Early favorites

 Pre-preliminaries Top Picks for 74th Miss Universe

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Before the preliminaries kick in, allow us to share a few delegates as our top picks. They may or may not make it. We based our choices from the trajectory of the national winners when they were crowned; as well as a few who piqued the interest and/or caught the attention of the pageant community for "moments" they got themselves into.

In random order, they are:

Tangia Zaman Methila (Bangladesh) - If there is one unrelenting delegate in this batch, it would be Tangia. She's fighting it tooth and nail with everyone at the polls, especially our very own MUPh queen. She's currently leading the Evening Gown and National Costume polls.

Ina Moll (Chile) - She caught the netizens' attention with the now deleted "addicted to white powder" video. It sparked a commentary calling for her disqualification for conduct unbecoming as a Miss Universe contestant. Ina has since apologized for her error in judgment; in not fully comprehending the repercussions of her actions.

Praveenar Singh (Thailand) - Veena's persistence may just pay off this time. After trying four times, she has earned the right to represent her country and fight for their third win after 1965 and 1988.

Brigitta Schabach (Estonia) - The most dramatic arrival as "Barbie in a Box," Brigitta should have maintained that theme til the National Costume Competition, and dressed herself as a walking doll. Against the understanding of many of what the Miss Universe of today has evolved into, she was right in saying that she was applying for a job during the closed door interview. After all, the Miss Universe will officially become the organization's spokesperson.

Yanina Gomez (Paraguay) - Her involvement with a member juror of the Beauty for Good advocacy project sparked an outrage from fans across the globe. It's quite hard for delegates to be part of a hotly-contested search, when even their private lives are under heavy scrutiny.

Ma. Ahtisa Manalo (Philippines) - The country is on full Bayanihan spirit behind our delegate. The latest has her leading the Beyond the Crown, Most Beaufiful People, and People's Choice online polls. The entire Pinoy pageant community is rallying behind Ahtisa for the country's fifth.

Fatima Bosch (Mexico) - Her outburst during the sashing ceremony was seen on opposite views. Some praised her for raising her voice to Sir Nawat who said "damage" but heard it as "dumb." Others saw it as 'diva' behavior that may ruin her fighting chances. Mexico is fighting for its fourth after 1991, 2010, and 2020.

Stephany Abasali (Venezuela) - With an impressive record since winning their first crown in 1979, Venezuela hopes to bring back the crown again after their famous national director and queenmaker, Ozmel Sousa, moved to another Latin country.

Vanessa Pulgarin (Colombia) - A perennial strong contender, like all former Colombian delegates who shone im their respective years, Vanessa is likewise bringing her A-game in Thailand to the glee of her supporters.

Zasheley Alicea (Puerto Rico) - After winning the crown five times (1970, 1985, 1993 2001, 2006), her compatriots are having high hopes for her to win the crown this year, especially since they will be hosting the 75th edition next year.

Sanly Liu (Indonesia) - Her country is praying that Sanly will replicate, or even surpass, what Frederika Cull achieved in 2019.

Olivia Yace (Cote D'Ivoire) - This strong contender from Africa was a runner-up from Miss World 2022. She's bringing all her aces to the Bangkok finals.

Eve Gilles (France) - This short haired lady is gifted with a beautiful countenence. Will she follow as France's winner after Dr. Iris Mittenaere in 2016?

Yamilex Hernandez (Latina) - This beautiful delegate that came from a reality show than a national pageant or audition is giving every delegate a run for their money. A true frontrunner, indeed!

Dorcas Dienda (Democratic Republic of Congo) - This beauteous lady from the African continent has a long pageant career waiting for her.

The 74th Miss Universe pageant will unfold on Nov. 21. To be hosted by Steve Byrne, with anchor/commentators Dayanara Torres (Miss Universe 1993) and R'Bonney Gabriel (Miss Universe 2022), the final show will take place at the Impact Challenger Hall. Viktoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark will crown ber successor.