Miss Universe 2008

Miss Universe 2008 was held at Nha Trang, Vietnam today and it was covered by ABS-CBN. The event was hosted by Jerry Springer and Scary Spice Melanie Brown. Unfortunately for us, Miss Philippines Jennifer Barrientos did not make it to the top 15. Miss Vietnam, Lam Thuy Nguyen, was expectedly (it was the 45th time in pageant history that the host country made the first cut) able to get into the final 15. She was my initial favorite going into the top 10 but she did not make it further...

Miss El Salvador was Miss Congeniality and Miss Thailand won Best in National Costume. Prior to the Evening Gown Competition, Springer spoke too soon in declaring that he hoped there would be no repeat of the mishap that occured to Miss USA Rachel Smith (she tumbled) in last year's pageant. The current Miss USA, Crystle Stewart, also slipped and fell just as she was about to make her walk around the stage. In the top 10, my bet was either Miss Venezuela or Miss Colombia to win the crown.

Among the finalists, 4 were from Latin America: Ms. Colombia, Ms. Venezuela, Ms. Mexico, and Miss Dominican Republic. Miss Russia rounded up the final/top 5 candidates. Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza eventually bested all the other 80 contestants and is this year's Miss Universe...

She was absolutely stunning in swimwear and in her evening gown, but she gave a weird answer during the q&a portion. The 22 y.o., 5'10'', green-eyed former kidnap victim becomes the 5th Venezuelan to win Miss Universe. Venezuela ties Puerto Rico as the 2nd country with most Miss Universe titles (USA leads with 7).