Spain Drops the Miss World Franchise; To Concentrate on Miss Universe Instead

The National Director of the Miss World pageant in Spain, Guillermo Escobar, had just recently dropped the franchise. In a post released a week ago, the BeMiss Organization (which holds both the Miss Universe and Miss World franchises) informed the public that they have decided not to renew the franchise of the London-based pageant. Madrid on …

Pia Wurtzbach: A Summary of her Reign

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach had a very productive reign and here are the highlights... Countries Visited: 11 countries – Canada, Cayman Islands, Ecuador, Indonesia, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates (Dubai), United States Magazine Covers: 14 covers – Mega, Metro, Esquire, Preview, Rogue, Cosmopolitan Ph, Cosmopolitan Malaysia, Pageantry Magazine, People Asia, Philippine …

My Miss Universe Predictions: A List based on Hunch

Unfortunately, my list is not gonna be a popular one. In fact, after the rehearsals yesterday, my gut feel became stronger that the Miss Universe winner might not be coming from the perceived front-runners in the competition. I also believe that it will be a strong showing from the Southeast Asian girls in the competition. …

Germany, Ukraine & Netherlands: My European Queens

Despite having a weaker fan following, European ladies have sent several strong ladies that we should all watch out for. And it is these three girls I see that are most likely to penetrate the finals of the Miss Universe pageant. Germany’s Johanna Acs is a pageant veteran and I would love to see her …

USA, Australia & Puerto Rico: My Queens from English Speaking Countries

I am sure you are wondering why had I separated these countries from my continental list, well that is simply because they couldn’t totally fit in anywhere in the previous groupings. Brenda Azaria Jimenez of Puerto Rico was a surprise addition to my list. I only started noticing her much recently. Australia’s Caris Tiivel personally …

65th Miss Universe Spoilers

By now everyone has probably known that the semifinalist will be 12 + 1... (with the top 12 being named first and the 13th semifinalist coming from the online votes) but here are several more 65th Miss Universe spoilers... * The opening number will be a medley of FloRida's songs with back up dancers at the …

Venezuela, Mexico & Brazil: My Latina Queens

These three countries are among the toughest rivals in their part of the world. In fact they are the considered superpowers in the world of pageantry from Latin America. Kristal Silva has been a personal bias of mine since her participation in Miss Earth in Manila last 2013…amd didn’t I mentioned that she was a …

65th Miss Universe Spotlight and Assessment: Nicaragua

Name: Marina Jacoby Age: 21 years old Height: 5’8” Rating: Wildcard The face alone is perfection, and if you add up her body then you have a winning combo. Even if Nicaragua have a weak sash in Miss Universe, Marina is starting to get attention from pageant fans. She has a lovely face that sometimes …

The Journey to the Crown: 10 Sunrises in the Philippines

The much-awaited Miss Universe® competition is less than ten days away and we are excited! ETC, the home of Miss Universe® 2016, airs The Journey to the Crown: 10 Sunrises in the Philippines today, Saturday, January 28 at 7 PM. This two-part special will showcase the wonders and beauty of the Philippines, giving our fellow Filipinos …

Best Pageant Gowns in Miss Universe Preliminaries

Among the 80-plus gowns that were paraded in the preliminaries of the pageant, these 6 gowns were the ones that stood out the most for me.  6. Jamaica - red seems to be this country's fave and it works well. Kaci Fennell in Doral rocked the stage with a red number and same goes to …

Indonesia, Philippines & Thailand: My Asian Queens

No surprise here, these three countries are definitely the strongest in Asia this year. Add to the fact that they are perhaps one of the most vocal countries in terms of fan support and online media following. Before I get accused of being biased since I am living in Indonesia, I just want people to …

65th Miss Universe Spotlight and Assessment: Turkey

Name: Tansu Cakir Age: 21 years old Height: 5’8” Rating: Wild Card She has an undeniable Middle Eastern appeal that is both modern and classic. She has the face and the body for the competition, and hopefully strong communication skills too. Tansu reminds me of a younger and more modelesque Salma Hayek at times and …

Thank You Isabella Manjon

Whenever Sash Factor and Sashes&Scripts receives help from people around us, we strive to make sure we show appreciation and our gratitude. Today is a post of just that: gratitude. When we were struck by the untimely passing away of a beloved friend, it would have been difficult to claim the tickets he bought for …

A Filipino GlamSquad for Hawa Kamara, Miss Universe Sierra Leone

The Filipino people is a country that is usually at the receiving end of charity so when others need help in return it is no surprise for Filipinos to help in the capacity we can. I am witness to that as several of my friends rallied to help out Miss Universe first timer Sierra Leone …

Aruba, Barbados, US Virgin Islands, Jamaica & Curacao: My Caribbean Queens

Continuing my final countdown to the Miss Universe pageant are the top three ladies from the Carribean. US Virgin Islands, Jamaica and Curacao has definitely stepped up their game this year and I am amazed at the quality of the girls in the competition. The Caribbean never runs out of beauties and this is evident …