71st Miss Universe, Who Will Win and Who Will Walk Back Home?

The 71st Miss Universe is right around the corner! In just a few hours, Harnaaz Sandhu will crown her successor as the new Miss Universe. First things first, let's just appreciate Harnaaz for showcasing the world the new era of Miss Universe. She has been an example to all women that her passion, her eloquence, and her undeniably charisma has impacted so many souls across the globe.

Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Sandhu
Photographer: Fadil Berisha Photography

This year, 84 beautiful contestants are vying for the most coveted crown in the universe, yet only one will snatch the force for good crown. Rumor has it, as we witness the shift of a new era, the reigning queen will not get an apartment for herself (like usual) but to share it with two of her runner-ups. The winner will also commuting from the MUO New York headquarter to MUO Thailand headquarter. So there will be two penthouses in NYC and Bangkok each. Anyway, no one confirms it yet as it was just only rumors that circulate across the net.

This year's semifinal format will be back to last year's where only 15 finalists are advancing, plus one extra spot from the winner of online fan vote (make sure to vote your favorite NOW). So in total, 16 spots are available, and these spots may come from any regions. As confirmed by the President Director herself, Paula Shugart, there will not be a continental-based placement this year so whoever gets the highest score will advance through. Then again, high interview and preliminary score will not be the only scoring system used to determine the semifinalists. These ladies are being observed since day one of their arrival (even before the pageant started) and there are always shadow judges scattered across the place, like any pageants do. The organization would like to ensure that their chosen winner is the right girl to do the job. But if we want to dig a lot deeper, like, in a dark web level depth, there are another considerations that could make a girl advance. Just like the famous phrase, a business is a business. *wink*

But then again, earlier today the President Director Paula Shugart just confirmed that there will not be a top 10 format, so the selected 16 finalists will directly cut down into the top 5. What a shock! 😱

With all these careful considerations, I tried to analyze and curate which girl would probably be the right winner. Last year in an unpublished writings, I predicted the top two correctly (only my fellow pageant fans read my opinions as it was only written in message form) so I wondered whether I could actually guessed the right winner again this year.

This year, I can frankly say there are no clear winner. Previous years I can see Catriona Gray, Demi Leigh and Harnaaz Sandhu being clear winner. It would definitely be hard to guess one correctly but again my hunch and analysis are getting into a group of women.

Force for Good Crown
Picture: Mouawad

So without further ado, let's get down to business.

I curated these ladies based on four categories. The Crown Frontrunners, are those who I believe has the highest chance to win the crown. The Strong Contenders, are those who are most likely to get placed, having a very excellent performance throughout the pageant but I wasn't really sure about winning the first place. The Contenders, are those who I consider were the most stable in the competition and having a high rate of placing the semifinal. and The Darkhorses, who I consider to be those who don't really get the hype and fame but they could be snatching a place on top tier.

Please note that even though I write this in a sequence of numbers, these are not my rankings. Although, this could unveil as reality 😉 but we never know, let's just enjoy pageant in peace and celebrate all women.

THE CROWN FRONTRUNNERS

1. USA

R'Bonney Gabriel

Like I said on earlier post, R'Bonney works her way from behind the lens. All those sleepless nights, those preparations and numerous trainings start to unveil themselves as a result. On the preliminary night, she performed exceptionally wonderful. Don't be surprised if on the final night she might clinch a spot in the top 3, yet again winning the crown itself. She is more than ready to become the 71st Miss Universe.

2. Peru

Alessia Rovegno

Alessia Rovegno really played her cards well. She was exceptional and every single day is showing promises that she is the one to beat. This blonde bombshell has the face, the attitude, the walk, even the talk of a winner. Don't be surprised if she is standing easily on the top 5.

3. Indonesia

Laksmi Shari De-Neefe Suardana

After a hiatus in 2021, Indonesia truly comes back to the competition stronger than ever. Despite being Indonesian myself, I hardly put Indonesia on the top list (except on 2019). She is the strongest Indonesian representative to date, her presence reminds me of a river. Water is clearly her element. She might be emerging as one of the darkhorses in the final night, despite no pageant fanpage ever put her on the top list. I said what I said.

4. Colombia

Maria Fernanda Aristizabal Urrea

The FACE of the competition. Not really hard putting her on the top 5 list as she has been quite a competition. If you noticed, among 84 finalists she has the most 'screen time' both on video and on social media. People definitely like her, and that's for a reason. She could really bring back the Colombian glory.

5. Thailand

Anna Sueangam-iam

One of the prettiest faces Thailand ever send to Miss Universe. She truly has everything it takes to become the Miss Universe, after years of trying to get the main title. With the performance like she showcased on the preliminary night, it's not hard for her to be on the top 5 finalists.

THE STRONG CONTENDERS

6. Venezuela

Amanda Dudamel

Venezuela comes really strong this year, her beauty is almost unforgettable. She is very well-prepared, she has the mission, and she certainly has the ambition to win the crown. Let's see where her stars will guide her. Despite everything, she will certainly have a succesful life after the pageant.

7. Puerto Rico

Ashley Ann Cariño

One of the most stable performance throughout the competition. She really didn't miss a beat. She has an amazing day-to-day performance and she really topped it off with a stellar performance on preliminary and the national costume. Let's just hope everything is enough to bring her on top of the rankings.

8. Philippines

Celeste Cortesi

Her outstanding preliminary performance really sealed her place on top of everyone's favorite list. She is stunningly beautiful and her bringing the A-game will definitely sufficient for her to be on top.

9. Mexico

Irma Miranda Valenzuela

 

She really surprised me with her stellar performance on the preliminary. She might not be on my list in the previous article but hey, I changed my mind. She really is beautiful. Also, after reading more about her and her background, I'm convinced that she might probably emerging as one of the contender on the final night.

10. Brazil

Mia Mamede

Another pleasant surprise. I actually have been watching her bvery closely as she either be a hit or a miss, but after the preliminary night I'm pretty much convinced that she might be a hit on the competition. She came in real strong.

THE CONTENDERS

11. Bahrain

Evlin Khalifa

Her tireless campaign of having a moslem being represented more in the Miss Universe stage is what really convinced me. She is more than just a beauty, she has a mission, she has ambition. She is truly setting a high standard for all moslem girl to be represented in the international stage, especially at Miss Universe.

12. South Africa

Ndavi Nokeri

South Africa has been in the spotlight ever since Demi Leigh won the title back in 2017. This year is no exception. Ndavi truly possesses the charm of the South African beauty. She is strong, passionate, and really humble beauty. Let's not forget her. She might surprise us all.

13. Germany

Soraya Kohlmann

A serene beauty from the land of Europe. I wasn't really see her in the beginning of the competition but I somehow see something from her at the end of the competition. She looks like she's preparing something and I'm counting it as her way to dig her place up there in the competition. I'm pretty sure this beauty will captivate many eyes.

14. Jamaica

Toshami Calvin

Her beauty is truly a representation of diversity. She might rarely seen on everyone's top list but I somehow imagine that she will surprise everyone and come forward as one of the top candidates. Like I always said, representation matters.

15. Dominican Republic

Andreina Martinez

One of the most persistent contestants throughout the competition. She doesn't really come as strong as Venezuela, Colombia, etc. but she certainly is on the strong side. If you noticed, she is serving us with impeccable performances from the beginning.

16. Vietnam (By vote)

Ngoc Chau

Her performance alone is truly stable and actually more than enough to bring her on top, but seeing the enthusiasm of all the Vietnamese fans, I won't be surprised if she emerges on top by voting system. I mean, when it comes to online voting, Vietnamese is such a force to reckon. In 2020, Miss Vietnam broke the all-time records by having the most vote in the history of Miss Universe. This year might not be an exception.

THE DARKHORSES

When it comes to the darkhorses, I learned a lesson that Miss Universe Organization is always putting at least one or two candidates that are out of everyone's radar. Let's not forget Miss Italy in 2014, Curacao in 2015, Kenya in 2016, Sri Lanka and China in 2017, Poland in 2018, Nigeria and Portugal in 2019, Myanmar in 2020, also Singapore and Aruba in 2021. None of them ever receive publication and people don't actually find them as much but at the end of the day they reclaimed their glory in the final. So, yes, Imma try to guess the unguessable and let's see how the final will unveil.

1. Laos

Payengxa Lor

Miss Universe is all about being the first this and that. Numerous finalists have been advancing because the candidate is making history. Payengxa is the first Hmong woman to win the title of Miss Universe Laos. This background might be an interest to the organization and probably will be her selling point.

 

2. Great Britain

Noky Simbani

Working in a field of most men, Noky becomes an example that a woman can do anything they set their mind into. This story might also be an interest to the organization, not to mention her background is bringing her an advantage: eloquence, something that would be useful for a titleholder.

3. Ukraine

Viktoriia Apanasenko

Having to compete in the middle of the war and chaos is not easy. She really has a story and a message to tell. Her presence could be a message of peace and a voice to stop the war. Don't be surprised if she comes out as one of the finalists as her voice could be used to spread the message of peace.

4. Haiti

Mideline Phelizor

Her background story is touching the hearts of many. Dealing with difficult past makes her grow stronger as a woman and this is the mission that aligns with the organization.

5. Iceland

Hrafhildur Haraldsdóttir

Miss Universe is all about inclusivity, representation and being an inspiration to women worldwide. That said, Iceland could easily be a pick as I didn't see many Europeans being represented this year. Among all European beauty, Iceland (or Italy) could fill the gap.

That is my top 21 for this year's Miss Universe, I understand of there are any disagreement or a difference in opinions. And folks, remember, this post was not meant to lift one candidate up and bring the others down, this was just pure joy and a fun writing for me as a pageant fan to sharpen my English skill, my analytic skill and just basically a way to communicate with more pageant fans across the globe. Anything can happen on the final and I wish everyone the best of luck for the final, cheers to all delegates!

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Billy Corna

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71st Miss Universe: Who's Gonna Be On Top?

 

The 71st Miss Universe is happening right now. The pageant takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana where one lucky girl is going to succeed India's Harnaaz Sandhu as the new Miss Universe.

This year's pageant is particularly different since a lot of changes happen. When I said a lot, it means A LOT. The ownership of Miss Universe Organization is shifting, and it's now owned by Asian millionaire and businesswoman Anne Jakratutanip. Khun Anne is apparently a pageant enthusiast, because a lot of things has changed under her short period of leadership. Of course the changes are in good way.

Things are currently changing and fans worldwide are still adapting to new changes.

The Force for Good crown
Image: Mouawad

First things first, the crown. Khun Anne introduced a new crown as it marks the new era of Miss Universe. She specifically chose the new design of the crown and the crown itself was crafted by the famous jeweler Mouawad, who previously crafted the crown before today. The crown is named "Force for Good" and it resembles the shape of the ocean wave with blue as its dominant color. Truly magnificent.

New font on new sash
picture: missuupdates

And now, the sash. The Miss Universe finalists sash are now changing too. The most prominent change was on the fonts used. Since 2011 Miss Universe has been using a printed sash with bold fonts but now the iconic sash is changing. Some like it better, some need time to adjust, and some others hate it. I personally was on the team of adjustment. The sash is pretty, really, but I kind of liking the old font better, it was iconic. It was made by The Sash Company.

New winner sash
Picture: The Sash Company

The winner's sash is also changing, but this time many people liked it because it's new and modern. I'm with them this time. Oh, and this sash is claimed to be the first Universe's sustainable sash. How awesome.

And for the main part of the article, who's going to be on top and experience all the new things?!

Well, for at least 80 women are in this year's pageant but at the end of the day, only one will wear the crown. I have personally curated my top picks for this year's pageant and a bit of disclaimer here, my opinions remain only opinions, it really won't affect the judging panel. All of the girls deserve the exact same chance to win. With that said...

The Crown Frontrunners.

1. Colombia

Maria Fernanda Aristizabal

Colombia sends an angelic beauty this year. This caliber of beauty is hardly forgettable. All our eyes are on her. Ever since she won the Señorita Colombia, everyone wanted her to go to Miss Universe. I get the hype, she gives me Paulina Vega deja vu. She is truly a beauty and a contender.

2. Thailand

Anna Sueanga-iam

The prettiest face I have ever seen from Thailand's beauty queen. She comes REAL STRONG. She even started to be the talk of the town since her national pageant's winning moment. Without a doubt, she could be Thailand's third Miss Universe winner. She came prepared and ready.

3. Peru

Alessia Rovegno

Did you see the face? THAT is the face of the universe. This blonde bombshell is a media darling and oh boy she is pretty both in motion and in picture. We can definitely see a crown on her head.

4. Italy

Virginia Stablum

Italy was last placed in 2014, and this beauty might end the drought. Yet again, she CAN win the crown. She is truly one of the strongest European beauty this year, if not the strongest. The expensive and elegant vibe is all we need from a new Miss Universe. If she wins, it's a refreshment for the organization as I tend to see a pattern in the previous winners' face.

5. Venezuela

Amanda Dudamel

Venezuela is back on track. Amanda can definitely bring back the Venezuelan glory. She is THE face. Even from quite a distance, she is giving us the "oh, that's VENEZUELA."

The Favorites

6. USA

R'Bonney Nola

#NolainNola. That's what the hashtag says. She might not be under the spotlight as much as other candidate but seeing her background and her journey, also her being very consistent, let's not forget her. She might walk in creep, climbing her way up from behind. Anyway, the USA sash is strong for a reason, just saying.

7. Philippines

Celeste Cortesi

One of the prettiest face the Philippines has ever send to Miss Universe. Her training and previous pageant experience is more than sufficient to bring her on top, let alone being in the top 5. Philippines, as we all well-aware of, probably has the most effective way of training their queens in this era and that's why this country is named the land of pageant queens. Let's just wait and see of how her trainings has paid her off very well.

8. Indonesia

Laksmi Shari De-neefe Suardana

Ever since Whulandary placed in the top 16 back in 2013, Indonesia has been through many trials and errors by trying to find the exact formula to make it on top of the Miss Universe. This year is probably the result of those years of finding the right formula. Laksmi has been trained very well and she came to New Orleans ready to slit throats (not literally).

9. Vietnam

Ngoc Châu

Just like Indonesia, this year might be the result from years of finding the formula to make Vietnam on top. Vietnam is currently emerges as the new country everyone needs to pay attention to. Their queens are highly prepared, their fans start to be as supportive as the countries where pageant is on their spotlight (i.e. Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, USA, even Venezuela.) and not a single day Ngoc Chau give us a boring look, she came very well-prepared.

10. Guatemala

Ivana Batchelor

Ivana gained popularity after being named as the 2nd runner-up of Miss Grand International. People want her to try new pageant. And while people ask, she delivered. She is named as Miss Universe Guatemala and came very prepared. Her previous pageant experience is self-explanatory, she is ready to bring Guatemala on top.

Also A Stronger Possibilities

11. South Africa - Ndavi Nokerii

12. India - Divita Rai

13. Aruba - Kiara Arends

14. Jamaica - Toshami Calvin

15. Panama - Solaris Barba

The Possible Dark Horse

1. Ukraine - Viktoriia Alpanasenko

We all have heard about what is going on in Ukraine, she might bring this message to the universe. She has a story to tell, as she could be an example of standing out strong amidst the chaotic situation.

2. Nigeria - Hannah Iribhogbe

Why is no one talking about this girl? She is amazing inside out, go read her profile. She might come and surprise everyone.

3. Russia - Anna Linnikova

This barbie from Russia might come with a message, she could be the voice to end the war and spreading message of peace and love.

Like I said earlier on this post, my opinions are just that. Opinions. I won't be affecting the judges' decision so anyone can be on top. Things can change, let's see how the list will update after the prelims on January 11, 2023.

Ciao!

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Billy Corna

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Road to Miss Universe 2018 Final: The Impression

In around 12 hours, we will have our new Miss Universe. The final will take place on Monday, December 17th 2018 (GMT+7) and will be aired LIVE on FOX from Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand and we will finally see who will succeed Demi-leigh.

This year the activities are not that tight, the girls spend most of their times video-taping, visiting cultural places and—of course the competition itself. Earlier this week the preliminary round has been conducted as well as the in-depth interview. Some said these three determine most of the cut. Well, not all the top 15 come from these three but MOST are. I’m positive the girls have given their A-games to the battle of the crown. Nevertheless, tomorrow we will find out which girl taking the crown back home.

I just recently learned that the top 20 formatting is BACK! Yes! That means there will be more girls having the chance to showcase their hard work. The format, apparently, will also stays with their continental zoning like last year. That means the girls will be competing against their continental mate to lock down the top 20 spots. Afterwards, they have to work their asses up for themselves because in the top 20 they will vie against each other.

During rehearsal, the top 20 semifinalists was divided into 4. 5 of the African and Asia-Pacific, 5 of the Europe, 5 of the Americas, and the other 5 is the wildcards (from any continent and in any number)

Another rumored format is that the Miss Universe is now using a 15-second speech to narrow down the top 20 to the top 10. My honest reaction was “ew!”. Come on, Miss Universe used to be cool! Not like this, please! After the top 10 are selected, they will be competing in both swimsuit and evening gown. Then as usual they will go to top 5 and then top 3. I really wish they would keep the old format.

Returning to our main point right here, it has not been easy for me to determine Miss Universe’s hot lists, I faced failures and successes throughout my journey of listing favorites (I’ve been following Miss Universe since 2003 but only writing opinions about them since 2014). Anyway, it’s off the case again hahaha. The point is this is not a prediction, I write all these for fun and to speak out my notes for the ladies.
For tomorrow's final, I suggest you to brace yourselves for anything. IMG is definitely unpredictable!

So, enjoy and good luck, ladies!

African and Asia-Pacific Group

1. PHILIPPINES

Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray

Clearly the one to win it! Sorry, I’m not being biased. I’ll say good to those in my eyes are good and bad to those in my eyes are bad and she is definitely the ONE in my “good” zone. I will simply say she is a pure-bred to the title. She has been consistently amazing. Not only since the Miss Universe kicked off but ever since she declared her rally to Binibining Pilipinas. Definitely up for a spot in top 3

2. NEPAL

Manita Devkota

Apparently, this Nepali beauty will come up as a silent murderer. She reminds me of Miss Sri Lanka 2017 who suddenly came out locking a spot in top 16. I just find it hard to see her more in the involvement of the activities but I’m sure she is digging her way up from behind the lenses. She seems smart and eloquent, to be honest!

3. AUSTRALIA

Francesca Hung

This girl won’t stop growing like crazy! She came so close and super-worthy of the title! She has poise and charm of her own. Regarding recent issue addressed to her and other two women, I believe it's just a misunderstanding (to Australia)

4. SOUTH AFRICA

Tamaryn Green

Being a successor is never easy, especially when your predecessor won the earlier year. Tamaryn makes the job looks easy. So far, she is still the strongest out of the African community. She is beautiful, tall, eloquent, a nurse in-the-making, bubbly and of course cameras love her! What else is lacking from her? She can definitely up for any spot, but sorry to say it's a NO for a back-to-back wins.

5. NAMIBIA

Selma Kamanya

Namibia made history as the winner of Miss Universe 1992 in Thailand. Now the pageant comes back to the country. Will she claim what Michelle McLean claimed back in 1992? Who knows! So far, she is doing a nice job and I find her pleasant to be seen on camera. Michelle McLean was also known for being among the interview and preliminary judges so this might be an advantage for Namibia to climb up on top.

Watch her out, everyone!

POSSIBLE PLACEMENTS:
THAILAND, JAPAN, CAMBODIA, NIGERIA, ANGOLA

Europe Group

1. HUNGARY

Enikő Kecskès

Hungary was off everyone's list but somehow I see potentials in her. She is promising and might be one of the names coming up on finals among other European queens.

2. IRELAND

Grainne Gallanagh

Ireland sends a promising candidate this year. She is a blonde bombshell --just like the USA and a total babe during the Miss Universe days! One thing I disappointed about her was her gown choice during prelims, it was somehow weird compared to other contestants but hey IMG judge the dress no more! personality matters now and she has it!

3. GREAT BRITAIN

Dee-ann Kentish-Rogers

A black beauty from the land of britain! She is the first black representative of Great Britain and this might be a huge milestone for black beauties of Britain. She seemed to be super calm during the Miss Universe days and she definitely has nice personality!

4. SPAIN

Angela Ponce

She has stories to tell the universe. She is an example, a role model and a voice of all LGBTQ community across the world. She will definitely lock a spot in top 20, to show the world no matter what, your personality is what matters.

5. BELGIUM

Zoé Brunet

She is something! Fresh and beautiful, ready to compete. She is more than beauty, she is unique. You can spot her from distance and say "That's miss Belgium"

POSSIBLE PLACEMENTS:
ICELAND, SWITZERLAND, POLAND

Americas Group

1. PUERTO RICO

Kiara Liz Ortega

Kiara keeps growing each day and showing her true potential! She looks regal and poised during the Thai night and the preliminary round which rocketed her into the top of my list. Just seeing the presence of herself I can say, “Yep, she is the one”

Puerto Rico recently won the Miss Supranational title, can Kiara match her fellow Puerto Rican and bring Puerto Rico another crown? Sure, she could!

2. CHILE

Andrea Diaz

I didn't expect her to be on top but seeing her overall performances made me reconsider my list. The Americas is the most difficult continental zone to narrow down. Too many beautiful women but I must be extra careful because beauty itself is not sufficient. Chile has the whole of it.

3. CANADA

Marta Magdalena Stepien

Canada won Miss Universe 2005 in Thailand. Now the event is back in Thailand. It feels like Canada didn't want to lose the momentum and send this angelic candidate to Miss Universe. I bet Thailand has its own magical effect on Canada.

4. MEXICO

Andrea Toscano

See that face? That is the face of the universe! So silly of me for not including her in my previous list but in my defense she was off my list before because I did not see much coming from her. Her presence is a WOW during the Thai Night event which instantly lift her placement on my list. After her gracious walk with the Thai dress, I could not possibly put her off the list. She truly left a nice mark on my brain and eyes!

5. VENEZUELA

Sthefany Gutierrez

Venezuela unwrapped herself slowly during the Miss Universe 2018 and that's a nice trick. In previous editions, every single miss Venezuela always come in "BAM!" from the beginning but she chose different trick and that is good, I believe. She was not emerged as a heavy favorite but slowly aimed a gun to the crown. Don't be surprised if Venezuela climbed up to the top.

POSSIBLE PLACEMENTS:
CURAÇAO, EL SALVADOR

The Wildcards

1.USA

Sarah Rose Summers

She came real strong but made herself a dent in the competition. In a live interaction with Miss Colombia and Australia she said things that probably hurt some people (PROBABLY). She is currently a hot topic in several news platform saying she was a racist and xenophobic. No matter what the issues are, I believe she just need to hold her mouth especially when she is a girl under the spotlight. Everything you do and say matters, honey.

2. COLOMBIA

Valeria Morales

Just like Miss USA. She is currently a hot topic regarding some issues, the problem is that the issues against her is more than the case with Miss USA and Australia. Earlier, she is accused of being snobby and arrogant. I just don't understand whether people is trying to bring her down or she really is like that. However, Steve Harvey is still hosting! She might stand among the top due to the mistake Steve did in 2015. My hunch says as long as Steve hosts the competition, miss Colombia--no matter who and what happened is still going to be up there.

3. VIETNAM

H'Hen Niê

Hennie--that's how I write her name, comes from a small village in her country. She is also among the minority race in Vietnam--the first from her race to represent her country. She has mission, she is strong and just gorgeous. I believe it is enough to bring her up to the top. One critique for her is about her inconsistency of the overall performances.

4. BRAZIL

Mayra Dias

Brazil has never been this weak in Miss Universe but considering her sash factor she might emerge as one of the top 20. One thing I really like about her is her facial feature, just so gorgeous!

5. INDONESIA

Sonia Fergina Citra

One of the most prepared girls towards the universe! She has been in the spotlight lately and her charm is definitely everything! her smile never fades as she always shows her best smile to everyone. Truly gorgeous queen!

Please note that those are not in certain order, I had trouble ordering who's going to be on top so I made the grouping zone instead. Regardless, everything can happen tomorrow!

By the way, I really must narrow these girls down. In no particular order, these FIVE are THE NEAREST to the crown:

AUSTRALIA
CANADA
PHILIPPINES
PUERTO RICO
SOUTH AFRICA

Last, I really wish all the girls good luck. No matter what happens tomorrow, you already give the best shot for your country and they must be proud of you! Love 💕

See you at another pageant content and stay tune for more!

Regards,

@billiansyaha

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Billy Corna

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