This is more of a walkthrough than a review of the pageant (that'll be done later) it was done during the pageant itself. Consider it my annotation or comments while everything was taking place. It was briefly edited before being uploaded. Answers to final question were transcribed after the pageant.

The pageant is 30 minutes delayed here in the Philippines thanks to our local network. Last year I had the luxury of a cable channel broadcast but this year it seems like this might end up a little later than usual, unless I am in the mood be spoiled, not!

I am one of 1 billion viewers eagerly viewing this pageant. Okay here we go!

First impressions. It’s great to see the girls in moving pictures. So far there are no standouts besides the ones who are already on my favorites list. I think Miss Venezuela is more stunning than I expected. Okay here the delegates are. Massive stage that looks like a giant temple, to the side of both stages looks like a golden painting of their mythical lions, the outline of the stage floor is also shaped like the roof of a temple. The backdrop is a mural of Thai temples and a golden moon.

Right now the delegates are parading on stage with their dance like choreography, nothing new, seen it all before. Hosts are called on stage, but only Billy Bush comes out. Aha! Nancy O Dell makes a grand entrance on a Tuktuk. I think she is a great co-host (this is her first time hosting the Miss Universe pageant though she's been hosting Miss USA with Billy for some time now) to Billy Bush they have great rapport. She has her hair tied up which softens her features a bit, she looks very beautiful in a red satin dress. So far no technical glitches this year.

Back from a relatively short commercial gap.

National, Costume Parade (which we all know was pre-taped last Wednesday). A review of the great year that was for Jennifer Hawkins, children of Thailand gather on stage to welcome her as she is called. She is more stunning than ever. Judges are then introduced (in this order): Carson Kressley, Cassie Lewis, Bryan Dattilo, Jean Georges , Alexandra Nikolaenko, Porntip Simon, Mario Cimarro, Anne Martin, Kevin S. Bright, Heidi Albertsen, Khun Pi Rom and Louis Licari.

Top 15 is next. Before the gap several Thai dances are highlighted onstage.

So nervous.

First up is…Mexico yeah, Latvia a stunner, Dominican Republic, she looks gorgeous, Canada very beautiful, South Africa, she doesn’t look too good her cheeks look swollen, Venezuela, so far so good no surprises yet, Norway (oh no betting agencies were correct), Switzerland, I knew it! Glad I put her on my list, USA, Indonesia, 5 more places, Trinidad & Tobago, Israel, my list is running dry, Peru finally, Greece, one last please be Puerto Rico, yes it is. No Thailand what a disappointment for the home crowd.

Evening gowns are next, let’s see who changes their gowns. Mexico looks better than in pictures, she let her hair down which I think looks much better on her, Latvia looks like a Barbie doll she could go further than expected tonight, Dominican Republic changes her gown and goes for a white and silver number and it makes a big difference count her into my top ten, Canada same gown, South Africa, same gown, she is not as pretty as she is in pictures very disappointed with her, Venezuela, Norway I just can’t believe those betting people were right in putting her in I still don't like her, Switzerland, USA, changed her gown to a skin colored number, still not the best but better than her previous number, Indonesia same black gown, this girl risked her life and her faith to be in this pageant I hope she does good she has good runway skills, T&T same flowing red and orange gown, Israel, looked good in the opening number and so it’s a pleasant surprise to have her here, Peru, same gown that made her standout during the prelims, Greece same pink number, I like her, Puerto Rico same gown I thought she’d change it, very elegant girl indeed, I hope my favorite goes all the way tonight.

I’ve developed a special bond with my favorites so my Top Ten is like this, Mexico, Latvia, Dominican Republic, Canada, South Africa, Venezuela, Switzerland, Peru, Greece, Puerto Rico

Actual results in this order, Puerto Rico, Canada, Peru, Switzerland, Latvia, Dominican Republic, USA, Mexico, Venezuela, Israel. Oh my no South Africa probably as observed she doesn’t look stunning tonight seems like cheeks are a bit swollen. 9 for 10 isn’t bad although I had put South Africa on my list of predictions, I shouldn’t have.

It’s the swimsuit parade. The stage is made colorful with hangings made from Thai umbrellas. The backdrop is a dark sky filled with beaming lights that mimic stars. All the delegates are given a chance to parade.

Puerto Rico comes out an exudes sensuality, she's on fire tonight. Canada comes out and is also gorgeous, she has an amazing body potentially the best one of the entire 10. Peru almost slips down the ramp but recovers well with an amazing presentation. Switzerland is a bit subdued compared to the first three ladies. Latvia, also not as energetic as the first three but still looks great. “Barbie doll on stage”. Dominican Republic, fires up the stage, she also has an amazing body she’s shining brightly top five material, USA, this is Chelsea’s specialty, she works the stage moving with the beat with a bit of dance moves, Mexico and then Venezuela, fine work by them both, Israel, her wrap thingee doesn’t want to come off but she works it well. Billy interviews Carsson, he says he has never looked at women that way before and gives in the Billy soliciting some praise for himself.

Time for the top five very soon, my top bets at this point are Puerto Rico, Canada, Dominican Republic, Latvia and Venezuela. If Latvia doesn’t make the cut then I see Peru filling in that last slot.

Nancy changes her gown to something blue, before we even notice he’s gone Billy comes marching in on an Elephant. He is brought all the way to the stage. While on the way Nancy asks, “who’s that with you, Dumbo?” Billy answers “no this is…” she then says “I was talking to the elephant.” 

Special awards are given out, Best in National Costume Thailand, Miss Photogenic, Philippines, Miss Congeniality US Virgin Islands. I feel like I have part in Miss Philippines win, since our news program was doing coverage of her I informed them of all the details for voting and they plugged it on the newscast. I can imagine all the pageant “fanatics” going online to vote. I would have wanted Puerto Rico to win this one, she really deserves it. I can imagine the web war between fans from both countries. Both of which are known to be very serious about their representatives.

Back to Thailand girls hold hands. Top 5 announced in this order, Mexico, wow pleasant surprise, Puerto Rico, go girl, Billy Bush, “looking like a South American dog fight,” Dominican Republic, Canada, Venezuela. Wow four Latinas. 4 out of 5 for me. All these ladies deserve to be where they are. I couldn’t be happier.

Tribute to those who were affected by the Tsunami. Moment of silence, audience turns on their flash lights, the audience glows, it is a brief but touching moment.

Final questions are next after the break.

Mexico
Question by Venezuela: If you had to recommend a book to someone what book would it be and why?
Answer: I had the opportunity to meet the writer of a book called “The Story is Not Over Yet” and I would recommend this book to everyone because it really talks about how we can change our lives and how we are the writers of our own stories of our own life, and that we can change whatever is in our desire to change so I would recommend everyone to really believe in themselves reading this book.

Puerto Rico
Question by Miss Canada: What one failure in your life did you most learn from?
Answer: I think all experiences we have in life we just do it, we just over pass all that and I remember that I tried to compete in a pageant in Miss Puerto Universe once and I didn’t make it and now Oh My God I have the opportunity again and I just tried I just said like, this is for me I think is the moment and I did it. I never surrendered and I think that is very important don’t surrender what you have and just go ahead and take hold of what you want.

She spoke so fast I did not understand some words. This is as accurate as I can go.

Dominican Republic
Question by Miss Universe 2004: What can men learn most from women?
Answer: Well I believe that men and women we have, we are very different in personality and as well as the physical. But I know that women we have sensitivity and I think every man has to be themselves have to act as they believe and try not copy anybody because that is what makes them a real man.

Canada
Question by Dominican Republic: What is the biggest challenge in your life?
Answer: The biggest challenge in my life is always trying to stay positive, I consider myself the kind of person who always looks at the glass half full instead of half empty And even though sometimes in difficult times it is hard to look at life this way I always try to maintain a positive outlook in life. Kap kun krap.

Venezuela
Question by Mexico: What is one of the difficult situations your country is going through and what would you do to help solve it?
Answer: Good evening. My country, Venezuela right now, is we're in kinda a bad situation political and economic problems, I believe that the problem is that we are so into ourselves and we forget about helping others and that is one thing that I would do just help each other and…(unfinished)

All Spanish ladies ask for a translation of the question but answer in English.

Okay aside from Venezuela all of the girls did well. I think Canada’s answer was a bit rehearsed. At this point I’d go for Puerto Rico, Canada and Dominican Republic although Mexico also did well. I’ll wait for the final look before I call it. It is so hard to say.

Prizes for the winner include a Mikimoto crown & tiara. Luxury apartment, personal appearance ward rode and professional representation by Miss U Organization, $10,000 worth of Preciosa crystal products including a chandelier, Exclusive model representation by Trump Model Management, Tadashi personal appearance wardrobe, make up by Cover Girl & $5000 cash prize, $2000 cash and CHI products, shoe wardrobe by Nina Footwear, 2 year scholarship by School for Film & Television in New York, 7 day vacation to Thailand’s Santiburi Resort.

Final look.

Mexico: She looks stunning tonight, very beautiful.
Puerto Rico: My favorite girl is as special as ever, looks very nervous.
Dom Rep: Love that gown, I like her natural look, she is my underdog favorite.
Canada: Crowd favorite gets a loud applause also look nervous but very sophisticated.
Venezuela: A bit meek, I think she knows she messed up with her final question.

Okay I’m so not ready to make any calls at this point. Part of me is asking myself why I did not put Canada on my list even though I thought it over many times that she might go all the way to win despite being the heavy favorite (it usually doesn’t end up that way). Part of me wants my favorite Puerto Rico to win, and part of me wants the lovely Dominican Republic who really shined tonight.

Okay so here is my list in order Miss Universe will probably be Canada, followed by, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic Mexico and Venezuela. We’ll know pretty soon.

Special people are introduced and thanked, Thailand’s first Miss Universe, The Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism of and Sports among others. The judges.

Final walk of Jennifer Hawkins, Miss Universe 2004.

Here are the results.

4th Runner up: Venezuela
3rd Runner up: Mexico
2nd Runner up: Dominican Republic

Tense moment.

1st Runner up: Puerto Rico

Hey what’d you know I got it right!

Miss Universe is Canada! She looks amazing, I can’t believe it I almost called it right again this year. I’ll never hear the end of it from myself. I keep reminding myself to follow my gut! She deserves it I think she shined brighter than Puerto Rico or any of the girls tonight.

Looking back I can’t believe, Karla my very good friend at work almost got the Top 3 right in order. He list was like this, Canada, Puerto Rico, South Africa and Dominican Republic.

It was a great year after all. Till next time, cheers everybody!

PHOTOS: Miss Universe L.P., LLLP