Major-Major Jump from 4th to 3rd (Miss Universe 2011 Coronation Night)

Photo By Reuters/PAULO WHITAKER

This morning, all those at home were glued at channel 2 as we all await who would be the next Miss Universe 2011. My photo-editing session this morning was abruptly disrupted as my eyes were switching between the TV and my laptop. It was really hard to focus on which to watch so I had to close my laptop and get hooked on the TV XD. 

At exactly 9:30am, the delayed telecast has already begun as they started it with introducing each beautiful women who represented their own country. Everyone was awaiting Ms. Philippines introduction until she was shown on TV. A few minutes after, I was thinking if she can match the accomplishment of Venus Raj's ranking last year (She placed 4th Runner-Up on last year's Miss Universe 2010). As the top 16 was being called out one by one, I was hoping that Ms Philippines would be included via online votes. But when the name of Ms Portugal was announced as the winner of the online poll, I felt, Shamcey's chance went slim all of a sudden. Then, her name was announced as one of the top 16 contestants which made everyone jump for joy. I went out for a while and news was already spread like wild fire. Most people outside already knew that Shamcey was included in the top 16. 

When I went back, it was the swimsuit competition (my favorite XD). Again, Ms Philippines stand out among the crowd through loud cheers placing her 2nd on fan votes (1st was Venezuela). Then the top 10 was announced. Again, Ms Philippines' name was called to the delight of her Filipino fans from Sao Paolo and the rest of the world. It was followed by the evening gown competition. Shamcey displayed elegance and poise as she do her walk on stage placing her 1st on fan votes. After the evening gown, I know she'll be at the top 5, but the question is what would be her final ranking after all has happened. 

At the question and answer portion, Vivica Fox was the one who asked Shamcey her question. The question was Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person you love? Why and why not? Her answer was "I would not change my religion because… I love my God who created me and if that person truly loves me, should love my God too.” I don't know if that answer was convincing enough for me to conclude that she can win the coveted crown and I was hoping that Ms Lea Salonga would be the one to ask Shamcey the final question. But Oprah Winfrey said via BBC News that "I have reservations with the results. If the only basis is the Q and A portion, after having been trimmed down to 5, Ms. Philippines deserved to win. What made her different from the rest is that she had no seconds to rethink of her answer as she had no interpreter to break the ice. The rest had their interpreters and having breaks on seconds to think about their answers. Hands down, Ms. Philippines answered straight to the point." For one, she was the only contestant that did not use an interpreter to interpret her answer should she decide to answer in our native language which I found it amazing. 

When the final verdict has been given, All (I) were anxiously waiting who will be 4th runner-up. When Ms China's (Luo Zilin) name was announced, I was one of those who were delighted as Shamcey has outdone her predecessor. Though her name was announced as the 3rd runner-up, there is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, we should rejoice and celebrate as we move up one notch from last year. Maybe next year we move up one more notch or even higher, who knows. 

Photo By Reuters/PAULO WHITAKER

Anyway., here are the complete list of the top 16 candidates of the Miss Universe 2011. 

*Top 5
Angola – Leila Lopes: Miss Universe 2011
Ukraine – Olesya Stefanko: 1st runner-up
Brazil – Priscila Machado: 2nd runner-up
Philippines – Shamcey Supsup: 3rd runner-up
China – Zilin Luo: 4th runner-up
 

*Top 10
Australia – Scherri-Lee Biggs
Costa Rica – Johanna Solano
France – Laury Thilleman
Portugal – Laura Gonçalves
Panama – Sheldry Sáez
 

*Top 16
Kosovo – Afërdita Dreshaj
Colombia – Catalina Robayo
Puerto Rico – Viviana Ortiz
Netherlands – Kelly Weekers
USA – Alyssa Campanella
Venezuela – Vanessa Gonçalves