70th edition selection committee

MUO names members of judges panel

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Upon arriving in Eilat from their pilgrim tours in Jerusalem, the Miss Universe candidates went down and dirty on the banks of the Dead Sea, sampling the sulfuric mud on their bodies for its therapeutic and beautifying effects. Must be one miry, merry experience.

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has also divulged some of this year's selection committee. The prelims panel is comprised of Miss Universe 1976 Rina Messinger-Mor and Miss Universe USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst, while the main selection committee is comprised of Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere, Miss Universe India 2015 Urvashi Rautela, Adriana Lima, Lori Harvey, Adamari Lopez, Rena Sofer, and Filipino actress Marian Rivera-Dantes.

The Kapuso artiste remains unfazed through all the bashing she got on social media. To her naysayers, she simply said, "Para sa akin, isang malaking karangalan ito. Aaminin ko na hindi naman talaga English ang first language ko kung hindi Filipino. At kinuha nila ako dahil sa aking body of work bilang isang Filipina. At ang masasabi ko lang, kilala nyo naman ako. Hindi naman ako mapagpanggap, di ba?"

Pageant pages and fan sites have all given their respective predictions to their leaderboards. Some cite the same countries, while others picked different choices. But, whoever wins the 70th edition will wear the Power of Unity crown.

Featuring thousands of diamonds, it was designed and hand-crafted by Mouawad to carry with it a message that reflects the values of the Miss Universe Organization. The Power of Unity crown's natural motif of petals, leaves, and vines represent the community of women from around the world whose bonds unite them, and its shield-like centerpiece a reminder that we are stronger together than apart.

In a statement on social media, the Mouawad Brothers, co-guardians of the crown, said that, "We look forward to welcoming the next woman who will bring unique qualities to perpetuating the legacy of Miss Universe while creating a new, sparkling chapter in the journey of the Mouawad Power of Unity crown."

Catch the Miss Universe 2021 final show on Dec 13, 7:30 am (Philippine time) on the A2Z Kapamilya  channel. Stay tuned for more updates in the days leading to the much-awaited coronation night ceremonies.