Janet and I were lucky enough to arrive just in time in Nha Trang to watch tonight's exciting Presentation Show!
Janet: We took a break from the Beauty Olympics, which will continue in a few days, to get you all the inside scoop on this year's Miss Universe delegates and happenings!
Cassandra: Yes, indeed, and what a way to start our Miss Universe mission! After all, tonight, 10 out of the 15 semi-finalists, had their passports stamped to MU's next stage of competition.
Janet: Too bad we will have to wait until next Monday morning to find out who they are, but I think after tonight's event we can give it a shot on who the competition's sho-ins are...
Cassandra: Well, I would start by saying that 6 candidates really stood out tonight - they are Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Thailand, Panama and Brazil.
Janet: I totally agree with you, Cassandra, and although the first 5 were pretty much expected to shine, I must say that Brazil was the positive surprise of the night! This girl does not photograph well, but she looks stunning in person, and has just the right moves on stage!
Cassandra: Brazil will certainly fight to be in the Top 5, but at this point I would have to say the the battle for the crown is between Mexico and Venezuela. These two young women simply confirmed why they've been on the top of every betting list for weeks now.Janet: I would add Colombia to this fierce battle. She was perfect in all senses tonight! Her figure is nothing but perfection, and her gown, oh my God, her gown....Cassandra: Yes, Colombia was awesome. And let's not lose sight of Thailand, by far the strongest bet from Asia, and Panama, who got it all!
Janet: I would risk saying that there's an 80% chance that the Miss Universe crown will return to Latin America this year.
Asia has at this point a 10% chance of winning, with Thailand, and perhaps India as the region's front runners.
Cassandra: Janet, what's your take on the hometown girl, Vietnam?
Janet: I think I wouldn't have noticed her if we were not in Vietnam. But she is pretty and is trying really hard, we know she will be up there.Cassandra: How about Ingrid, the famous Miss Puerrrto Rrrricoooo!!??
Janet:Well, I still think she will land in the Top 15, but I've asked around, and most people don't even think she will make the cut...
Cassandra: She lost points, and some admirers, in swimsuit... Her lower body portion is not proportional to her upper body. But it's Puerto Rico, and it's Ingrid, so you never know! At this point she could not even place among the semi-finalists, or she could go all the way and become her island's 6th Miss Universe...
Janet: Any thoughts on Miss USA?
Cassandra: Janet, Miss USA was correct. She is beautiful, and is also a very strong possibility for this year's Top 5.
Janet: And what are the treasures Europe and the Middle East kept for the Universe?
Cassandra: After tonight, Miss Spain is my favorite European contestant. In my opinion she deserves to be in the Top 10, and depending on her performance on July 14, she might even grab a Top 5 slot...
Janet: I disagree with you here. I liked Spain, but I loved Ireland! She did quite well and this girl has something I appreciate: freshness, she is a natural beauty!
Cassandra: Norway I can still visualize in the Top 15, but I am not sure she would survive the swimsuit competition... Kosovo has an incredible face, but not the body. Israel wouldn't be a surprise in the Top 15 or even Top 10, and France and Greece could also pull it.
Janet: Finally, there's South Africa, unquestionably the #1 bet in Africa, and Jamaica, a pleasant surprise from the Caribbean.
Cassandra: Overall this group of 80 candidates was considerably overweight.
Janet: Well Cassandra, let's keep some of the dish and detailed analysis for later. We'd better go to bed now...
Cassandra: Yes, good night everyone, and best of luck to all 80 2008 Miss Universe babes!!
http://globalbeauties.com/universe/2008/n_708.htm