Miss Universe 2009

Finally I got to watch Miss Universe 2009 (after downloading the huge file), but it was worth the wait! Anyway here is what I made of the pageant.

Firstly I'd like to talk about my predictions! I got 8 out of 15, which is about what I normally get. Here's my reasoning to why some of my predictions went wrong...
Bahamas - Maybe she was a bit fake as everything did sound a bit rehearsed with her.
Colombia - My initial worry was because she was a bit too different in the prelims, I guess that sealed her fate.
Japan - I didn't expect her to make it but I thought the Japan syndrome was still strong
Mexico - I thought she'd make it but I did say I wouldn't put my money on her.
Paraguay - Well she was a filler for me, the judges decided on another filler.
Spain - She never really stood out, but I was drawn to the Spanish sash and her slight uniqueness.
Ukraine - Well I guess she was too much for MU.

Of the girls I predicted I generally got where they were evicted except of course Miss Venezuela - love ya!
I failed to see 3 girls coming and they were Sweden, Albania and Iceland. I didn't list Croatia either but I had a gut feeling she'd make it! However there were two girls I still don't understand how they got through and those two are Albania and Croatia. They both did average at the web interviews and neither stood out in the prelims for me. Albania walks like a duck and Croatia reminds me of the Korean women, Hang Mioku, who injected oil into her face - sorry but it's my honest opinion.

It was slightly frustrating that everybody was hinting at Carrie Prejean's controversy, expecially Billy Bush - get over it! One comment about Dayana Mendoza - doesn't she look scarily thin! Claudia Jordan's voice was also kinda irritating.

I was quite annoyed about the exclusion of Asian delegates - what about China, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines even Vietnam or Japan. At least one of those stated should have made it through.

I didn't like Heidi Montags song but it would have brought more oomph to the swimsuit segment, I liked Flo Rida but I believe the beat of Heidi Montag's song would have worked even better. Was anyone worried that Richard Lefrak, one of the judges, was going to faint! He kept on blinking! Just a side note - Miss India looked really old, Miss Serbia looked like a zombie and Miss Poland looked extremely bored - like her personality!

Ok finally onto the pageant...
Swimsuit
Personally I didn't like the Swimsuit runway, it was way too short. My top 5 for this segment were Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Australia and South Africa (France was a close 6th). Puerto Rico had a nice walk with a twist - I don't understand why the judges scored her so lowly. Venezuela looked gorgeous - she really popped in my opinion. Dominican Republic was as per usual - fun and vibrant. Australia did a decent job whilst I loved South Africa's walk. I wasn't the biggest fan of Kosovo because she looked a bit too boney for me. Albania looked like she was going to kill me! Czech Republic is overrated, she looks drained to me. If I was the judge I would have kicked out Switzerland and Czech Republic and instead let Belgium and Iceland through - or Indonesia and Jamaica! :) jk.

Evening Gown
I love Kelly but she sounded a bit scary! Overall I missed the simple dresses e.g. Puerto Rico's, all of the dresses were covered with load of different things. My Top 5 were Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, France and Australia (Kosovo was a close 6th). Just to say I would have dumped Kosovo for France! Anyway, Dominican Republic had a well rounded performance, Puerto Rico was sexy and vibrant, Venezuela was stunning - didn't really like the walk though, France did a good job whilst Australia looked beautiful, I use to love her dress but now I'm not the biggest fan. Why didn't Kosovo make my Top 5? Though I thought she looked elegant and the dress was gorgeous I didn't like her figure and to be honest I still wasn't really overwhelmed by her looks. Overall for the girls that were evicted I felt that Switzerland was way way overrated whilst USA, though I hate her, was given lower than expected scores.

The Misc Awards
China, Oh I Love China. She really deserved her Miss Congeniality - she oozes congeniality. Though Thailand isn't the most photogenic I think she deserves some recognition as I love her personality.

Final Question
Before I go on I don't think anybody did particularly outstandingly in this years final question but most of them did well.
Dominican Republic - I didn't like her question, too yes or no, no room for development. Though I think she had a lot of charisma in answering the question the answer in the end was slightly plain. I also felt that Dominican Republic looked the least pretty out of the 5 at this point! Though she's still pretty I felt she looked a bit tired.
Australia - Her question was a very good one, it allowed her to develop her answers and there were a lot of pathways she could have gone down. I was dissapointed with her answer as it was just too straight forward, out of the five questions thid was the easiest to look good in my opinion.
Puerto Rico - I think he question was worded very confusingly, it seemed like Riyo Mori purposely wanted to set a trap for Mayra! She could have easily fallen into the trap but I felt she did very well in answering her question and was shocked when she only got 4th Runner Up - like Mexico last year.
Venezuela - Her question was on the same topic as Puerto Rico's which I felt was a bit iffy. I liked her answer though, it was simple but left you contemplating, however her gestures were a bit off putting to me.
Kosovo - Her question was difficult, she could easily have sounded vain. I found her answer to be confusing, it could have been the translator but it just didn't flow. Sadly I thought her answer was the weakest out of the 5.

Final verdict
There really needed to be a Top 20 in my opinion - there were so many good delegates shut out. Anyway, after 3 rounds of scoring the Top 5 my rankings looked like this...
Puerto Rico - She performed decently throughout the night which is why I don't understand her low scoring. Like Mexico last year in my opinion - unfairly placed. I personally thought she was the best of the night! Go Mayra! You weren't even in my Top 20 prelim performances! I love your personality and vibe though.
Dominican Republic - I felt that she performed well throughout the night however she didn't really have any highs or lows.
Venezuela - My favourite girl came in at 3rd. To be honest her performance was good but there were a few things that irked me, however she still did well.
Australia - I got the feeling that she was holding back. She didn't flow as well on the night, she looked sweet but she didn't give it to us!
Kosovo - Though she is by no means as bad as Russia 08 I felt that she didn't perform that strongly, I was a bit dissapointed when Puerto Rico came 5th and Kosovo came 3rd. I didn't really mind her Top 5 placement but to come at 3rd after such a confusing answer was a bit shocking.

Though I believe Venezuela wasn't the strongest performer I think she was the best for MU out of the 5 as she was quirky, sassy, relatable and had a definitive look. Dominican Republic would have been another choice, in fact both have similar qualities that MU likes, but she lacked something that Venezuela had. Australia in my opinion was a bit tame for MU, however much websites tried to persuade me that she was a raging looney in side. Kosovo's look has past its faze - she's more of a early 21st Century MU, whilst Puerto Rico was a strong performer but she didn't show her personality during the night, Venezuela felt more down to earth and real which is what MU is looking for in my opinion. Overall there were some things that annoyed me but generally I was happy with the results, but I was shocked when I read that Venezuela had won, I loved her but I didn't really expect it - I'd have put her odds at 30 to 1 simply because she's not the best of walkers, luckily she looked stunning on the night. Congrats Stefania, you really deserve it.

My brother's at it again

Today I was on the phone with my dad, as he's currently in Hong Kong. He asked me what where we were and what we were doing. Of course I stated that I was at home doing nothing. Then I mumbled that my brother had just come back home (at 10am), my dad didn't here me but my brother did! Acting as he always does, as if he doesn't care, he asked me why I gave him a short reason and thought it was over and done with but then he begins an attempt to annoy me. He starts asking me - what do you wanna do in life, what's your goals - HELLO you've asked me this for the tenth billion time and I always answer you in the same way. He knows that gets me annoyed so he purposely said it. He went on to say "if you like art you'll be doing it now!" Artists have free time! They don't just "art" all day. "You need a goal, what do you wanna do, why are you not thinking about this" As I've said for the upteenth time I want to go to art college to do art foundation and find what path I'll follow! He continues with the same reply that "No no no, you should know what you wanna do by now!" Aaahhh, just don't aggravate me if you don't know me! And I've got to live with him for another month! GOD HELP!

Miss Hong Kong 2009

I'm quite late on this but better late than never - as I've always said.

For the first time since 1996 (Lee San San) my favourite actually won. Let's see my favourites in action since 1996.

1997 - Never watched it but I don't believe Virginia Yung would have been my favourite.
1998 - A girl called Jacqueline Cortes, she was the sweetest thing. Anne Heung seemed a bit old looking during the pageant for me.
1999 - I never watched the whole pageant but I know I'd route for Myolie Wu, Sonija was a good winner though.
2000 - Another year I never watched, so many C list TVBers were in this year! I think I'd choose Mandy Lam but they were all about similar for that year.
2001 - Never watched this either, Shirley may have been my favourite but I'll never know!
2002 - Finally a year I did watch! Though I did love Tiffany Lam, Rubyanna Choi just grasped me that year for some reason.
2003 - I never really liked her during the pageant, maybe because so many favourites were wrongly evicted, one of which being Selena Li, how did Priscilla Chi get 2nd Runner Up!
2004 - Yet again I never watched this but I had a connection with Fu Sze Sze as I predicted that the No.12 would make the Top 3, and she eventually made 2nd Runner Up.
2005 - Carrie LAM! She only made 2nd Runner Up - again! Hey I'm noticing a pattern.
2006 - KONI LUI! 2nd Runner Up AGAIN!
2007 - No real favourites but Loretta Chow was my favourite - 2nd Runner Up again!
2008 - My favourite was Angela Yiu - who didn't place! boo hoo.

And finally Sandy Lau made it happen again for me!
No.10 was a good 1st Runner Up, she performed decently throughout but she doesn't have the winners look. Mizuni was a favourite but with her performance it was somewhat shocking she made the top 3, how did she get the highest score in the swimsuit segment?

No.1 - She was really elloquent but I knew she wouldn't make it, I thought she did well though
No.2 - I like No.2 but I don't see why she was suddenly catapulted into the favourite position - she did well.
No.3 - Nah, average performance.
No.5 - She was a bit hard done by.
No.6 - Personally I thought that the Miss International Goodwill and Miss Tourism Ambassador would seal her 2nd Runner Up spot, never really liked her though. I guess the two awards are enough to justify her being in the photographs in the future.
No.7 - She did well, but her elephant tooth needs sorting out.
No.9 - A bit cocky actually and I never understood why she won Miss Photogenic, maybe to give her something as she was nominated by Sandra Ng.

Personally I thought the performances were about equal but I don't think Mizuni's performance on the night should have garnered her 2nd Runner Up. Nor did I believe that Sandy performed well but I'm still happy my favourite made it!

As for Miss Universe 2009, I know all the score and I'm estatic but I haven't seen the show yet so I'm going to wait till then to post.

Depressed

I'm back at England but less than 24 hours since leaving Hong Kong I already kinda miss it. This is the first time I've felt this way - I just really don't want to be in the UK right now. Maybe because my dad is still at Hong Kong (until 30th September) that makes me feel so lonely. I never knew I'd miss my dad this much. I think it's because this house doesn't feel like a house without him. I don't get homesick when I go on school trips so I guess it's because my house feels incredibly empty without him - I miss you dad!

MU09

Here I'm going to make a prediction to which of the 84 girls will make the Top 15 (note my predictions don't mean I like them!) This was a quick glance over who I believe has the best chance of making the Top 15 but in general there's always 1 or 2 that you never expected normally because they don't want too tough a competition for the real favourites (I normally get about 9 right).

AUSTRALIA

Come on there is absolutely no way this crowd, insider, bookies and pageant reviewer favourite will not make the Top 15, in fact I'll be shocked if she doesn't make the Top 5! However I personally don't believe she'll win (even if the bookies think so).

PREDICTION: I'm betting she'll place 3rd aka 2nd Runner Up.


BAHAMAS

In the past ten years how many times has the host nation not made the Top 15? She's also not that bad a contestant so there will be no dispute even if she made it.

PREDICTION: Top 15 placement failing at the first hurdle.


COLOMBIA

I personally was quite iffy on whether she'll make it to the Top 15 but buoyed by the strength of the Colombian sash and Taliana's performance last year (as MU is all about building on previous years strength) I believe she'll possibly be a Top 15.

PREDICTION: May not make Top 15 but if she does she'll make the Top 10 (risky on Top 5 but also possible if Top 5 I'm betting on 4th aka 3rd Runner Up)


CZECH REPUBLIC

Even though I think she's so not MU I just believe she'll make the final 15. I think her statuesque figure and modeling background will catch the judges attention.

PREDICTION: Top 10/5 (if she makes the top 5 I'm betting on her being 5th aka 4th Runner Up, however as there are quite a few tall girls in the bunch, normally MU have a bigger range, she could be kicked out)


DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

If she doesn't make the Top 15 it'll be the biggest shock in pageantry this year simply because she's got the MU vibe.

PREDICTION: Though I do predict her winning I'd like to be more modest and state a Top 5 placement. Also I'm not outright predicting her as the winner because of Amelia Vega's win in 03, I don't believe Dominican Republic is a strong enough sash to produce two wins in six years, maybe in 2012, however they have produced two 2nd Runner Ups since Amelia's win (all about building sash power!)


FRANCE

France is on the edge, she has the MU vibe but if too many girls are like that they'll definitely lose their appeal - which is why MU limit the number of these girls making it through. The French sash is also weak therefore I don't predict her making it far.

PREDICTION: She may not get in but if she does, Top 10 (small chance of Top 5)


JAPAN

Though Emiri's performance has been disappointing I believe the Riyo Mori aura hasn't burnt out yet, that's the only reason why Hiroko Mima made it last year (no offense). The Japanese sash is still strong this decade so I believe she'll make the Top 15

PREDICTION: Top 15


MEXICO

She's another one I wouldn't put my money on but is definitely more likely to make the Top 15 than say El Salvador.

PREDICTION: If she makes Top 15 then she'll make the Top 10


PARAGUAY

I think she'll make it into the Top 15 as she's not a strong favourite but a recognizable girl which won't spark controversy if she made the Top 15.

PREDICTION: Top 15


PUERTO RICO

The Puerto Rican sash is strong and Mayra is no weakling, therefore I believe she'll make it through. There is a slight doubt in my mind but I think she'll make it.

PREDICTION: Top 5 (Anywhere is possible besides winning I believe)


SOUTH AFRICA

I have an inkling feeling that Tansey Coetzee's early loss last year will affect her scoring (giving her a higher score!) I don't know why I think this because Angola 08 didn't get that treatment after Micaela Reis. But I believe she'll make it.

PREDICTION: Top 10 (my inkling feeling may push her to Top 5 or even further - lol what would that be!)


SPAIN

Another Paraguay in my opinion.

PREDICTION: Top 15


UKRAINE

I've succumbed to all the rumours, I think she'll make the Top 15 because she is noticeable.

PREDICTION: Top 15


USA

The queen of fake will obviously make it, no question of a doubt. I believe Miss USA has only failed to make it 4 times in the whole history of MU.

PREDICTION: Top 10, possible Top 5 (if so I'd say a 3rd Runner Up)


VENEZUELA

How many times has Venezuela not made the Top 15 in the last 30 years? I don't think Stefania will be shut out because Venezuela is so strong a sash and she ain't that bad. But her walk isn't the best which may mean an early exit.

PREDICTION: Top 15

Of course if you follow properly you'll know the figures don't add up! It's just too difficult to predict who'll make the Top 5,10 etc but these 15 are in my opinion the best bets to make the Top 15.

Alternatives
Jamaica - she got a lot of cheers from the local crowd and is a good filler.
China - MU may want to restore China's MU sash
Ireland - Only succumbing to the bookies wishes
Angola - I'm not restricting my options
Russia - Last year that thing managed to make the Top 5, Miss Russia 09 is miles better than her, but I'm worried about her scandal.
Slovakia - She'll make a good filler.
Costa Rica - Something lures me to her.
Guatemala - Yet again something lures me to her
Belgium - She is Missosology's No.1 Hot Pick for a reason
Nicaragua - Something lures me to her.
Ecuador - Something lures me to her.
Switzerland - Something lures me to her.
Kosovo - Would MU make Kosovo 2 out of 2, dunno.
Italy - It could happen for faketastic
Hungary - Possible.

I've covered all grounds, if anyone outside of the 15 named and the other 15 listed I'll be shocked, it could be a nice shock e.g. Indonesia or a bad shock e.g. Croatia. See you about MU in a few days as I'll be on the plane - need to download it!

Ok final word, my favourite for the crown is Dominican Republic.

MU 09

So here is my rankings of the 84 girls performances, enjoy!

84th to 71st (Sad to say, the worst of this pageant)...

No.84 is..... CROATIA! She just didn't do well in any area and therefore by the end she became the infamous No.84 - scary that she's considered for a Top 15 placement.








No.83, GEORGIA! She actually looked quite feminine in the prelims but beforehand she looked awfully weird.









No.82 KOREA! Where are the Honey Lee's? There are so many pretty women in Korea why was Na Ri chosen? She's not ugly but she's definitely not the prettiest Korean girl I've seen.








No.81 is SLOVENIA! Basically she's forgettable and not that great anyway.










No.80 GREECE! Poor girl her walk is one step away from being as bad as New Zealand.










No.79 is EL SALVADOR! She had no confidence at the prelims which is her biggest fault as even the awful walkers Greece and New Zealand strutted their stuff with confidence.








No.78 TURKS AND CAICOS! The supposed ugliest woman of the pageant placed at 78! 6 girls below her! Don't be fooled by her Fadil shot because this is what a lot of photoshopping does for you! But I do have to say her confidence is a big asset.







No.77 is POLAND! erm Who....











No.76 is BULGARIA! I dislike her look a lot, she actually scares me!










No.75 is SERBIA! The tomboy never grows out of being a tomboy!










No. 74 is ISRAEL! The third worst walker of the pageant, she just walks like she's in the army.










No.73 ROMANIA! Yet again, who????











No.72 URUGUAY! She always looks like a deer in the headlights.










No.71 is ARUBA! She needs toning.

70th to 61st...

No.70 is HUNGARY! A pretty girl with awful styling, that's what you can say for Hungary.










No.69 is GUYANA! At times she looks pretty at times she looks manly, she's Ok but there are better contestants.









No.68 is TURKEY!











No.67 is MALAYSIA! Don't really like her that much to be honest.










No.66 is ITALY! Welcome the Majesty of Fake, fake boobs, fake lips and probably everything else is covered with plastic! She looks aged as well, a being of human modification.








No.65 ALBANIA! She walks leaning forward erm... like a Duck!










No.64 KOSOVO! She did quite well at the prelims but I still don't like her that much.










No.63 is TANZANIA! She's got this weird look about her, she needs to smile more.










No.62 GERMANY! I like her but her performance doesn't allow me to score her any higher.










No.61 is MAURITIUS! An earthy beauty and very intelligent but MU doesn't value a girl without BEAUTY!

60th to 51st

No. 60 is ESTONIA! She's extremely stiff on the runway, my only comment.










No.59 is BRAZIL! I don't like her look but she is quite sassy on the catwalk.










No.58 is ICELAND! Her Fadil shot is gorgeous but she isn't that amazing in real life. An ok contestant.










No.57 is MONTENEGRO! If only she styled herself like the Fadil shot she may have been a contender.










No.56 is NORWAY! Her excessive eye make up makes her look like a hag! oop did I actually write that!









No.55 is ARGENTINA! She's really pretty but another girl who's not pageant ready.










No.54 is USA! The queen of Fake has arrived! A favourite - my ass! She's as fake and as copycat as Miss California, we thought we got the better of the two but uh uh she's just as bad! However she does have a decent (but copycat) walk totally copied from Taliana Vargas. Arizona, Utah, Kentucky, Tennessee or Arkansas would have been better than her.





No.53 is LEBANON! There's something really captivating about her but there's a limit to that.










No.52 is BAHAMAS! The host nation lands at 52, a respectable if not unexpectedly low ranking from me. I do like her and believe she's probably going to make the Top 15, come on when was the last time a host contestant didn't.







No.51 is SWITZERLAND! She's actually really beautiful but forgettable.

50th to 41st...

50th is NAMIBIA!











49th is ECUADOR - She's a good runway walker and she had an interesting national costume.










No.48 is NICARAGUA!











No.47 is NEW ZEALAND! She's really pretty but so not pageant ready - just look at her catwalk!










No. 46 is BELGIUM! She's a favourite to make the Top 15 and undoubtedly she's really pretty but in my opinion she's really forgettable.









No.45 is NETHERLANDS! Netherlands is a pretty lass who should have scored well in my books considering she's half Korean but her performance at the prelims was more than underwhelming for this sudden sensation on the GlobalBeauties website.







No.44 is FINLAND!











No.43 is SPAIN! Personally I find Spain to have an odd look, but I don't mind her as long as she doesn't kick out any of my favourites from making the Top 15!








No.42 is UKRAINE! She's a totally different entity to the MU pageant. She's just a bit crazy I think! But that's the attraction which has led to many an insider stating a shock appearance in the Top 10 or 5 by the Ukrainian. I hope not!







No.41 is GUATEMALA! She really stood out in the prelims I thought and I'm starting to like her look, lets see what happens.