In the recent Miss Universe 2008 that was held in Nha Trang, Vietnam, Dayana Mendoza (Miss Venezuela) emerged as the winner among the 80 contestants who competed in the event. Dayana Mendoza is already a crowd favorite during the early part of the competition and many already assumed that she will bring home the prestigious crown. Her winning answer to the question "What is the difference between men and women?" is this:
"Men think that the fastest way to go to a point is to go straight. Women know that the faster way to go to a point is to go to the curves."
Actually, I find her answer a bit absurd but maybe it was the way that she answered the question that gained the approval of the judges.
Miss Universe Crowning Moment
The event was hosted by Jerry Springer, host of NBC's America's Got Talent, and Melanie Brown, member of the UK pop group Spice Girls. Of course the event will not be complete without a performer, for this year it was Lady Gaga who spiced up the stage with her single "Just Dance".
Miss Universe 2008 Opening - Delegates in National Costume
Another noticeable part of Miss Universe 2008 was when Crystle Stewart (Miss USA) slipped and fell down during the evening gown competition. If you'll recall, Miss USA Rachel Smith also fell butt-first during the Miss Universe 2007's evening gown competition. It was evidently a deja vu! But compared to Crystle Stewart, Rachel Smith was able to gain back her poise and just smile as if nothing happened.
Miss USA Crystle Stewart's stage slip (Miss Universe 2008)
Miss USA Rachel Smith's infamous stage slip (Miss Universe 2007)
Miss Congeniality - Rebeca Moreno (Miss El Salvador) Best in National Costume - Gavintra Photijak (Miss Thailand)
Unfortunately, none of my favorites had made it to the top 5 but I'm glad that at least Miss Japan Hiroko Mima managed to made it to the top 15 :-) Congratulations Miss Japan!
Wu Chun and Calvin Chen finally arrived in the Philippines last July 12. Upon arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, their Filipino fans were already lining up in front of the airport holding up their corresponding banners. They had such a hectic schedule promoting their TV Series Romantic Princess in various shows in ABS-CBN. In particular, they had TV guestings in Pinoy Dream Academy 2, ASAP 08 and The Buzz wherein they were interviewed by Mr. Boy Abunda and Ms. Ruffa Gutierrez. Wu Chun and Calvin Chen were both so adorable whenever they said "Mahal ko kayo" to their screaming lady fans from different parts of Asia :-)
Wu Chun and Calvin Chen guested @ Pinoy Dream Academy 2
Last Saturday, my younger sister and I watched the much-awaited film of Ms. Annabelle Rama entitled My Monster Mom. The said movie was produced by Regal Films and GMA Films and it also starred Ms. Ruffa Gutierrez (Annabelle's real life daughter), JC de Vera, Mart Escudero, Michelle Madrigal, Iwa Moto, Eugene Domingo, Rhian Ramos, among others. Annabelle's husband and son (Eddie and Richard Gutierrez) also had a cameo appearance in the movie.
Actually, I seldom watch Filipino movies but after watching the trailer of My Monster Mom in GMA 7, I found it so amusing that I decided to give it a try. And guess what? I have no regret watching the movie because it's really GREAT! The story is simple yet very humorous and family-oriented. I find Ms. Annabelle Rama's Visayan accent really entertaining and her acting is really so natural especially in the way that she delivered her dialogues. Her dialogue "Batuhin kita ng brilyante ko!" (I'll throw you my diamond!) is my favorite line in the movie. Ms. Ruffa Gutierrez's acting is also superb! After watching her in Desperadas early this year, I realized that Ruffa can also do comedy and she didn't fail me in My Monster Mom. Her Americanized way of speaking Tagalog is so contagious that sometimes I wanted to sound like her :-) Their mother-daughter chemistry is indeed well-shown in this movie. I also give two thumbs-up for Rhian Ramos for playing the younger Annabelle Rama. She said in one of her interviews that she studied how to speak Tagalog with a Visayan accent as preparation for her role in the movie. She played her role really well you'll never notice that she never speak Visaya in her entire life. The movie is trying to tell us that no matter how much we sometimes hate our mom for interfering with every aspect of our lives, they are still our mother and they know what is best for us. I'm going to rate My Monster Mom 4/5 and I hope that there will be a sequel to this movie next year. How about My Monster Mom Goes to New York? :-)
Aside from the swimsuit and evening gown competition, another must-see part of Miss Universe is the national costume presentation. For this year, 80 beautiful delegates will compete for the title of "Best National Costume" and an online voting will determine the winner for the said title. I notice that most of the delegates wore flamboyant costume (including Miss Philippines). I bet it's really not easy to walk on the stage with BIG ornaments on top of your head but still they manage to do it with poise.
Brazil to Cyprus
Panama to Serbia
Spain to Thailand
My Top 3 Favorites in National Costume
Miss Puerto Rico
Miss Korea - I love her sword dance!
Miss Thailand
Unfortunately, none of my picks had made it to the top 10 finalists in National Costume. They are the following:
