THE next Miss Universe will not be crowned until next week, but the preliminary pageant held at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday night excited many fans rooting for their favorite candidates.
The preliminary competition was hosted by actor-model Derek Ramsey and reigning Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, who wore a barong and terno made by fashion designer Michael Cinco.
The candidates kicked off the preliminary pageant saying their names and countries, which was followed by a swimsuit competition and long-gown competition.
Miss Universe Philippines, who unsurprisingly received the loudest applause, wore an emerald green gown.
The preliminary competition was later called to a close, but the audience stayed for the national costume competition that was taped ahead of the finals.
Emcee Nick Teplitz, also known as The Rhyme Guy, replaced Ramsey and Wurtzbach as host and entertained the audience with his witty rhymes.
Miss Philippines Maxine Medina wore an ensemble inspired by the traditional vinta boat. Her headdress was inspired by the country’s famous coral reefs.
Fashion designer Rhett Eala earlier said that the headdress contained south sea pearls from Jewelmer. Her headdress alone cost over PHP1 million.
Miss Myanmar Htet Htet Htun’s wore a model theater stage on her back and later revealed herself to be a puppet on strings, which her country is known for. She received the loudest applause for the obvious effort she put into acting like a marionette.
Miss France Iris Mittenaere became the first woman allowed to bring an official Moulin Rouge costume out of France.
Miss Mauritius Kurshboo Ramnawaj wore a costume with a cape that represents a volcanic explosion that created her country. It was also designed by a Filipino designer who was not named by the host.
Miss Sweden Ida Ovmar reused her long gown as a national costume but changed it up a bit. She wore a braided red wig similar to the hair of popular Swedish children’s book character Pippi Longstocking.
Miss Israel Yam Kaspers Anshel portrayed herself as Eve complete with apple and fake snake.
Miss Malaysia Kiran Jassal had a miniature version of her country’s world-famous Petronas Towers stitched as sleeves on her gown.
Miss Germany Johanna Acs had a castle headpiece as a tribute to the Brothers Grimm, who were known for their folk tales including Cinderella, The Frog Prince and Hansel and Gretel.
Despite a wardrobe malfunction, Miss USA confidently strutted onstage wearing a silver warrior costume and carried a shield reminiscent similar to Marvel’s Captain America’s.
In a video showing the terno fashion show in Vigan City held on Jan. 15, Philippine Medina incorrectly said that the traditional Filipino dress was invented by former first lady Imelda Marcos.
Mrs. Marcos popularized the terno in the 1970s but it had been worn as early as 1910, according to experts.
Medina later clarified that she used the wrong word but she really meant to say “popularized”.
Wurtzbach defended Medina from bashers but asked her to be more careful next time.
Wurtzbach will be passing on her crown to her successor on Jan. 30 at the MOA Arena.
