It's towards the end of this year's Miss Hong Kong overseas shooting in Taiwan and the girls are starting to be in intense competition mode. This year's contestants are one of the strongest in recent years. I would even say it is as strong as the contestants back in 2014, even though the winners that year are one of the weakest in years. Let's just hope that this would not happen again this year.
Back to this year's contestants, I would say this batch is quite a diverse group. A lot of the girls are of decent height BUT, I believe to everyone's surprise, there is a contestant who is only 5 ft 1 inch of height. Among the girls, I would say some are raised in Hong Kong while some of them raised overseas. About the quality, some of the top shots are starting to frizzle while some of the not-too-eye-catching ones are starting to gain momentum. I must say TVB's transformation of the girls this year is quite good (although the outfits ARE JUST AWFULLLL.. when can they fire that Karen Chan).
THE MEDIA FAVOURITES
8) Kelly NG - Human Resources Officer - 24 years old - 5'6
Kelly has been a favourite among the media and the public since the 1st interview. With her slightly-mixed complexion, decent height and graceful aura, it is not difficult to understand why she remains the media's attention. I am a fan of her and I think she would be a perfect Miss Hong Kong because of her beauty and natural eloquence (although it could still be further polished). However, I was left a bit disappointed at times during her trip in Taiwan as I believe she is not competing in top shape. For instance, this can be shown by some of the mini competitions throughout the trip. During the fashion challenge, she had obviously underdressed by just styling herself with just a simple top and a pair of jeans. I am still optimistic about her chances but she really has to take it up a notch.
1) Boanne CHEUNG - Graduate - 23 years old - 5'3-1/2
Boanne is considered as a media favourite because she is the sister of last year's Miss Friendship Bowie Cheung, who is a hot shot last year. However, since her first appearance in the 1st interview, I am underwhelmed by her performance. Although I think she is slightly prettier than her sister, I think her beauty is not as distinctive. Bowie has this unique ancient beauty aura. Putting that away, Bowie miles ahead of Boanne in the speaking department. She is just not as natural and not as eloquent. At times, one does not know what she is trying to convey. Unless TVB is being particularly lenient to her, it would be difficult for her to make an impact on this year's competition. (PS her sister, despite being a reli strong candidate also failed to make it to the top 4 last year)
THE JUDGES'/GUESTS' FAVOURITE
7) Juliette Louie - Actress - 23 years old - 5'7
To be very honest, facially speaking, I think Juliette is the weakest among the 12. This is why I am surprised that she actually caught the judges'/guests' attention. This might be coz she has a BBC background, making her more outgoing and easy-going, with a natural confidence. She might make it very far into the competition but I would be disappointed if she would talk away with a crown (just like how I would be disappointed about 2014's result)
BUBBLING-UNDER
3) Nicole KAM - Student - 23 years old - 5'7
Nicole is one of the pleasant surprises of the competition. She started to catch my attention during the Taiwan shooting. Her make-up and hairstyles are very on-point. She looks extremely similar to Tracy Ip under TVB's transformation.
The good side of this: Being Tracy Ip look-alike means that Nicole is extremely pretty. It actually reminds me why Tracy became the Champion back in 2005. If Nicole's stage chops are as strong as Tracy's, she could easily become a top shot of the competition.
The bad side of this: Tracy Ip is constantly involved in drama and rumours back in the days, so it might not a good thing being associating with her. haha but I think the judges would overlook this so I am still pleasantly positive about Nicole's chances.
 |
| Tracy Ip (centre) |
2) Regina HO - Financial Advisor - 23 years old - 5'3-1/2
Regina has actually caught the attention of the media since the first interview. However, she is overshadowed by other favourites such Kelly and Boanne such that she is not featured. I think that she is a contestant who is a stunner with decent eloquence. The only thing that stands in her way is her height. Being one of the shortest contestants this year, she would surely lost an edge. (Although it might be Ms. Chan Chan's view that her height is suitable to be an actress.... someone should stop her from intermeddling with the competition as well). I think Regina would be a strong contender and I would not be disappointed with she stands among the top 3.
12) Mandy YAU - Student - 17 years old - 5'7
Although Mandy is the youngest contestant this year, she is facially one of the strongest in this batch. She has one of the most beautiful pair of eyes and she is even one of the tallest girl this year. I am really positive about her chances but she really have to work on her confidence and eloquence.
THE REST
Katarina Li, Suki Wong and Nicole Wu are all decent contestants but I dun find them as memorable as the ones mentioned above. Katarina managed to be one of the highest scored contestants during the Taiwan shooting; Suki is the tallest contestant this year standing at 5'9; Nicole was named as "Tracy Chu look-alike" by the media during her first interview. She then trimmed her long hair and I think this made her even less memorable among the girls who had short hair.
As for Emily Wong, I think she is very pretty and likeable after TVB's transformation. However, she is just not memorable enough. I think she has the potential to be a dark house though.
