MANILA -- The next Miss Universe won’t be crowned until the finals competition next week, but the preliminary pageant held at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena on Thursday night, January 26, excited many fans rooting for their respective countries.
Each candidate kicked off the preliminary pageant saying their names and countries. It was followed by a swimsuit competition and long gown competition.
Miss Universe Philippines, who unsurprisingly received the loudest applause for being a candidate from the host country, wore an emerald green gown.
Watch the competition here:
The preliminary competition was later called to a close. However, audiences stayed for the national costume competition which was taped ahead of the finals.
For her national costume, Maxine Medina wore an ensemble inspired by the traditional vinta boat. Her headdress was inspired by the country’s famous coral reefs.
Fashion designer Rhett Eala earlier said that the headdress contained south sea pearls from Jewelmer. Her headdress along costs over P1 million.
Other national costumes that stood out were that of Miss Myanmar Htet Htet Htun who wore a model theater stage on her back and later revealed herself to be a puppet on strings, which her country is known for.
Miss Myanmar also received the loudest applause for the obvious effort she put into acting like a marionette.
Miss France Iris Mittenaere became the first woman allowed to bring an official Moulin Rouge costume out of France.
Miss Mauritius Kurshboo Ramnawaj wore a costume which had a cape that represented a volcanic explosion that created her country. It was also designed by a Filipino designer who was not named by the host.
Despite a wardrobe malfunction, Miss USA confidently strutted the stage wearing a silver warrior costume and carried a shield reminiscent to Marvel comic book superhero Captain America. Her costume’s wings apparently failed to release.
The preliminary competition was hosted by actor-model Derek Ramsey and reigning Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. (PNA)