1 Out of 7 Billion
The world is getting smaller everyday but a lifetime is not enough to explore it. My adventure starts in Singapore.
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Miss Universe 2010
August 22, 2010
The event happens on Monday night (USA) / Tuesday morning (Singapore). Singapore telecast will be on Tue, 24 August, 9 AM over at Mediacorp Channel 5.
Every year, I am hoping that Miss Philippines lands a spot in the semifinals but there are always a lot of surprises in this type of competition. In the end, it really depends on the judges during the presentation show. (FYI, there is a different panel of judges during the finals night).
Anyway, here are a few photos from the swimsuit preliminary competition held last week which I picked up from the Miss Universe website.
Representatives of countries where I used to live and where I am living in right now.
Miss Philippines - Venus Raj
Miss Singapore - Tania Lim
Candidates of countries which won the Miss Universe title during the past 10 years. Venezuela and Puerto Rico won 2 years each.
Miss Dominican Republic - Eva Arias
Miss Australia - Jesinta Campbell
Miss Canada - Elena Semikina
Miss India - Ushoshi Sengupta
Miss Japan - Maiko Itai
Miss Panama - Anyoli Abrego
Miss Puerto Rico Mariana Paola Vicente
Miss Venezuela - Marelisa Gibson
Since a different set of “cheeks” were shown in the above photo :p , I thought I’d post her close-up shot. I think she will be a shoo-in for the semifinals.
Close Up Shot of Miss Venezuela - Marelisa Gibson
The pageant will be held in Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. If only I had the time, I would travel to Vegas, spend some dollars at the casinos, and catch the event.
Miss USA - Rima Fakih
Good luck to all candidates.
Recommended Team/Staff for Idol Hopefuls
September 21, 2009
After having watched Idol shows of at least 3 countries (US, Australia, and Singapore) over the past several years, I believe each “hopeful” should have people who will assume the roles listed below. Some jobs roles can be combined as appropriate.
It’s tough to be in a competition so always good to seek assistance from the experts who can stay focused in making the individual successful.
Vocal coach – assesses vocal range of the individual, determines potential vocal range, helps individual select the appropriate songs based on weekly theme, works with individual in improving voice quality which includes but is not limited to diction, phrasing, breathing, putting emotion into the performance
Instrumentalist – as necessary; has a high level of competency on guitar, keyboards, and other instruments; rearranges the composition based on individual’s preferred approach (as approved by vocal coach)
Dance instructor – also doubles as fitness and well-being instructor ; works with individual in developing and improving stage presence either through appropriate gestures or dance steps; looks after nutrition and stress management; can be held responsible for security if contestant becomes exceptionally popular during the competition
Stylist – covers hair & makeup, clothes, grooming on and off cam ; provides guidance on how to project on screen and on camera (i.e. photo for publications); if competent enough, job holder can look after finances since majority of the expenses will likely be on clothes
Researcher – liaises with vocal coach on weekly themes and recommends songs that appeal to voting public (including background on the song); also considered an expert in what judges’ preferences are including capturing of feedback during competition itself; reviews performances of other contestants (strengths/weaknesses) and translate these for the benefit of the individual
Media relations – also acts as legal adviser if things get of out of hand; manages generation of good publicity for the individual in the local and overseas press; leads new media to expand voting/fan base (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, websites, forum); works with fan clubs (if any) on materials, participation in events; responsible for creative (yet legal) means of increasing votes
Not sure if the above makes sense but that’s my opinion. :-)
The New Miss Universe 2009
August 24, 2009
Another pageant is over.
Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza (Venezuela)
Sadly, 83 contestants go back home empty handed. Only consolation is that they can now relax their facial and arm muscles after the month-long smiling and waving.
The following made it to the Top 15 but competed only for swimsuit as they didn’t make it to the next round.
15. Iceland (7.730)
14. Croatia (7.811)
13. Sweden (7.830)
12. Belgium (7.870)
11. Albania (7.900)
The following made it to the evening gown competition. Score for such round in parenthesis.
Top 10
10. USA (7.550)
9. Switzerland (7.890)
8. Czech Republic (8.010)
7. South Africa (8.040)
6. France (8.650)
Top 5
4th runner up : Puerto Rico (#7 in swimsuit, #3 in evening gown)
Mayra Matos Perez (Photo courtesy of Miss Universe website)
3rd runner up : Australia (#1 in swimsuit, #4 in evening gown) – my favorite
Rachael Finch (Photo courtesy of Miss Universe website). #1 in swimsuit so thought I'd better have the right photo here.
2nd runner up: Kosovo (#3 in swimsuit, #2 in evening gown)
Gona Dragusha (Photo courtesy of Miss Universe website)
Announcement of the 1st runner up… this is the time when each contestant secretly hopes the other one will be called!
1st runner up: Dominican Republic (#2 in swimsuit, #1 in evening gown)
Ada Aimee De La Cruz - important role as 1st runner up hehe (Photo courtesy of Miss Universe website)
Miss Universe 2009
Venezuela (#4 in swimsuit, #5 in evening gown)
I've never seen the same country winning two consecutive years. See how ecstatic Miss Universe 2008 (also from Venezuela) is...
Also my first time to see the new crown falling all the way down to the stage!! At least, no one slipped during the evening gown competition this year.
Congratulations to Stefania Fernandez!
Useless info:
- Only 0.16 separated the score of Albania (#11) and USA (#10) during the swimsuit competition. Had Albania flirted a little bit more onstage, she could have gone to round 2. :p
- 0.19 difference between Venezuela (#5) and France (#6) during the evening gown competition. Venezuela almost didn’t make it to the Top 5
- All of the Top 10 contestants (except 2, Venezuela and USA) were 5’9″ and above!
This year, they wanted to be techie by using Skype for one of the final questions. Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007 was on it. Not so glam looking though.
Riyo Mori from Japan
Contestants from Venezuela train for one year before they are fielded into a pageant. Stefania seems to have been well trained even in knowing when to pause for her Q&A response to be interpreted. I think it’s a clever move as typically the response gets lost in translation (have seen that happen too many times).
This is her cue for the interpreter to begin translating. Notice the look?
I was hoping Miss Philippines would enter the semifinals. All the best, Bianca Manalo. Maybe you have a showbiz career ahead of you back in Manila.
Miss Singapore's National Costume. This is better than last. Not sure what's in store for 2010 (Photo courtesy of Miss Universe website)
This section is for women who are both “beauty & brains”. Remember to place your right hand on your right hip while answering the following questions asked during the final round. I’ve indicated Miss Venezuela’s answer for your reference.
1) According to the World Health Organisation, there is an urgent need to do HIV testing around the world. Do you believe that HIV testing should be made mandatory?
2) Tonight you were judged on how you looked in bathing suit. In some countries, women are not allowed to wear swimsuit. How does that make you feel?
3) Has being a beautiful woman made your life easier or has it prevented people from talking you seriously in business situations?
4) In many parts of the world, obstacles still exist that inhibit women from achieving their goals in some corporations. What can women do to overcome this?
Venezuela’s answer (translated) : “I believe that nowadays, we women have overcome many obstacles. And I do believe we have reached the same level as men have. We must realise that there are no longer any barriers among us.”
5) Pop superstar Justin Timberlake once said, “The worst thing about being famous is invasion of your privacy.” What is it about fame that makes many people including you, want to be famous?
American Idol
May 23, 2009
Kris Allen wins American Idol (2009)
I was only able to watch a few of the “Top 13″ shows this season but I’m really happy that Kris Allen won. He may not have a voice that could break shopping wall windows but he is steady. I can also relate to his type of music.
While Adam Lambert seemed on his way to clinch the crown, his style eventually annoyed me. I think I will feel dizzy listening to his CD if he sang that way in all his tracks. He’s talented and I’m sure a lot of people will buy his album.
Out of the 3 seasons of American Idol I had time to catch during the past few years, my picks were chosen by America twice — Carrie Underwood and Kris Allen. The other one, David Archuleta, finished runner up in 2008.
Happy is he who does not expect, he shall be rewarded. I know Kris didn’t expect to win over Adam. Now that he has finished top of the list, he needs to realise he won for a reason and his job is to live up to everyone’s expectations, especially those who voted for him.
Heard the finale was awesome. I recorded it but haven’t had the chance to watch yet.
Coming soon : Singapore Idol Season 3. Maybe I’ll watch that show too.
Just saw the website and here are the audition guidelines. I like guideline #9 though I pity those who will queue as early as 8am and have their audition late afternoon given the weather here in Singapore.
- You must be in line by 8a.m. at the Audition Venue. Registration for the Auditions closes at 6p.m.
- You must register online, then print out the online application form and bring the signed application form (photo included) with you on the day of Registration — 6 June to the Registration Venue. You must also bring your letter of Confirmation with your reference number on it.
- You MUST bring along a piece of ID that includes a Recent photo. The information provided in the Application Form should correspond with the information provided in the ID. For Singapore citizens please bring along your NRIC. For non-Singapore citizens (including Singapore PR), please bring along your passport.
- Auditions are NOT by appointment, you must come by 8a.m and join the Official Queue.
- Auditions will be first-come, first-seen. It is up to you to decide when to arrive at the auditions. Please anticipate long queues.
- Please remember that the audition process may take up to several hours, so please plan accordingly. Do ensure that you have a hearty breakfast before queuing at the venue, and come prepared for an audition process lasting several hours.
- If you are under 21 years of age as of the date of registration, please ensure that you bring along a letter of approval from a parent or guardian with their signatures. You are allowed to bring a parent or guardian with you, but they will only be allowed into the Reception & Registration Areas, depending on the day’s turnout.
- For those over 21, guests will be permitted based on the day’s turnout. No guests – family or friends-are allowed into the audition room with you.
- PLEASE COME DRESSED TO IMPRESS, but remember NOT to wear clothes with visible logos, trademarks or offensive language.
- Be prepared to sing two songs of your choice a cappella (without music), one of which must be in English. You will be required to sing a verse and a chorus, but it is good to know the entire song. You must provide the titles of the songs, and the original artistes (singers) to the person judging your performance.
Miss Universe 2009
April 26, 2009
Just checked the official site and learned that it will be on 23 August, 9PM US Eastern time (24 August, 9AM in Asia). Check local TV listings.
Bahamas will be hosting the pageant. “The worldwide telecast will highlight the warmth, beauty and hospitality of the Islands of the Bahamas as well as the world renowned Atlantis resort. “
Looks nice, doesn’t it?
Stage
Now if only Donald Trump will give me a free roundtrip ticket to the Bahamas and a good seat at the venue… especially since I’ve been watching each year since 1987!!
I’m sure the current Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza (from Venezuela) will enjoy this place during rehearsals and pre-pageant events.
Also tried looking up more info about this year’s event and came across this “Choose the Miss Universe Crown” poll. It’s legitimate so why don’t you make your selection? I already made mine a few nights ago.
http://www.choosethecrown.com/
