What we know now as the Miss Universe actually had a simple beginning. A local "bathing beauty" competition, spearheaded by Catalina Swimwear in California, was the start of this pageant. It transformed into an international annual tradition with women from all over the world competing for the much-desired crown.
But more than just vying for the title, the homegrown contest has also evolved into a powerful organization that supports and advances opportunities for these role models to take active roles in various advocacies.
Some of them include increasing human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/Aids) awareness by focusing on women's health and reproductive issues and by building relationships with organizations committed to education and research.
More than 50 years later, young women of today are still able to obtain their dream of what is considered as universal royalty.
For this year, the Miss Universe will be held at Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam. Two well-known and influential personalities will co-host the Miss Universe pageant -- Jerry Springer, host of NBC's "America's Got Talent" and Melanie Brown (also known as Mel B of the Spice Girls), a special events correspondent for "Access Hollywood."
The most beautiful ladies from around the globe are judged in three popular categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview.
Proudly representing the Philippines this year is Jennifer Barrientos, 22 years old and the country's reigning Binibining Pilipinas-Universe.
With a towering height of 5'8", Jennifer is more than just beauty and brains as she is also active in her local church ministry as a youth leader.
Formerly working in Macau as a Welcome Ambassador for the Star World Hotel, she now divides her time between being a model, attending her church duties and training for the upcoming contest.
In last year's Miss Universe, Riyo Mori, a dancer from Japan, won the pageant in Mexico City. She has traveled the globe as an advocate for HIV/Aids education, research and legislation.
Mori also appeared as one the cast members of a reality show entitled Pageant Place (which airs on Velvet every Friday at 9pm). And soon, a new Miss Universe will be crowned. Find out who will bring home the crown this year and bring pride to her homeland.
On Velvet this July, catch the replays of the Miss Universe 2008 on July 16, Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. and on July 19, Saturday at 10 p.m. (JRDB/Sunnex)
