Miss Universe 2016

It was 23 years before when the Miss Universe pageant was last held here in the Philippines, and the excitement is indescribable.

The last time it was held in the Philippines, Sushmita Sen from India was crowned as the winner by the outgoing Miss Universe Dayanara Torres from Puerto Rico. Both of them somehow became a celebrity here, and both of them sat as part of the judging panel.

One of the shocking news is the non inclusion of Venezuela (Miriam Habach) to the semi finalist. Everybody seems to be so sure that she would make it to Top13, she's beautiful and she perform perfectly. But we just don't know what happened.

Kenya's first time in to the semi finals also came as a surprise even to her (Mary Esther Were). But it seems like she's determined to be on top. I was even more nervous during Q&A round, it was definitely a tough question to her. She might not made it to Top3, but it was definitely a good fight.

Thailand's Chalita Suansane inclusion on each round came as a no surprise. She's topping the fan vote each and every round. That is why it is also shocking that she didn't make it to Top3.

It is also a tough competition for Philippine's Maxine Medina. Not only that the outgoing Miss Universe is Pia Wurtzbach (Philippines), but she's also a host delegate. Coincidentally, when MU was held in the Philippines in 1994, Philippines representative Charlene Gonzalez only made it to Top6.

Myanmar might not make it to the semi finals, but it she won the National Costume award.

Here are the candidates who made it to Top13 (with their country's last placement).
- Brazil (MU2015 Top15)
- Indonesia (MU2015 Top15)
- Panama (MU2011 Top10)
- Peru (MU2012 Top16)

Candidates who made it to Top9 are all from North America.
- Canada (MU2006 Top10)
- Mexico (MU2015 Top15)
- USA (MU2015 2nd)

Top6 are
- Kenya
- Philippines (MU2015 Winner)
- Thailand (MU2015 Top10)

And here is the Top3.
2nd RunnerUp - Colombia (MU2015 1stRU)
1st RunnerUp - Haiti (MU1975 1stRU)
Winner - France (MU2015 Top5)

I would have though that Haiti would get it since she really gave a heartfelt answer (confidently beautiful with a heart) making it their first Miss Universe crown... but it ended as their second MU 1st RunnerUp. And coincidentally... France's 2nd Miss Universe crown (since 1952).