[Pageant] Miss Universe 2018 Kick-off, Who Stands Out?

Miss Universe Logo
Source: Missuniverse.com

Of all beauty pageants exist, Miss Universe is undeniably the most captivating! Every girl wants to be Miss Universe. Whenever the Miss Universe starts, all our eyes glued to its activities. Everyone wants to know what happened at every second.

The pageant itself started in 1952, a year after Miss World was established. No, we are not going to talk about the history, we are going to talk about the ONGOING PAGEANT! Yes, you read it right! The Miss Universe 2018 has just begun and it is in Thailand!

Thailand hosts the Miss Universe 2018
Image: Google

This year, I believe the Miss Universe Organization breaks the record (again) with the most number of contestants in the history of Miss Universe. If I'm not mistaken, there will be 94 girls competing for the crown. That's one number higher than last year of 93 contestants.

Speaking of crown, I recently saw a banner with the strange Miss Universe logo (unfortunately I did not found it online). It resembles the shape of a crown! I suspect there would be a new crown this year but I do not know if the crown will be permanent or only used specifically for this year. Either way, I'm excited to hear the official announcement!

For the main point of this post, I will shout out my personal opinion about the girls. I had trouble narrowing down the girls into 15, so I made it top 15 plus 10 possible slots LMAO I know it's ridiculous but once you know my reason you will understand. Now, what made me a little overwhelmed? The Miss Universe Organization --as we all know is now owned by WME|IMG. Since 2015 there has always, I repeat, ALWAYS been a twist of surprise in the semifinal slots. In 2015, South Africa and Curacao were both out of (almost) everyone's eyes. Most experts did not favor them to be in the semifinals but in fact they were. In 2016, Kenya surprised the audience (and probably herself) by making the cut, not only to the top 13 but to the top 6! She successfully defeated the ultra-favorite Mariam Habach of Venezuela, whom everyone thought would easily be in the top 3. 2017 was no exception, we saw many heartbreaks in the list of top 16. In the other hand, the girls who were out of sight (e.g. Croatia, Sri Lanka, Ghana, China, Ireland) slipped easily into the semifinal slots. This means that Preliminary performance is NO MORE reason to determine the semifinalists, there must be something else. Recently, Siera Bearchell (Miss Universe Canada 2016) uploaded a video on her YouTube channel, revealing that there are some things bigger than the girls' performance during prelims. It might be your in-depth interview, your personality on and off-camera, background story, your motives to Miss Universe and many things possibly help the girls get the semifinal slots.

Siera Bearchell's Video

Access the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwvwn2V03rs

With that being said, I tried the same method to determine my picks. I did some research (I dunno how to call it but yeah I dug some info about the girls) and add some of my favorites! There has been a pattern as well in the newest MUO semifinals list, like there should be a finalist from each continent, there should not be any monopoly from certain continent, there is always at least one black beauty in the list, there should be at least one finalist that is out of everyone's sight (shocking effect) and so on and so forth.

So yeah, from all things I did I can finally list my pick for this year's Miss Universe. Without further ado, here is my arrival picks of the Miss Universe 2018

Billy's Miss Universe early favorites

Let's start off the list with

                                           

1. USA

Sarah Rose Summers

USA is going strong this year. She is a total babe! She knows how to speak (obviously) and she has always been spreading positive vibes ever since she was Miss Nebraska USA --probably even before! She is for sure a great spokesperson and an icon for Miss Universe Organization

2. Philippines

Catriona Gray

Philippines is my PERSONAL FAVORITE! Seriously, the Philippines had never sent a contestant this strong in recent era. Ever since Catriona declared her rally to Binibining Pilipinas, everyone has been buzzing about her. More and more exposure were gained after she easily clinched the Miss Universe Philippines title. I swear, the Philippines never send a candidate this strong, not even Pia (and she WON Miss Universe!). I can say she is definitely the one to grab the crown.

Question: why number two?

I told you before, IMG is unpredictable. Anything can happen. Seeing the pattern, being the most perfect contestant in the batch always has its own perks but it is way too early to declare her as the obvious winner. We still have weeks ahead. Nevertheless, Catriona Gray is more than ready to hold the title.

3. Australia

Francesca Hung

Surprise, surprise! Look who surprises us all (or is it just me?). Australia was off my list before this. Seeing her performance during interview and in-motion, she is definitely something! Do not be surprised to hear Steve calling Australia several times in the final, because she really deserves it! My message if Francesca reads this: stay humble, maintain the energy, know that MUO's  'camera' are not always in the form of camera. Be prepared and be consistent and you will do your country proud.

4. Puerto Rico

Kiara Liz Ortega

Puerto Rico is definitely something this year! She is a total package, the body, the face, the walk, the charm, not to mention tons of surprises waiting. I believe she is the one everyone should watch!

5. South Africa

Tamaryn Green

Of all African queens, she is the strongest! Seriously, the Miss South Africa doesn't want to let the previous victory be like that, she demands a repeat! With her statuesque figure and eloquent English, I believe a repeat is possible.

Question: Will IMG let another back-to-back occurs? I don't think so. She is ultimately amazing but just no for a back-to-back. Just saying. Anyway, Top 3 is still wide open for her!

TOP 10

6. Venezuela

Sthefany Gutierrez

A queen to watch! She remains so-so at the arrival but I'm pretty sure in her pocket there is a lion ready to unleash itself. Just watch and never underestimate Venezuela's power in Miss Universe

7. Brazil

Mayra Diaz

Finally, a Brazilian rep that does not resemble USA's. She is drop-dead gorgeus! I have nothing more to say, that's that: beware of Mayra Diaz of Brazil!

8. Thailand

Sophida Kanchanarin

An advantage is definitely upon her. She is the host delegate! With that said, top 15 is not a hard matter for her except she did something fatal during the Miss Universe activities. For now, top 10 is definitely wide open for her

9. Colombia

Valeria Morales

I'm itching to write this. Okay, she is gorgeus, amazing and so on but earlier her statement is going viral about her opinion on transgender joining Miss Universe. I do respect her statement, she has the right to say but it's just on the wrong platform. She should have known that Miss Universe community allows transgender to legally compete so her statement should be kept inside her head. But yeah, we cannot take words back. We already know what's inside her head and let's wish her luck in the competition. Aside of all, she is a drop-dead gorgeus woman that deserves a place.

10. Spain

Angela Ponce

The first in history! She is the first transgender to ever compete in Miss Universe! This story would be her advantage to slip into the top 15 or more. I just wonder of her reaction towards those spreading words about her (especially regarding to Miss Colombia's statement) and how would she respond. If she can manage it gracefully, the top 10 slot is all yours!

TOP 15

11. Malta

Francesca Mifsud

Malta is not playing around! She is gorgeus and might have a secret weapon to glide into the top 15. She was trained by famous Filipino trainer which of course be one of her weapon to face the Miss Universe competition

12. India

Nehal Chudasama

India reminds me of Canada's Siera Bearchell story. The differences between them is that India successfully lost her weight and Canada embraced her body. Overall, they are trying to deliver similar message about being healthy. This might be one of the reasons India is being considerable. Plus, she is pretty!

13. Great Britain

Dee-ann Rogers

I did not recall seeing black beauty as Great Britain's representative in Miss Universe recent years. Correct me if I'm wrong. I told you earlier, IMG is all about diversity. Dee-ann might pull off a spot for Great Britain, she is something! She reminds me of Ariyana Miyamoto of Japan back in 2015. both are the sounds of color at their respective country.

14. Ecuador

Virginia Limongis

Perfect body shape, beautiful face, nice person, amazing walk. What else? She has it all! One thing I'm a little concerned about is: is that enough to be Miss Universe?

Flashback to previous editions, there are many girls like her and ended up not getting the crown. She definitely needs something different that when everyone sees her, they stop and say "Yes, she is Miss Universe"

15. France

Eva Colas

France is sweet and beautiful, that's all I can say now. I haven't seen her really shining and stealing the show but hey, French girls can be a serious killer (not literally, LOL). I just can picture her in the top 15 for now, don't know why. It's just my hunch saying "insert France, insert France, insert France, insert France" to be honest. Hahaha.

Possible candidates:

a. Canada - Marta Stepien

Canada is total babe but currently being a little diva-ish and it's not good. perhaps it's just her way to blend but still, it disturbs. I'm really sorry. Anyway, let's not throwing her out because she is definitely up to something and we should sit and wait.

b. Russia - Yulia Polyachikhina

Another strong and beautiful girl. Again, is that enough to bring her on top?

c. Vietnam - H'Hen Nie

Her advocacy is excellent, she came from poor background and so on. but seeing her in Dolce&Gabbana glasses? Girl, that does not reflect your consistency on your advocacy. The story you bring will be forgotten. No one will believe you came from that backstory. I know your luggage might come from sponsorship but keep it subtle and not that 'Ka-boom! Universe, look at me. I'm gorgeus!'

d. Nepal - Manita Devkota

Coming from Nepal, the country that started their debut last year, she is something different. Let's say she might surprise us by her charm and ended up on top. We never knew.

e. Costa Rica - Natalia Carvajal

Another bomb. Her body and face is out of this world a.k.a. perfectly toned but I remain with my statement: is it enough?

f. Panama - Rosa Montezuma

She has moles above her lips, there are sayings that mole above the lips will bring you as the first runner up. hahaha, it might happen! She is gorgeous, though

g. Angola - Ana Liliana Aviao

I told you before, there will be at least one black beauty in the semifinal. The other option is Great Britain. We don't know what's gonna happen. She should be watched closely

h. Indonesia - Sonia Fergina Citra

Unlike the previous years, I always put my countrymen in the top 15 but not this year. I am being as honest as possible. She is just not that obvious. She is not as strong as Bunga Jelitha, she is not as bold as Whulandary, or as bubbly as Elvira Devinamira but knowing the organization of Puteri Indonesia she will be unleashing weapons up her sleeves for shurrreeee. For now, let her stay at the 'possible' list

i. Lebanon - Maya Reaidy

She is under the hands of former Miss USA, Rima Fakih. Rima knows exactly what's inside the scoop of Miss Universe. Even though Rima failed the Miss Universe 2010, she must be learning from that and Maya will be 'Reaidy' to figure out what to do and what not to do

j. Switzerland - Jastina Doreen Riederer

I know a contender when I see one. If only she has been more bold, she would easily be in the top 15. She should be consistent, eloquent, and at least being 'unforgettable'. She might as well be prepared as the 'element of surprise'.

Honorable Mention:

Malaysia - Jane Teoh

We all know that MUCA Skin Care of Malaysia is the sponsor of the 67th Miss Universe. This might be one of Malaysia's weapon to clinch a spot and help her getting through the competition.

Conclusion:

Under the new management, the Miss Universe Organization is totally surprising. Sometimes regarding the qualification, sometimes the system, and sometimes its the concept. Each girl just have to find the best formula and be the best version of themselves. Regardless of whatever I write, I wish each girl good luck!

I cannot say any further, let the mysteries unfold.

See you at the Final Thought!