In a few hours, a new Miss Universe will be crowned and will wear the DIC crown worn beautifully by Colombia's Paulina Vega who won earlier this year, after Miss Universe 2014 was moved to January 2015.  All pageant fans will have its eyes set on the stage of Planet Hollywood as 80 stunning contenders will face the ultimate decision.

Before the coronation night, the ladies conquered the stage for the Preliminary Competition where fifteen delegates' fate, and not ten (this was confirmed by pageant blogger Norman Tinio in his prediction blog post), were ultimately sealed.  Although the prelims was not just the ultimate consideration, since there was that closed-door interview and of course, their overall impression since the day they arrived in Vegas, the preliminary allowed the candidates to strut their stuff on stage with their eyes set on the crown.  Those who stood out will definitely be the ones who will potentially battle it for the crown.

Now, after watching the Preliminary Competition, and judging each girl in both swimsuit and evening gowns, I came with the following fifteen delegates who I think will make it one step ahead later. Before that though, allow me to give you six ladies who I think will be potential spoilers to my Top 15. They are: Miss Australia Monika Radulovic; Miss Finland Rosa-Maria Ryyti; Miss Georgia Janet Kerdikoshvili; Miss India Urvashi Rautela; Miss Mexico Wendy Esparza; and Miss Thailand Aniporn Chalermburanawong.


Now here is my top 15 for Miss Universe 2015.

Philippines - Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach
USA - Olivia Jordan
Venezuela - Mariana Jimenez
Dominican Republic - Clarissa Molina
Spain - Carla Barber Garcia
Colombia - Ariadna Gutierrez
Peru - Laura Spoya
Kosovo - Mirjeta Shala
Brazil - Marthina Brandt
Haiti - Lisa Elizabeth Drouillard
Vietnam - Huong Phan
France - Flora Coquerel
Paraguay - Myriam Arevalos
Russia - Vladislava Evtushenko
Myanmar - May Thaw

While the usual names are there, I believe that Myanmar and Spain can really pull an upset against all other delegates despite going unnoticed before the preliminaries. Spain, for once, is a regal beauty and can deliver both in swimsuit and in evening gown.
Narrowing the field of fifteen to ten, I came to consider their performance in the preliminaries and their overall look in the swimsuit parade.  This would mean that I have to eliminate Misses Russia, Myanmar, Haiti, Kosovo, and one of this year's favorites, Miss Vietnam.  This leaves me with my top 10, in order of preference, as following: Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Philippines, USA, Colombia, France, Spain, Paraguay, Peru, and Brazil.

With the top 10 competing in the evening gown segment, I looked into the elegance and performance of the girls as well as the overall styling.  It is because of this that Mariana Jimenez of Venezuela failed my cut, not unless she wears another gown and with a better styling.

Considering the ladies' showmanship, I am betting that this year's top 5 could possibly be comprised of Laura Spoya of Peru, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach of the Philippines, Olivia Jordan of the USA, Ariadna Gutierrez of Colombia, and Clarissa Molina of Dominican Republic.  I would not be surprised though if Paraguay, Brazil, and Spain clinches one of my predicted top 5's spot.


I do agree with Sir Norman that the Q and A round will determine the fates of our ladies.  All of those I predicted to be in the top 5 are all heavy favorites for the crown and so there is much more pressure and so much more at stake come the final question. One slip and it's gone.

Ultimately, I think Pia's consistency and her elegance and sass will bring the country's much coveted third Miss Universe crown.  Her sheer determination will hopefully shine through despite the tough competition of Miss Dominican Republic and Colombia who is stumping to death to end of being the last girl standing, especially the latter who is there to claim a back-to-back win for her country.  Below is my predicted result.

Miss Universe 2015 - Philippines, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach
First Runner up - Dominican Republic, Clarissa Molina
Second Runner up - Colombia, Ariadna Gutierrez
Third Runner up - USA, Olivia Jordan
Fourth Runner up - Peru, Laura Spoya

The new ownership of Miss Universe may leave all of us in surprise.  We still don't know what IMG is looking for. Whatever the results may be, though, I wish all the delegates, especially our very own Pia, the very best.

After revealing my lower half of my Top 10 picks this year (read it here), I'm now down to my personal bets who will make it on the winner's circle.

But before we go to business, allow me first to share to you the three girls, who may not made it to my Top 10 (this batch gave me a very hard time), are still part of my "Girls To Watch Out For" list.  I wouldn't be surprised if they make it to the Top 10 tonight.  They are: Miss Corella, Jissa Baugbog; Miss Dauis, Shiela Estareja; and, Miss Bilar, Mary Jane Malaran.


Now, allow me to introduce my Top 5, according to their assigned numbers.  They are: Miss Panglao, Charmaine Ness Sagaral; Miss Jagna, Ma. Rhea Rebecca Rocha; Miss Tagbilaran, Mary Eda Cimafranca; Miss Balilihan, Pauline Quiñal; and, Miss Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Marjorie Therese Monte.


From the onset, these five women have been clear standouts for me, and day by day, it has been very difficult to assign their respective places in my Top 5.  But after thinking it through, allow me to announce their placements in reverse order.

Jagna in her official swimsuit photo, official glamshot, and during the talent night

Fourth runner up for me is Miss Jagna, Ma. Rhea Rebecca Rocha.  I consider her the dark horse in the early days of the competition. She was not hyped, but someone to look forward to.  As the days drew nearer to today, Jagna clearly manifested how she is a force to be reckoned. Hailing from the town with the most number of Miss Bohol crowns, Rhea is rearing to add her name on the long list of titleholders from Jagna

Miss Balilihan in her official swimsuit photo, official glam shot, and during the talent night

Third runner up is Pauline Quiñal, Miss Balilihan.  From the time she won her municipal bout, Pau captured the eyes of many Miss Bohol pageant followers.  With a special award already under her belt, the sweet Pauline will definitely press on and bring home the crown to her beloved hometown.

Miss Pres. Carlos P. Garcia in her official swimsuit photo, official glam shot, and during the talent night

Miss President Carlos P. Garcia, Marjorie Therese Monte is my second runner up.  I was told that she is still the second or third delegate to represent the young town (formerly known as Pitogo).  And this lovely young lady is undeniably a femme fatale.  Oozing with sexiness (she has definitely the best body among the candidates), confidence, and commanding presence, Miss Pres. CPG poses a great threat when its already showtime.  Plus, being an island girl gives her a vantage of seeing and experiencing the life that many Boholanos who rely on agriculture experiences.

Miss Panglao in her official swimsuit photo, official glam shot, and during the talent night

I was at a moment caught in a major dilemma with the remaining two delegates.  But at the end, I'm giving the island of Panglao a bridesmaid placement (Mary Rose Butalid, Miss Panglao 2014, placed second last year) with the Miss Panglao sash bearer, Charmaine Ness Sagaral.  Cham showed major changes from the time she was hailed the Beauty of the Island.  She is a good canvass and can switch from sophisticated (see her Press Presentation look) to classic (there's her official glam shot) to fierce (refer to her official swimsuit photo).  But more than that, Cham is articulate, witty, and an opinionated young woman --- qualities of a good spokesperson for Bohol.

Miss Tagbilaran in her official swimsuit photo, official glam shot, and during the talent night

One thing to describe my top pick for Miss Bohol 2015, Mary Eda Cimafrance, Miss Tagbilaran is unstoppable.  An early favorite, Eda might be able to bring home the crown to the City of Friendship which has been elusive for any of its delegate for many years now.  She has a very queenly aura and a fierceness that is very palpable, two qualities almost every beauty queen possess.  She is also a young lady who can speak her mind and an approachable woman which will make her a good spokesperson.  Tagbilaran is definitely the delegate to beat.

Any of these women will definitely make a good Miss Bohol.  For me, these five young women possess the criteria that the organization behind Miss Bohol is looking for.

How about you dear readers? Who are your top picks?


Swimsuit photos and official glam shots from the Miss Bohol 2015 official Facebook page.

Tonight, a new Miss Bohol titleholder will be elected by a panel of esteemed judges during the Grand Coronation Night at the Bohol Wisdom Gymnasium.  At this point, all the ladies are in the midst of heightened pressure with the journey nearing its end, when all efforts are to be judged, with one girl coming out the most victorious.

Now, allow me to share my top 10 picks beginning with the lower 5 arranged in their respective numbers.  Any one of them can be potential spoilers for my intended winners circle.


There is something about Miss Alicia, Erin Kate Javellana that allows her to earn a placement in any pageant she joins.  It could be her sheer determination to tower (no pun intended) her competitors, her very likeable personality, her quiet confidence, and/or her massive fan base that supports her both online and offline. Whatever it is, Kate is surely going to shine her way tonight.


I hope it is safe for me to say that Miss Cortes, Katrina November Decker is this year's competition. Young, articulate, and beautiful, Miss Cortes has the making of a beauty queen.  Her competitive spirit showed during the talent night.  It's a good sign.  She won't rely on the physical attributes and will definitely try to ace the competition to get a placement in the Top 5.


We have Miss Guindulman, Ma. Jaira Redulla.  Guindulman is in it to win this year.  She is on the go, undeterred by the her town mayor's lack of support.  She has her own set of supporters, though and that is enough for Jaira to push harder to make her supporters proud.


Despite being finishing fifth overall last year, wearing the Barbra Pearls Cosmetics sash and being one of the most popular delegates this year, Miss Baclayon, Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas, on my personal opinion, is still to find her momentum.  Tonight will be her make or break moment, and for sure, Imma, who is definitely one determined lady, will put up a great show to clinch the coveted title. No settling for any runner up finishes this year.


And to round up my lower five is another repeater this year is Miss BISU, Leizel Mae Turtoga.  With a better look and a more confident aura, Leizel is in to redeem herself after ending unplaced last year.  Her string of experience in modelling and pageantry after her Miss Bohol 2014 stint, Miss BISU is a girl to watch out for tonight.

My winner's circle plus three more women who may make a big surprise tonight coming this 1:00PM!  Do watch out for my final predictions.

Three months of journey will be coming to a close on Friday, September 26 as the girls of Miss Silka Bohol will be pitted against each other for the last time.  And this time, there are no more second chances.  Only those who did well in the pre-pageant competitions, as well as the branding and online campaign will be given a sure slot during the finals.

While the final verdict is yet to be unveiled, allow me to share my picks for this year's edition of Miss Silka Bohol 2014.  The top seven that I've picked is based on a very objective criteria which includes their performances in the areas for judging and the qualities that make them a good brand ambassadress.

Finalist:
7. Myca

MYCA's official close up

If there is one girl who gives the queenly vibe, it is definitely Myca.  With a string of beauty titles under her name, Myca is definitely a good combination: beauty, walk, body, and experience.  However, Myca can also choke once faced with a tough question, such as that during the Press Presentation.  A month after that, I am hoping that Myca has mastered the art of being articulate and substantial even under pressure or else, Island City Mall will witness another front runner ending up a just a finalist.

6. Marian

MARIAN's official close up

Feline but in a very subtle way --- that is Marian for me.  She has her boyish mannerisms, being surrounded by boys as a Criminology student, yet when Marian is on stage, she becomes a woman.  Marian is undeniably one of this pageant's headturners.  But more than that, she is also one talented fellow, having been announced as one of the top five performers during the Talent Competition.

Should Marian be able to polish her communication skills and be able to handle the pressure once given a microphone to hold, she would become a big threat to everyone.  The interview portion, a portion which Marian could go very shaky as manifested during the Press Presentation, will seal Marian's fate.  Will she be able to pull it through and make it to the final round?

5. Rhea Mae

RHEA MAE's official close up

Having been a contestant of Miss Bohol Sandugo 2013, Rhea Mae definitely had a ton of experience in pageantry compared to the other Miss Silka hopefuls.  She knows how it works and might have had more cards than the rest. Her supporters have even placed her among the top three online, until recently, when Vern successfully climbed to third spot.

Hardworking and determined, Rhea Mae would definitely not rest on her pageant experience and will give a 101% of herself come the finale.  Plus, Rhea Mae is an intelligent woman so doing good in the Question and Answer would be easy as 1-2-3 for her.  However, Rhea Mae could be too diplomatic which dwindles her charm and fun factor.  Should she be able to add more sass, Rhea Mae can pull an upset for all the other girls.

3rd Runner Up
PAU (No. 2)

PAU's official close up

She is one of the early favorites with her facial features that can go from girl-next-door to a timeless beauty.  She might have not ranked in the talent competition or in the branding campaign, but Pau's spirit is always lifted by her strong army of supporters which gave her the lead online.

She might look reserved and quiet, but surely, Pau is mapping out how to wow the crowd come the grand finals.  It's never over until it's over and with Pau's commanding aura and ability to speak her mind, this Psychology student has the chance to win a runner up sash, or, if God wills, the coveted Miss Silka Bohol 2014 title.

2nd Runner Up
KATE (No. 13)

KATE's official close up

She might be the smallest girl in the pageant, but she is a girl no one could underestimate.  Kate happens to be that smiling yet very reserved presence and it shows even in on stage, yet once the competition is on, she exudes a subtle competitiveness.  She gives her best in every aspect.  And her efforts paid off when her name was called among the Top 5 performers during the Talent Competition.  Her hard work is backed by supportive followers --- family and friends included --- which made her the top contender for the Silka Ambassadress of Beauty Branding Campaign, giving her the eligibility to win automatic 20 points.

Kate's ultimate weapon come the finals is her intelligence, and it won't be a surprise should this girl wow the judges with her answer.  But will she be able to match the performance of the other candidates on August 26? Kate might just pull the biggest surprise for us.

1st Runner Up
PEARL (No. 1)

PEARL's official close up

It usually is a pressure to be the first girl out, but for Pearl, it seems like it is never a pressure at all.  Pearl simply has a certain charm that you cannot deny, a charm that would definitely make wonders should she win.  Coupled with her bubbly personality, approachable demeanor, and good interpersonal skills, Pearl has the making of a good spokesperson.  In fact, she currently ranks second in the competition's online competition.

Despite not ranking during the Talent Competition with her splendid performance, Pearl is a girl you can't simply miss.  A shoo in for the Top 7 for me, Pearl would definitely ace her interview round.  But can she pull the rag from Eda's feet or would she end up tomorrow's bridesmaid?

Miss Silka Bohol 2014
EDA (No. 12)

EDA's official close up

The beauty from Dauis has been consistently been on top since she first stepped into the limelight during the Press Presentation.  She ranks among one of the top picks of the press, impressing us with her wit.  She was also picked as one of the Top 5 finalist for the title of Best in Talent.  She also did well in flaunting her sexy figure during the Swimsuit Competition.  Definitely, Eda is the girl to beat this year.  And should she win, she will rank among her sisters who have conquered the pageants scene with flying colors.

Veering away from the typical mestiza beauties representing a beauty product, Eda would be a good choice to represent the Silka brand as a brand that caters for all skin types.  With a to-die-for body and a communication skill that is above the rest, Eda sure got this in the bag.

And if I may add two more girls who might just be able to enter the Top 7, they will be Vern (No. 5), for her sexy walk and utmost dedication towards her candidacy and Mae Ann (No. 9) who despite being usually unnoticed, has wowed me for her performance and transformation during the talent competition.

But this is just my forecast. Anything can still happen tomorrow at Island City Mall Activity Center during the Evening Gown Competition and Coronation of the new Miss Silka Bohol.  And as they say, it ain't over 'till it's over!

To all the ladies, best of luck!