The Miss Universe pageant is fast approaching (Sunday-July 23, ‘06) and I find myself impatiently waiting for this splendid night to finally arrive. I don’t mind telling you outright that I am a beauty-and-brain pageant enthusiast, and that this forthcoming coronation night is absolutely a big deal for me. So if you indulge me…

         It’s comforting to me that there exists one arena in the world of competition where I feel confident enough to give my own humble critical assessment (or is it more like prediction ahaha) and be right on target (acheche). Case in point; last year, I singled out Canada’s delegate well before the pageant was even televised. I must extend my gratitude to the organization for providing an official website for me to do my homework. My husband and several of my friends cheered on for Ms. Mexico, while I steadfastly stood behind Ms. Canada throughout the competition (FYI, Ms. Mexico was my 2nd favorite, followed by Ms. Philippines, winner of the Ms. Photogenic award). As the show neared its conclusion, I knew undoubtedly that Ms. Canada was going to win the Mikimoto crown the moment Ms. Mexico was proclaimed the 2nd runner up. It was climatically amazing! Needless to say, I felt satisfied with the judges’ excellent choice, the beautiful and sophisticated, Natalie Glebova, the reigning Ms. Universe.

         Unfortunately for Natalie, it’s time for her to give way and let somebody else enjoy the prestigious title of MU. But the question is who would eventfully take her place this year? If you want to participate in this challenge please go to www.missuniverse.com and check out the 2006 beauties from around the globe. Scrutinize them as they pose in their swimsuit and evening gown. Also, find out how they fared as they tackle the preliminary interview. Then, pick out your own pets, and let’s compare notes. At this point of the pageant, of course (which is only less than a week away), I’ve already chosen 15 darlings out of the 86 lovely delegates. And, in random order, my personal choices are as follows: 

*Ms. Australia-Erin McNaught ->She reminds me of her fellow Aussie, beautiful and witty, Jennifer Hawkins the 2004 MU. Though in the flesh, she is not as sexy. I loved her interview. 

*Ms. Sri Lanka-Jacquline Fernandez ->I really like this girl (right up there with Ms. Colombia). A fresh looking face, pretty smile, eloquent, and so self-assured. She has an aura about her I can’t quite explain. But the most attractive thing about her is her remarkably strong intellect. I really enjoyed her interview, though I would have liked to hear her talk in a more natural manner. I wish for her to be the 1st Sri Lankan winner of the crown.

*Ms. Mexico-Priscila Perales -> With perfect features and sophistication, she is way up there, outshining her peers effortlessly. In short, she has the X-Faxtor. My only concern is the apparent resemblance between her and the current MU. Will the judges extend Natalie’s reign through Priscila? I guess we’ll find out soon.

*Ms. USA-Tara Conner ->Think about it, when was the last time USA didn’t make the top 10? Frankly, it took me a while to warm up to her. But as I reflected on it, it was clearly because I mistakenly took her humbleness and simplicity for meekness. I totally misjudged this poor thing. She is definitely beautiful inside-out. The only trouble is she is height disadvantaged at only 5′5″ tall. But who cares? Go USA!!!

*Ms. Colombia-Valerie Dominguez ->She is my top favorite (alongside Ms. Sri Lanka of course). Pretty, smart, and sexy, I hope she does exceptionally well. How about the new MU? She may not be the prettiest among the contestants but she definitely has the total package.

*Ms. Philippines-Lia Andrea Ramos ->Pretty, smart, and animated, could she be the 3rd title holder from the Philippines? A self-proclaimed Francophile, I hope this doesn’t ruin her chances of winning… You know how politically unfair individuals get out there sometimes.

*Ms. Venezuela-Jictzad Vina ->I would give her a spot in the top 15 for her strong background. Not that I consider her unworthy of the position. Hers was the only interview that actually stirred something deep inside me.

*Ms. Canada-Alice Panikian ->With her towering height and a pretty face, she definitely stands out. But she seems to lack the most important factor, substance.

*Ms. Thailand-Charm Onwarin Osathanond ->She is absolutely cute! Her command of the English language is truly impeccable. And her perfectly shaped body (slim and no traces of poking ribs thank you) is almost unreal.

*Ms. Spain-Elisabeth Reyes ->Her face is uniquely beautiful. Her expressive eyes and pouting lips are her best features. Though much to my dismay, her interview wasn’t that awe-inspiring (considering the fact that she was speaking in her own language).

*Ms. Cayman Islands-Ambuyah Ebanks ->tall, dark, and pretty (with brain of course)

*Ms. Bolivia-Desiree Duran ->This girl got spunk.

*Ms. Japan-Kurara Chibana ->I love her sense of style. Her infectious smile is definitely her best asset. She supposedly speaks 4 languages fluently (English included). But I have to say, I could not help but wince in some part of her interview.

*Ms. Puerto Rico-Zuleyka Rivera -> She is a talking barbie doll. Watching her interview, I remember exclaiming(with a contorted face) a few “what,”  but you know, she is a barbie doll. What more can I say?

*Ms. Indonesia-Nadine Chandrawinata ->Her interview was something else. Unforgettable (like Ms. Switzerland’s). She would have been better off resorting to her native tongue, like the other contestants did. Nevertheless, her angelic face and kind spirit just made me feel something special for her.

                                                   SPECIAL AWARDS:

                          Some of the girls below also serve as my alternatives

Best in National Costume: Ms. Japan, Ms. USA, or Ms. Sri Lanka

Ms. Photogenic: Ms. Indonesia, Ms. Brazil, or Ms. Spain

Best in Evening Gown:  Ms. Colombia, Ms. Thailand, or Ms. Sri Lanka

Best in Swimsuit: Ms. Colombia, Ms. Thailand, or Ms. Brazil

Ms. Congeniality: Ms. Thailand, Ms. Denmark, Ms. USA, or Ms. Switzerland

Clairol Style Award: Ms. Argentina, Ms. Norway, or Ms. USA

Note to the readers: Please don’t take it personally if your country’s representative did not make it on my list. As I’ve already mentioned, they are but my mere personal choices. Thanx!