Miss Universe 2017 Review

Hi everyone, I actually wrote this blog post live as I watch Miss Universe.. First time doing it and it's so fun!

FYI

• I love Lu as the commentator and Carson is amazing as well!
• My top favourites so far is South Africa, Russia and Venezuela (i dun see her as Miss Universe though)

Top 16
They have used a new format this year which resembles Miss World's competition format a decade back. Seriously, if you wanna copy, please copy sth good...

Africa and Asia Pacific

• 1) Thailand -- YESSSSS
• She sounds like a really cool girl
• 2) Sri Lanka
• Ok.. abit unexpected but she deserved her place! Funny cats names hahaha
• 3) Ghana
• She looks gorgeous with her hair back in the final night but I would rather have Angola as my top girl of colour.
• 4) South Africa -- YESSSSS
• YESSSS...She looks stunning
• At first I dun reli think a blondish brown hair colour suits her but in fact, it made her look even more stunning and elegant!

Europe

• 5) Spain
• I like her!
• 6) Ireland
• whattttt.... i think she's strong in the prelims but there are more deserving girls.
• She is a confident girl though
• 7) Croatia
• Whattttt.... i like her gown performance but reli....
• She's funny though
• OMGG where's Russia!!! Please be Russia
• 8) Great Britian
• She deserved her spot as she is stunning
• OMG but where is Russia!!
• My bets in Europe are Russia, Spain, Great Britain, Iceland, Germany and Spain! So you can tell I am devastated that only two of my bets got in!

Hahaha I love Lu:

• "If Thailand is in the show with me I would trip her!" hahaha
• We also get to know that, in fact, the reigning Miss Universe Iris is a tough girl! Even for Lu! U really can't judge a book by the cover!

The Americas

• 9) Colombia
• I was not optimistic about her chances when she got crowned but I actually see essence of Paulina Vega (but even more over the top) in her on the final night which made me though... OMG Colombia can be the next Miss Universe again!
• And I love "u wanted to see me right!" [smirk]
• 10) USA
• No surprises
• 11) Brazil
• Another afro. I actually like her more than USA. But by placing two afros together.. would only one make it to the top 10 after swimsuits?
• Love her answer hahaha and she is funny!
• 12) Canada
• She is one of my favourites! She is a sweet and classy beauty.
• Interestingly her interactions with Steve Harvey reminds me of Iris last year. That is why I thought she could be Miss Universe at this point!
• I must say the Americas is strong! Great personality and stunning looks! 
• BUTT where is Venezuela?!?! I dun have her as my next Miss Universe but it would be a shock if she is left out as she is very very strong!

OMG there are so many beauties left in the crowd. Venezuela, Russia, Peru, Indonesia, Mexico, Germany and Angola. Philippines must definitely be up there. Performance, my mega-favourite Russia does not seem to be able to battle with the others BUT please prove me wrong! At this point, all I wanted is for Venezuela to make it!

Wildcards

• 13) Philippines
• No surprises
• 14) Venezuela -- YESSSS
• Ok I have no more regrets now! Venezuela must be up there!
• She seems like a dedicated and elegant person
• Right now.... I kind of gave up on Russia and Iceland as I thought Indonesia, Peru and Mexico should make it based on prelims
• 15) Jamaica 
• wtf....
• alot of people seems to like her but I just dun see it! Kaci Fennell is so much stronger!
• Ok bye Russia
• 16) China
• wtf....
• I actually like her... but when there is just one spot left.. I kind of wish Peru or even Indonesia should make it.
• China seems like a lovely girl!

Oh wow, I actually saw a Miss Hong Kong in the cutscene.

Swimsuit Competition

The thing I dun like is that it seems that the pace was too rushed... the girls can't even have their ending poses then it's another girl already...

• Thailand
• Ooo she's wearing a one-piece but she rocked it!
• Sri Lanka
• I think her performance was good
• Ghana
• She looks like one of the judges Wendy Fitzwilliam haha but I think she would not make it further
• South Africa
• Bright personality and great facial expressions but not really a strong walk
• Should be able to get into next round though
• Spain
• Looks like a model
• Ireland
• Strong opening pose.. Made me actually thought she can make it to the other round
• Croatia
• Tall but that's it
• Great Britain
• Stunning face but so-so walk 
• Colombia
• Strong strong walk
• USA
• Decent walk as usual
• Brazil
• She is stronger than USA
• Canada
• Canada has a stunning face but she seems a bit too thin
• Please let her through
• Philippines 
• Strong as usual
• Venezuela
• Rocked the stage!
• Jamaica
• I still dun like her
• China
• I think the issue with China is the colour of the swimsuit.. made her look completely washed out....

My top 10 to advance to next round:

1. Venezuela
2. Colombia
3. Thailand
4. Brazil
5. Ireland
6. Philippines
7. South Africa
8. Great Britain
9. Spain
10. Sri Lanka

Seems that Lu's favourites are:

• Brazil
• USA
• Jamaica
• Thailand
• Colombia

Actual Top 10

• 1. Venezuela -- YESSS
• 2. USA -- kind of expected 
• 3. Philippines - Happy for her
• 4. Canada -- Yes - i want her to make it 
• 5. South Africa -- YESSS
• 6. Spain -- Yes
• 7. Brazil -- Yes -- happy that they allowed both afros to get in
• 8. Colombia -- YESSS -- she does not look as pretty in the video
• 9. Thailand -- YESSS
• It must be Great Britain....
• 10. Jamaica -- NOOOOOOOOOO

National Costumes Competition

• I got the winner right! Japan's costume change is so cool!

Evening Gown Competition

the Commentators are so good this year.. I like Lu alot.. she is just so vibrant and sassy. It's great to know that Lu thinks SA has a lot of personalities.

• Venezuela
• Hmmm I prefer her original gown.. she is good.. but not spectacular 
• Carlson is right thou.. Simple hair and elegant
• USA
• What's with her hair LOL let the afro go!
• Decent performance
• Philippines
• Better gown than her prelim gown but she doesn't reli wow me
• Canada
• Stunning princess dress
• She could have a better walk though
• South Africa
• hmmm this is an interesting dress and I'm not sure if I like it or not.. I really like the gown she showcased in South Africa for her send-off much much more.
• She looks stunning with the perfect bun and makeup
• Spain
• Gurllll.. She worked the weird gown! Strong performance!
• Lu is right.. her whole styling.. the messy ponytail and the feather reli does made her look softer
• Brazil
• Whyyy... The gown just does not work well with her exotic look
• Colombia
• Much better than her prelims dress -- Very strong performance!
• Love her attitude and pose as well
• Thailand
• Oh no.. why did she change her stunning white dress
• I dun like this dress... would be a shame if she doesn't make it coz of this
• I have a feeling that the dress would look good in person though
• Jamaica
• I dun like this dress actually.. thus I dun like her movement as well no matter how good she worked the gown
• But I will not be surprised if she make it to the next level.
• I think by Lu's standard, Colombia and SA are the only ones giving us the face! Really hope they make it!

My Top 5:

1. Colombia
2. Spain
3. Venezuela
4. South Africa
5. Canada

Actual Top 5

1. South Africa -- YESSS -- I should have more faith in her!
2. Venezuela -- YESSS
3. Thailand -- YESSS -- great that the judges dun agree with me
4. Jamaica -- NOOO but this is expected
5. Colombia -- YESSS -- another Miss Universe is within reach

Gosh I really wanted Spain to be in the Top 5!

Top 5 Question & Answer

• SA seems to be the only one who's enjoying herself on stage
• South Africa
• She is confident but this sounds abit pageant betty
• OMG pls dun shut her out from the top 3 just because of this.. She is the most stunning girl in this group
• Venezuela
• Btw She is so elegant and graceful - her attitude shines on stage
• Decent answer -- could be in the top 3
• Thailand
• Oh nooo... she stumbled and gave only an average answer
• Jamaica
• I just dun like her.. But she is a strong speaker.. Strong answer.. God she will be in the top 3
• Colombia
• Strong strong strong answer which is so down-to-earth -- top 3 for the forth year in a row Colombia -- she could actually be the next Miss Universe 

My Top 3:

1. Colombia
2. Jamaica 
3. Venezuela

I felt so bad for leaving SA out but her answer really is not strong enough.. I felt she knew it as well but kudos to her for keeping that stunning smile on her face! 

Actual Top 3

• Jamaica -- no comment
• Colombia -- YESSS
• South Africa -- HELL YAHHHH
• I should have more faith in her!

Top 3 Question & Answer

• Jamaica
• Her answer is strong but not as good as her first one
• Somehow I dun like her answer in this strong.. and it's not about the fact that I dun like her.. maybe she sounds abit too confident?
• Colombia
• Again.. so strong.. with loads of personality
• She should be the next Miss Universe! Good job Colombia!
• South Africa
• I just felt that her answer is just not as strong as the others
• It's too blah but she's stunning!
• As a lot of people always say.. personalise your answer with your personal experiences!

Ashley has a point! You take into the whole night and not just this question & answer portion!

• Personality-wise - definitely Colombia
• Overall night (beauty and presence) - South Africa! the commentators like her "sweet, sincere, beautiful, soft" Lu got it so right!
• Come on Demi... Bring home the crown

My Prediction:

1. Colombia
2. Jamaica
3. South Africa -- I would have put SA as my Miss Universe but the other two are reli strong tonight as the competition progresses

South Africa remains the most stunning one during the final look! Her dress actually grows on me and I think it fits her nicely!

Crowning

• Iris looks stunning in her dress! I think only SA can match her beauty!
• On a side note
• Jamaica and Colombia looks so serious!
• It's good to see SA keep on smiling.. she looks stunning!

• 2nd Runner-Up - Jamaica
• Yes! I think this should be the furthest she should go as she exceeded my expectations already 
• She seems disappointed.. well i think coz she thought she gave a strong final answer
• I dun get why people boo-ed
• And Miss Universe isssss...
• (look whose hand is on top! South Africa's - OMG please let SA win!)
• SOUTH AFRICAAA
• OMG OMG YESSSSS
• Good job to Colombia for placing 4 times in a row in the top 3!

OMG the Mikimoto crown is back

• It looks so perfect on Demi.. stunning, regal, just like a Miss Universe!
• I like the results this year and Miss Universe fails to disappoint. I wish Demi would have the most fantastic year of her life!

Backstage

• I finally understand why although Demi didn't shine as bright as the other two during the Q&A session, she managed to seal the deal
• In the CHI lounge backstage after the competition, Demi's personality truly shines and she seems to be a fun, friendly and bubbly girl, just like Olivia Culpo
• I am sure the judges saw this in her during the interviews and the events leading up to the finals and this contributed to a large part to her being crowned!

Miss Universe 2017 (Pre-Finals)

After Miss World's eventful month in China, I must say that Miss Universe is just a disappointment in the events following up the finals. The location of the preliminary competition is cheap looking as well (although I must say it does not look that bad in the official version published by the Miss Universe Organisation). I guess I reli have take it for granted that the preliminary competition should be on a decent stage and I would no longer complain that the preliminary competition is usually not entertaining enough.

Now, as always, I am more interested in the evening gown competition and thus, I would only make a post on this specific portion. I will divide this into two categories: (i) dresses that caught my eye and (ii) contestants that caught my eye.

(i) Dresses that Caught my Eye (in alphabetical order)
Angola 

• Lauriela looks so natural and her silver gown with fringes all over the bottom half of the gown looks stunning. She reminds me of Miss Teen USA 2012 Logan West. My only complaint is that her hair is abit too puffy.

Cambodia

• By is Cambodia's first bet in the pageant and I think she had done a good job in evening gown. The high-neck nude gown with an overdress is impacting and looks much better in motion.

Canada

• Canada's gown is a pageant-betty gown but it looks stunning on Lauren. It made her look like a princess. She could have improved her walk though.

DR

• This is one dramatic stunning ballgown and you just can't stop yourself from looking at her. My only concern is that it blended in too well with the background of the prelims. BUTT I am sure that it will look stunning on the final stage. 

France

• Wow France! I was underwhelmed by Alicia's performance throughout the two weeks but she really brought it when it matters the most. The silver see-through with "tulle capelet on her shoulders" (taken from Nick Verreos) just brings out the elegance in her. Her hairstyle and make-up were on point that night which highlighted her exotic beauty. One of the best of the night.

Great Britian

• Anna was on alot of people's list for evening gown but it is not until I watched the preliminary competition that I notice the dress is actually a leotard. I think the gown is impacting and red is her colour. She is the most stunning contestant from GB since Amy Willerton.

Guyana 

• Stunning canary yellow dress. The colour is perfect for her and the dress really does exude "the colour of joy".  Coupled with her simplistic ponytail and makeup, she just looks eye-catching.

India

• Shraddha's dress is so carpet ready. I really wish she would ditch the tippy tops and go for a pair of simple silver strappies. Yet, I do not think she can bring another crown to India this year. Compared with Miss World's Manushi Chhilar, I do not think Sharddha has the spark to win the Miss Universe crown. No doubt, though, I would not be surprised if she excel in tonight's finals.

Indonesia

• The pink dress is so flowy and it just pops on stage. Pretty.

Lebanon

• It's no surprise that Lebanon's dress is top-notch. They have some really talented designers and it is great they can to showcast their dresses on the international stage.  

Nicaragua

• Berenice's mint coloured ballgown is so unique that it just stands out from the crowd. It stands out in a good way in that the sequins and the shape is stunning. 

Peru

• Stunning, shimmery and flowy. Pretty. But please change the shoes.

Peru

• This is a stunning sequin-detailed gown. One of my favourites of the night. 

Sri Lanka

• A simple red dress BUT the colour pops and made her stood out. 

Thailand

• Mic drop. No words.

Venezuela

• Venezuela is strong as usual and a non-placement for two years in a row in just not possible.

(ii) Girls that caught my eye

Russia

• Russia is stunning! One of the faces of the pageant. I think her dress is good but it's not spectacular. I really hope she has a better gown for the finals as it would be a shame if she is shut out of the top 5 because of that.  

I have always thought Russia is the most stunning girl in the group until I saw

Israel

• Stunning! She has the face of the pageant! Even though she's in a cheap-looking white dress, I gave her a really high mark just because of her face. Based on beauty alone, she should be given a ticket into the top 15. But she seems to be a timid girl on stage with bad stage-chops. It would be such a shame if she is shut out of the top 15 because of this.

South Africa

• I have Demi-Leigh as my winner but i really can't make up my mind as to whether I like or dislike her green dress as it actually looks decent in motion. Let's just say this is an indication that she can do much better. I am sure she would be up there and have a stunning gown prepared. I would not be surprised to see the lady from the rainbow nation being crowed tonight.

Nepal

• Nepal looks fresh and exotic. She looks much better in motion and I would think a simple gown will make her fresh look stand out even more. 

Finland

• The European countries are strong this year. Finland looks like a barbie doll. 

Mauritius

• On the other side of the spectrum, Mauritius looks like a supermodel with a statuesque figure. I would understand if she places in the top 15.

Miss Hong Kong 2017 - Part I

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.

Miss Chinese International 2017 (Results)

The production is year is really one of the best since 2013. It really does help that the stage is huge this year, making more room for the girls to cat-walk and perform which is a must for beauty pageant in my opinion. I'm pleasantly surprised by the results but I'm happy about it. I have always felt that Stitch is a strong delegate as I think she reminds me of Catherine Hui, her predecessor in MCI 2014. However, she reli frizzled alot during the exhausting competition and she has been looking so bad in photos prior the finals.


Review of the contestants
Before I write about my review, may I say Jennifer Coosemans looks so gorgeous and stunning. Definitely the best MCI in years.

The Rest
16) Maria Rincon - Vancouver
I am in complete shock that Maria did not make it to the top 10. Based on beauty alone, she should have propelled up to the top 5. I guess we could just blame that she has a bad interview with the judges. However Real Shock!!!

8) Gloria Rong - Melbourne
I am also abit surprised that Gloria did not make it to the top 10. Maybe she comes off as a bit too forced at times.

Top 10
Basically I think everyone of them has a decent performance especially the ones who got into the top 5 plus Bangkok (as always) and Fushan (who fell short in the interview portion). I would think that the weakest among the Top 10 would be San Francisco and Toronto, who should have definitely be replaced by Vancouver or Melbourne or even LA.

Honourable Mentions
2) Gam Wonglappanich - Bangkok
I think she looks gorgeous throughout the night especially the swimsuit portion (where she also has an alright interview) and the national costume parade. Based on these two sessions alone, she should have made it to the top 5.


If I were the judge for Top 10:
2) Bangkok
3) Hong Kong
5) KL
7) Manila
8) Melbourne
9) Fushan
10) Montreal
11) New York
14) Sydney
16) Vancouver

Top 5
I agree with the judge's choices. I am happy about New York and Montreal's inclusion although this means more beautiful girls such as Bangkok or Fushan made way for her inclusion. For New York, I guess it is because of her eloquence and young aura.

If I were the judge for Top 5:
2) Bangkok
3) Hong Kong
4) KL
11) New York
14) Sydney

10) Alice Zhang - Montreal - Top 5
As mentioned, Alice is looking fresh and energetic. She seems to be a really nice and pleasant girl with a bubbly personality which the judges really like, giving her an edge over stunner such as Bangkok. Her talent is sadly one of the weaker ones among the Top 5 and therefore this is the furthest she can go.


14) Emily Yu - Sydney - Top 5
Gorgeous as always. Emily managed to look her best during the final night and has one of the best answers for the swimsuit portion. I really thought she is able to make it to the Top 3 as she has a decent talent performance. However, the judges decided to make way for New York (due to her exceptional talent) and HK.


Top 3
3) Crystal Fung - Hong Kong - 2nd Runner-up
I'm really surprised by her performance. Not only is she looking her best throughout the night, she also managed to be very confident and eloquent, much better than Louisa Mak last year. Everything seems to be in place for her to crack into the Top 3 until the talent came. Her magic performance is completely not up to bar with KL, New York, Sydney or even Montreal. Crystal is lucky that she is able to make it to the 2nd Runner-up as this is the furthest she can go based on her talent. A reason might have to be Montreal and Sydney's talent not being too extraordinary. Therefore, Crystal managed to sneak in front of them when the average score is calculated.


5) Serene Lim - KL - 1st Runner-up
Despite not liking her in my initial reviews, I find her extremely pretty throughout the night. I think she is more telegenic than photogenic. Coupled with quite a watchable talent (which much better than all her predecessors), I really thought she is able to bag the crown home. Never did I know that talent counts so much towards the final result.


11) Stitch Yu - New York City - Champion
Stitch seems to have the youthful and bubbly personality the judges like. She is also tall and lean. Thus, propelling her up to the Top 5. Throughout the night, she has made several pretty appearances. However, what made her seal the deal is her extraordinary talent. Whoever watched her talent would definitely agree that her talent is reli challenging and unique. What I could not have imagined is that her talent would be so strong that she could eventually win the title. I am pleasantly surprised and I am happy about the result as Stitch has a cute look (most of the time when she is looking her best) and she has a great personality. On a side note, I think Stitch looks abit like MCI 1995 from Taipei.

New York City has been really strong these years starting from Jasmine Hayter (2012 - top 10), Maggie Zhang (2014 - top 5), Catherine Hui (2015 - 2nd Runner-up) and Amy Chen (2016 - 1st Runner-up). Keep up the good work New York!

MCI 1995 (Centre) from Taipei

If I were the judge (Top 3):

14) Emily Yu - Sydney - 2nd Runner-up

11) Stitch Yu - New York City - 1st Runner-up

5) Serene Lim - KL - Champion

I would have placed Sydney in the Top 3 instead as overall, including talent, I think she is stronger than HK. 

Miss Chinese International 2017 (Predictions)

This year is such a competitive year. TVB is so fortunate to have such good batch of contestants since 2015. I would go as far as saying that MCI 2017 is even more competitive than MCI 2016 mainly because there is no major standout like Jennifer Coosemans yet at the same time, the overall quality of the contestants is very high this year.

For predictions, I have divided the contestants into categories such as champion material, top-shots and dark horses as usual. However, predictions this year is so much more difficult as the quality is so averagely high. So here it goes:

Champion Material
On a general note, this is what I want to happen. I feel that these two delegates deserve to win as they does stand out among the rest facially and have the eloquence to do quite well in the pageant. However, if there is a delegate who managed to charm the judges with their extreme eloquence, they may place higher than these two.

14) Emily Yu - Sydney

 Emily is my favourite to win since the very beginning. Despite being gorgeous all the time, you can tell that she seems to be exhausted and frizzled during the competition. But who wouldn't, given the tight filming schedule of TVB? Hopefully she would look her best in the final night and maintain her elegance and eloquence. Another thing that worries me is her age. At 26, she is the most mature delegate in the batch. If she is crowned, she would also be the oldest winner to date.. which judges may take into account.

16) Maria Rincon - Vancouver

There is a reason why Vancouver is the powerhouse in MCI. This is because they send such competitive delegates every year. Although Maria is not one of the media favourites, she is very attractive that you can't miss her. She is also quite eloquent and bubbly which is a plus in the pageant. I do sometimes see Bernice Liu in her so fingers crossed, she would flare reli well in the pageant. (PS the thing that worries me is her body size. Not that she is fat or sth, she is indeed on the thick side)

Top-Shots

Omg it is so difficult to pick as there are just so many.

2) Gam Wonglappanich - Bangkok

Look-wise Gam would definitely be the strongest in this group, similar to all her predecessors. However, similar to all her predecessors, they all have the same language barrier. If she made it to the top 5, Gam would reli need to make an impact with a strong (or watchable) talent performance in order to crack into the top 3, e.g. dancing and NOT singing and NOT muay thai.

3) Crystal Fung - Hong Kong

Stunning. I'm surprised by her performance to be honest. Crystal has been looking her best since her crowning as Miss Hong Kong. I really hope she can make it to the top 3 but I feel that she would a top 5 placement would be her best.
(PS ain't that shot of her in the commercial just simply STUNNINGGGG. She has this very feminine aura when she smile with her mouth closed)

5) Serene Lim - KL

She would definitely be up there no doubt. She is a good representative for her city but I would be disappointed if she places in the top 3 as I think there are prettier girls.

Weaker Top-shots 
I decided to put in this category as this year, there are contestants that are facially strong but yet I feel that they might not be able to outperform the contestants above or even some of the dark horses. They would have been strong top-shots if they compete in some other years.

7) Janne Zeng - Manila

Manila is back with a bang. Janne is perhaps the strongest contestant from Manila since 2003. She has the looks and the height. However, she does not manage to catch the media's attention and I have a feeling that she may not flare as well in the interview portion (although she speaks perfect Mandarin).

9) Bella Li - FuShan

Bella is strong. The reason why I think she won't flare as well is coz she is too aggressive at times. She is quite pretty and at times, I feel that she looks like Miss World 2012 Wenxia Yu from China.


Dark-horses
Dark-horses are usually those who does not flare too well in the facial department but they are very eloquent.. so eloquent that they would eventually catch the judges' eyes solely on this element alone. Examples would be Rachel Tan (MCI 2003); Sarah Song (MCI 2007); Belle Theng (MCI 2010 1st Runner-up) and Mandy Chai (MCI 2015).

6) Lili Qu - Los Angeles

At the press conference she does looks quite plain to me albeit being very presentable. Her profile pic as well as the advertisement has in some way made her look like a really elegant and sophisticated Chinese lady. If she can keep this image, she might be able to sail through the competition with ease.

8) Gloria Rong - Melbourne

As mentioned, Gloria is a pretty girl. However, she does frizzled a lot during the packed filming schedule. If she rest well and look her best in the finals, she would be up there, as I have a feeling she might pull out a surprise via her communication skills.

10) Alice Zhang - Montreal

Alice surprises me by performing so well throughout the competition. She should at least be in the Top 10 for sure for looking fresh and energetic.

What I want to happen

Champion: (16) Maria Rincon - Vancouver

1st Runner-up: (14) Emily Yu - Sydney

2nd Runner-up: (3) Crystal Fung - HK

Top 5: (2) Gam Wonglappanich - Bangkok; (5) Serene Lim - KL

What I think will happen

Champion: (16) Maria Rincon - Vancouver
1st Runner-up: (5) Serene Lim - KL
2nd Runner-up: (14) Emily Yu - Sydney