gives us everything we need in our lives. So let’s respect her so she’ll respect us.”

Among Top 4

The Philippines, Venezuela and Brazil all figured in the Top 4 in last year’s competition, also held in the Philippines.

Aside from Imperial, also in the Top 4 last year were Drielly Bennettone of Brazil who was crowned Miss Earth-Air and Caroline Medina of Venezuela who was hailed Miss Earth-Fire.

Last year’s winner, Olga Alava of Ecuador, turned over her title to Fajksová.

India’s Prachi Mishra was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow delegates, while Thailand’s Waratthaya Wongchayaporn was adjudged Miss Talent. Both delegates were heavily favored by pageant pundits to advance to the winners’ circle, but failed to crack the semifinals.

Among this year’s judges were Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn, US Agency for International Development deputy head for environment and energy Joseph Foltz, professional cager Bobby Ray Parks  and national rugby team “Volcanoes” captain Harry Morris.

TV personality Marc Nelson hosted this year’s competition, while Seifert shared anchor duties with 2006 Miss Philippines-Water Ginger Conejero.

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Miss USA 2012 Is Rhode Island's Olivia Culpo

The biggest star of the 61st annual Miss USA Pageant hails from the smallest state in the nation.

Olivia Culpo, a bubbly brunette beauty from Rhode Island, bested 50 other women to win Sunday night's 2012 Miss USA Pageant in Las Vegas.

Culpo, 20, of Cranston, dazzled judges with her poise and looks and didn't miss a beat (after a deep breath) when thrown a tough question via Twitter about whether someone who is transgender should be allowed to participate in pageants.

"I do think it would be fair, but I understand if people could be apprehensive," she said. "I do accept that because I believe it's a free country."

Culpo follows Alyssa Campanella and will represent the United States at Miss Universe in December.

If Culpo can't fulfill her duties, she will be replaced by Miss Maryland, Nana Meriwether, who was the runner-up.

Judges included Rob Kardashian, Joe Jonas, Chef Cat Cora, Arsenio Hall, and Mary Lou Henner.

For the fifth year in a row, the Donald Trump-owned contest was held at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Culpo was established as the odds-on favorite by the Wynn Las Vegas sports book prior to the competition at 9 to 1 odds.

source: people.com