5 things I like about the Miss Universe 2011 pageant

Miss Angola receives the crown from Miss Universe 2010
[Photo from cbsnews.com]

The battle of the beauties did not disappoint--as the Miss Universe 2011 pageant in Brazil delivered one hair flick after another; plastered smiles that would put clown masks to shame; and long gowns (and even longer legs) that are the envy of gay men the world (or the universe, rather) over.

While the Philippines' bet, Shamcey Supsup, didn't quite take home the crown (finishing 3rd runner up), I am glad that Miss Angola's Leila Lopes was the one who won. I do believe she deserved it--she looked regal; spoke well; and had a presence worthy of the title.

There are many things to like in the Miss Universe 2011 pageant in Sau Paolo. Here, to me, are five of them: 

1. Fan score is festive!
           This is an excellent use of science and technology in beauty--and it isn't even invasive! For the first time, fans all over the world was able to vote (from 1 to 10, the latter being the highest) in real time by logging on to www.nbc.com/uscore. While the votes had no bearing on the actual scores by the judges, it was fun watching the scores tabulated in real time while they are flashed on screen. This gave me a feeling that I am part of the show as I watch it, which is, as a beauty contest aficionado, a wonderful feeling. A huge improvement in my books. :)


2. Fast-paced presentation
           I liked how there was no dragging moments in the whole competition. The 89 girls were quickly trimmed down to the Top 16. The ladies quickly battled it out in the swimsuit competition, which determined the Top 10 semifinalists. It was these 10 gorgeous ladies that out-glittered each other with their evening gowns for one of the 5 slots in the finals. As you very well, the Q&A portion determined the winner. The winners were announced almost immediately afterwards without further ado. A lean and trim pageant, just like its candidates. :)


3. Lea Salonga is judge
          It was an honor for a Filipina to be a member of the panel of the judges. Even better that it's world-renowned singer and actress Lea Salong, who is known to many for her role as Miss Saigon. I do think, however, that she could have asked a more challenging question to Miss Angola when she was picked. I mean, c'mon, her question was very generic and elementary and one that these ladies have been asked 20 million times. [For the clueless, Salonga asked Miss Angola during the Top 5: "If you have to change a part of your body, what would it be and why?]


4. Instant slot in the Top 16
          It was something new to have a slot in the Top 16 given to a candidate based solely on online poll results. But I think it's one the organizers of this pageant should keep. In fact, I think other similar pageants should adopt it. Yet again, this gives the audience (us!) a chance to be involved, to be part of the results. On a side note, I was happy that Philippines' Shamcey Supsup entered the Top 16 without having to win the online poll (although she was one of the more popular candidates there). But then again, a slot is a slot and I'm sure Miss Portugal (who won the online poll) was thanking the stars.


5. No one tripped!
          It's an instant way of getting attention--trip on stage. I'm sure most of the women who slip don't mean that to happen but I'm pretty sure the trick--err-the trip has been used in more than one occasion to solicit attention. Though there were several moments where contestants had to struggle a bit with their long gowns (Miss Angola's heels caught the tail of her gown; and Miss Thailand almost tripped during the preliminaries), there were no major disasters this year. But don't count this trick out yet. There's always next year. :)