Miss Universe 1997: Brook Mahealani Lee

Brook Antoinette Mahealani Lee was crowned Miss Universe 1997 on May 16, 1997. She was also Miss Hawaii USA and Miss USA 1997 titleholder.

Immediately prior to winning the Miss USA and Miss Universe crowns, Brook pursued graduate-level studies in Communication at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She attended University Lab School for one year, 1987–1988. Lee graduated from Kamehameha Schools in 1989. She is a native of Pearl City, Hawaii.

Lee, who stands 1.7 m (5 ft. 7 in.), was crowned Miss Hawaii USA on her first try for this crown, then went on to win the Miss USA crown in Shreveport, Louisiana on February 5, 1997. Three months later, Lee won the Miss Universe 1997 pageant in Miami, Florida. That year, the outgoing Miss Universe 1996, Alicia Machado of Venezuela, was criticized by Donald Trump for gaining weight after winning the crown. It is said that Lee's answers to the judges' questions in both the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants, both of which alluded to that controversy, greatly impressed the judges. In the Miss USA pageant, when asked about how she would handle weight gain, Lee said, "I would take a good hard look at myself, and I'd look from the inside out, and I would know that I'm the same girl that won the crown that day and it wouldn’t really matter what I look like on the outside because I won." Later, in the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant, when asked what she would do if she didn't have to follow any rules, she replied, "I would eat everything in the whole world — twice!"

At Lee's urging, the 1998 Miss Universe pageant was held in her home state of Hawaii, in Honolulu, for the first time. Wendy Fitzwilliam of Trinidad and Tobago was crowned Miss Universe 1998.

After her reign as Miss Universe, Brook has made several cameo appearances in movies and television shows, and has hosted numerous television shows in Asia and the United States. Her current project is a regional television show known as Pacific Fusion, which focuses on Asian-American lifestyles. She has hosted episodes of "Great Cruises" on the Travel Channel, which highlights cruise travel around the world.



Press Presentation of Bb. Pilipinas 2009

Bb. Pilipinas or Binibining Pilipinas 2009 Pageant Official Candidates were presented to the press last February 24 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel. This year's batch of candidates are:

01. Vanessa Johnson
02. Carisheila May Kuijpers
03. Richell Angalot
04. Gizelle Jasmin Rivamonte
05. Diana Arevalo
06. Maria Paula Bianca Paz
07. Mary Jane dela Cruz
08. Cheryl Oliveros
09. April Love Jordan
10. Priscilla Navidad
11. Regina Hahn
12. Jaysel Arrozal
13. Sandra Inez Seifert
14. Keann Mallari
15. Pamela Bianca Manalo
16. Mary Tiffany Jones
17. Marie-Ann Umali
18. Marie Loraine de Guzman
19. Stephanie Rose Senires
20. Melody Gersbach
21. Hazel Sutch
22. Priscilla Mae Honorio
23. Barbara Salvador
24. Abigail Lesley Cruz



Candidates   Parade   Sandra is out   Awards   Top 10   Winners

Geraldine Edith "Pebbles" Villaruz Asis Story

Geraldine "Pebbles" Asis
Bb. Pilipinas - Universe 1987
Best in Evening Gown, Miss Sunsilk, 1987 (Bb. Pilipinas Pageant)
Semifinalist, 1987 (Miss Universe Pageant)

The Saga of Geraldine Edith "Pebbles" Villaruz Asis, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1987 and the Circumstances Surrounding her Reign

"Pebbles," 23, a Goulee Gorospe entry, bagged the Bb. Pilipinas Universe title over 36 other delegates that year.

Pebbles' victory proved to be a surprise to many pageant watchers. After all, she was not the hot favorite that year. The press were placing their bets on actress Marissa Delgado’s daughter and Ronnie Ricketts girlfriend Avon Boyle Garcia of De la Salle University; actor E.R.Ejercito’s girlfriend Emma Rose Policarpio; and Renee Salud’s models Anna Margarita Pobre (Cavite-bred, 1986 Supermodel of the World Philippine finalist and a descendant of Emilio Aguinaldo and Cesar Virata) and Diwata Panahon (UST’s Miss Thomasian Pharmacy). Other favorites that year were Pampanga's Maria Lourdes Enriquez, UP Los Banos and Colegio de Sta. Rosa-bred Ma. Luisa Jimenez and UP Diliman's Rosabelle Adriano.

The public certainly undermined the provinciana from Roxas City, Capiz. It also didn't help that Pebbles resembled screen contravida Zeny Zabala and starlet Myra Manibog.

Pebbles actually came from a landed family. Her father was previously mayor of Roxas City. She is related to Capiz’s
distinguished families: Roxas, Villaruz, Ortiz and Viterbo. In fact, she and Miss Universe 1973 Margarita Moran are very distant relatives.

Pebbles majored in interior design at the College of Holy Spirit Manila. She had no plans of joining a beauty pageant. She was supposed to drop off some friends at the Manila Hotel. Manila Hotel had been screening Bb. Pilipinas hopefuls that particular day.

Pebbles was forcibly obliged to be screened by Madame Stella Marquez de Araneta and the Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI)
Executive Committee. Because of her Eurasian features, she moved past the screening exercises and became an official candidate.

Come coronation night, The 37 official candidates initially sashayed onstage during their opening number wearing cocktail dresses designed by an up and coming 19-year old designer from Angelicum School: Peter Lim.

Halfway through, Emma Rose Policarpio bagged 3 special awards: Miss Creamsilk, Miss Talent and Miss Photogenic. Earlier, Emma Rose made a commotion during the parade of beauties by riding in her own float. Pebbles proved to be the evening’s dark horse by winning the Miss Sunsilk and Best in Evening Gown titles. Lourdes Enriquez bagged the Miss Close-up Smile title. Ma. Luisa Jimenez was Lux Lady.

As the evening moved to a close, Pebbles was chosen to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant in Singapore. Ma. Lourdes Enriquez was Bb. Pilipinas International. Ma. Luisa Jimenez was Bb. Pilipinas Maja. Avon Boyle Garcia became Bb. Pilipinas Tourism. Angela Larrazabal and Rosabelle Adriano were runners-up.

Locally, Pebbles was not expected to figure prominently in the Miss Universe pageant. But as soon as she landed in Singapore, she was hailed as a favorite together with Miss USA Michelle Royer, Miss New Zealand Ursula Kim Ryan, Colombia’s Patricia Lopez Ruiz (who eventually received the Miss Photogenic Prize) and Miss Venezuela Inez Maria Calero.

Best National Costume Awards were given to Jacqueline Ribeiro Meirelles of Brazil, Priyadarsjomo Pradhan of India and Sheree Ann Richards of Trinidad and Tobago. Tattiana Reues of Honduras bagged the Miss Congeniality title.

To the tune of "Let's Go Baby, Let's Go" Miss Universe 1986 Barbara Palacios Teyde of Venezuela led the delegates and guests in gracing the Miss Universe Pageant’s spectacular opening number in Singapore’s World Trade Center. The hosts were Bob Barker and Mary Fran.

From the video footages to the various production numbers, the cameras were zeroing in on Pebbles. In spite of her relatively low swimsuit scores (7.77), she seemed to be a shoo-in for the top 10.

"We have Miss Italy (Roberta Capua)….We have Miss Puerto Rico.(Laurie Tamara Simpson, who later became Miss International in Japan) ...and we have Miss Philippines," cried Bob Barker.

Pebbles was the third to be called among the semifinalists. The other semifinalists were Inez Maria Calero (Venezuela), Jessica Newton (Callao, Peru), Michelle Royer (Keller, Texas, USA), Marion Nicole Teo (A surprise entry, from the host country Singapore), Susanne Thoerngren (Sweden), Carmelita Ariza (Grand Turk Island, Turks and Caicos; her sister competed in the 1985 pageant in St. Louis, Missouri) and Cecilia Bolocco (Chile). Pebbles placed 5th in the preliminary competitions.

During the interview competition, Pebbles made quite an impression on host Bob Barker:

Barker: She is Geraldine Edith Asis, she is a college graduate, and what was your major in college?
Pebbles: I majored in interior design.
Barker: I see. Now I am pleased to learn that you watch “The Price is Right” in the Philippines.
Pebbles: Of course, that’s my favorite show! (audience giggles with her)
Barker: Here’s a candidate with good taste, ladies and gentlemen …You have family members living in the United States?
Pebbles: Yes, I do..
Barker: Where do they live?
Pebbles: In New York, Michigan, Florida, Everywhere! (audience laughs with her)
Barker: Have you visited these places?
Pebbles: If I’m going to be Miss Universe, that’s the first thing that I’m going to do. Go and visit them.
Barker: You haven’t been to the United States?
Pebbles: No, I haven’t.
Barker: But if you watch “The Price is Right” in the Philippines, there’s no reason for you to see the United States!
Pebbles: But I think it’s better if you see it live!
Barker: I think you are right! Thank you, Miss Philippines.

Although Pebbles was bubbly, her interview wasn’t strong enough to place her into the top 3. Chile was 1st, USA was 2nd and Italy was 3rd. Puerto Rico was surprisingly in 4th place followed by Venezuela. Pebbles was a close 6th.

After the swimsuit competition, it became apparent that Pebbles was slipping out of the winning circle. She, again, placed 6th. Chile was too strong after her interview. Again, she top the swimsuit parade. Italy was 2nd, USA dropped to 3rd, Puerto Rico placed 4th and Venezuela was again 5th.

To the tune of the haunting "Star Medley" and serenaded by the little sisters, Pebbles emerged relatively victorious during the evening gown competition. Wearing her prizewinning Bb. Pilipinas black gown (accentuated further with sequins, beads and rhinestones on the left hip/thigh area, designed and executed by Goulee Gorospe), Pebbles scored heavily by placing 4th. Chile, again, was 1st, Italy came in 2nd, USA placed 3rd. Puerto Rico dropped to 5th and Venezuela was 6th.


Looking back, Pebbles' interview scores caused her downfall during the final night. Chile's Cecilia Bolocco was crowned Miss Universe. Italy, USA, Venezuela and Puerto Rico were the runners-up.

Pebbles slipped back to Manila after her Singapore sojourn. Her fellow passengers, airport immigration and customs officers, and even kibitzers inquired: “How come you didn’t win?”

"I really tried my best," was Pebbles' immediate reply.

After the pageant, Pebbles did “Espadang Patpat” with Dolphy (where she reportedly received a whooping 100,000 Philippine Pesos - a hefty sum then for a first-time actress). She had personal endorsement and modeling contracts in Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila and the United States. She was a popular girl during her reign.

Pebbles' performance was a respectable finish for the Philippines in 1987. It will take 7 years for another Filipina to land in the top 10 of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageant.

***Credits:
J for the article
Twinkle2020 for the pictures


Miss Estonia 2009 Finalists

Miss Estonia 2009 Beauty Pageant will be held on March 8, 2009. There are three finalists who will compete for this year's crown. The winner will be sent to compete and represent Estonia at the Miss Universe 2009 Contest.

Julia
23 years old
175cm. tall


Sille
19 years old
175cm. tall


Diana
25 years old
181cm. tall



Miss Cuba Earth 2009 is Jamillette Gaxiola

The 19 year old Jamillette Gaxiola was chosen to represent Cuba in the Miss Earth 2009 Contest later this year. Jamillette was born in Havana and is a Communications Major student at the Community College of Southern Nevada.

Jamillette joined Miss Cuba Organization casting hosted by Lenz Modeling Agency in Las Vegas. The selection process was judged by celebrity photographer Andres Gonzalez, Jessica Silva Miss Cuba 2008 & Geisy Hernandez Miss Intercontinental Cuba 2009.



Miss Dominica 2009 is Kayan Toussaint

Kayan Toussaint, a 21 year old native of Pointe Michel won the Miss Dominicana 2009 Beauty Pageant held at Carnival City in Roseau.

Complete results:
Miss Dominicana 2009 - Kayan Toussaint, 21
1st runner-up - Amye James, 20
2nd runner-up - Attainea Toulon, 21

SPECIAL AWARDS:
Best in Carnival Costume- Kayla Benjamin
Best in Evening Gown- Kayan Toussaint
Best in Q&A- Amye James
Best in Swimwear- Kayan Toussaint
Best Performing Talent- Nadine Sylvester
Miss Congeniality- Wendy Glenville


Kristina Koz-Gotlib crowned Miss Ukraine Universe 2009

A 25 year old model and student, Kristina Koz-Gotlib won the Miss Ukraine Universe 2009 Beauty Pageant held at the Freedom Concert Hall in Kiev last Friday, February 20.

Kristina stands 1.75m tall and she will be sent to compete at the Miss Universe 2009 Contest. The 1st run-up title was given to Antonina Papernaya, 21 years of age.

The reigning Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela attended the event as a special guest. Oleksandra Nikolayenko-Ruffin, Miss Ukraine Universe 2001 was the organizer of the pageant.


Official Candidates   Semi-Finalists   Gallery   Dayana Mendoza visits

Dayana Mendoza in Ukraine

Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza visits Kiev, Ukraine with the Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart and her husband as they are invited by Oleksandra Nikolayenko Ruffin.

Oleksandra is the organizer of Miss Universe Ukraine Beauty Pageant. She is Miss Ukraine 2001 and represented the country at the Miss World 2001 Contest and placed in the top 10. She also competed in Miss Universe 2004 and also became one of the judges in the 2005 live telecast.

Dayana, together with Oleksandra and the reigning Miss Universe Ukraine 2008, Eleonora Masalab was photographed as a part of the big finale of the Miss Universe Ukraine 2009 Contest to be held on February 20 (Meet the delegates).


Official Candidates   Semi-Finalists   Gallery   Meet the winner

Winners of Bb. Pilipinas 1997

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Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1997 (Abbygale Williamson Arenas)
Abby stands 5'9" tall and a former model in the Philippines. She represented Pampanga and won in the "Ford Supermodel of the World - Philippines" back in 1992. Then she represented the Philippines in the International Finals. She first join Bb. Pilipinas in 1994 and placed as 1st run-up. As a Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1997, she represented the country in the Miss Universe 1997 Beauty Contest and ranked in the 11th place, missing the Top 10 by 0.01 of a point. She also awarded as Miss Photogenic. Now, Abbygale is married to photographer Jun de Leon and a freelance make-up artist and owns her own company in developing personality.

Binibining Pilipinas World 1997 (Kristine Rachel Gumabao Florendo)
Representing the Philippines at the Miss World 1997 Beauty Pageant held in Baie Lazare, Seychelles on November 22 was Kristine Florendo. After her reign, she became one of the host of 'Eat Bulaga' in 2000-2001, a popular noon time show in the country.

Binibining Pilipinas International 1997 (Susan Jane Juan Ritter)
Susan is one of the top 15 semi-finalists in Miss International 1997. After her reign as Bb. Pilipinas, she became active in show business. Susan was part of the movies Ginto't pilak in 1998, Warfreak: walang sinasanto, walang pinapatawad in 1998 and Sabado ng gabi, Linggo ng umaga in 1999.

Runners-up:
1st run-up (Abiele Arianne del Moral)
2nd run-up (Marivic Galang)



Special Awards:
* Miss Photogenic/AGFA = Kristine Rachel Florendo
* Miss Friendship = Marites Descalso
* Miss Talent = Gerby Cadungog
* Best In Swimsuit = Abbygale Williamson Arenas
* Best In Evening Gown = Abbygale Williamson Arenas
* Miss Pond's Beautiful Skin = Susan Jane Ritter
* Miss Sunsilk Beautiful Hair = Kristine Rachel Florendo
* Miss Close-Up Smile = Kristine Rachel Florendo
* Binibining Avon = Abbygale Williamson Arenas
* Miss Slimmer's World = Susan Jane Ritter
* Miss PAL Sunniest Personality = Kristine Rachel Florendo

Official Candidates   Top 10 Semi-Finalists   Top 5 Finalists

Bb. Pilipinas 1997 Top 5 Finalists

After the scores of the semi-finalists have been averaged, now let's meet Bb. (Binibining Pilipinas 1997 Beauty Pageant's top 5 finalists. Three of them will wear the coveted crown:

(#14) Susan Jane Ritter
(#33) Abbygale Arenas
(#21) Marivic Galang
(#15) Abiele Arianne del Moral
(#32) Kristine Rachel Florendo

The 5 finalists will have to answer the same final question, that will determine their places.

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Official Candidates   Top 10 Semi-Finalists   Winners

Top 10 Semi - Finalists of Bb. Pilipinas 1997

From 33 contestants competing for the title, only the top 10 candidates will be competing in the semi-finals. And the lucky 10 are:

(#01) Maureen Aleia Alcantara, 5'5", Dagupan City, Pangasinan
(#02) Rosario Gonzalez, 5'5", Manila
(#11) Rochelle Ong, 5'6", Pamapanga & Quezon City
(#12) Joanne Golong, 5'6", Tacloban City, Leyte
(#14) Susan Jane Ritter, 21, 5'6", Zamboanga
(#15) Abiele Arianne del Moral, 17, 5'6", Angeles
(#21) Marivic Galang, 19, 5'7", Caloocan City & Pampanga
(#31) Germaine Christine Asuncion, 23, 5'10", North America
(#32) Kristine Rachel Florendo, 21, 5'9", Quezon City
(#33) Abbygale Williamson Arenas, 22, 5'10", Angeles

For the first part of the semi-finals, the chosen delegates will compete for the swimsuit competition. They will be judged on poise and fitness.

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Next is the interview round, the delegates will be interviewed casually by the host of the pageant, Martin Nievera. They are judges according to their answers, wit and charm.

The last part of the semi-finals is the evening gown competition. They are to be judged with their poise, personal style, elegance and grace. Then, the scores will be averaged and will announce the top 5 finalists who will proceed to the last part of the beauty contest.

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Official Candidates   Top 5 Finalists   Winners

Bb. Pilipinas 1997 Official Candidates

The Bb. (Binibining) Pilipinas 1997 Beauty Pageant was held on March 2, 1997 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon, City. There are 33 lovely delegates who competed in the event. The winners will go to represent the country in an international competitions. Here are the 33 lovely contestants vying for the title:

Maureen Aleia Alcantara (5'5", Dagupan); Rosario Reyes Gonzales (5'5", Manila); Judith Austria (5'5", Manila); Gerby Cadungog (5'5", Marinduque); Josephine Joy Astor (5'5", Angeles); Marie Anjeline Serrano (5'5", Butuan); Maria Lualhati Malata (5'6", Davao); Alma Rita Eloisa Dupaya (5'5", Cagayan); Luningning Kilala Rances (5'5", Valenzuela); Julie Sheila Jovellanos (withdrew); Rochelle Romero Ong (Quezon City & Pampanga); Joanne Golong, (5'6", Tacloban City, Leyte); Ivy Flores Teves (5'6", Pasig); Susan Jane Juan Ritter (21, 5'6", Zamboanga); Abiele Arianne del Moral (17, 5'6", Angeles); Jo Anne Cabal (5'7", Manila); Gretchen Abuso Loquias (5'7", Camiguin Island); Divine Mercado Burce (5'7", Laguna); Cecilia Dorotan (withdrew); Zara Jane de Jesus (5'7", Bulacan); Marivic Galang (19, 5'7", Caloocan & Pampanga); Amanda Guidotti (5'8", San Juan, Manila); Marion Leonore Filart (5'7", Manila); Marites Descalso (5'8", Pampanga); Maria Nelia Ilano (5'8", Bulacan); Mari-Gold Jacela (5'7", Manila); Lizel Vinasoy (5'8", Isabela); Jacqueline Dimalanta (withdrew); Jo-Anne Dominguez (5'8", Pampanga); Lowella Bulilan (5'9", Pampanga); Germaine Christine Veloria Asuncion (23, 5'10", New Jersey, USA); Kristine Rachel Gumabao Florendo (21, 5'9", Quezon City); Abbygale Williamson Arenas (22, 5'10", Angeles)

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Top 10 Semi-Finalists   Top 5 Finalists   Winners

Gay Beauty Pageants 2008

miss gay beauty pageant contest 2008

B
  • Marcos Grabowski wins Mister Gay Brazil

    I
  • Argentina wins Mister Gay International 2008
  • International Mister Gay 2008

    P
  • Search is On: Amazing Philippine Beauties 2008
  • Angelika Santillan wins Amazing Philippine Beauties 2008

  • Max Krzyzanowski of Ireland wins Mister Gay World 2009

    Mr. Ireland, Max Krzyzanowski wins the title of the first ever Mister Gay World 2009 Contest held last February 8 at Whistler Canada. Max is 37 years old and loves to play the piano and guitar, reading, cycling, current affairs, crosswords and combat sports. He runs a security for a private club in Dublin city, and also instruct Muay Thai kickboxing.

    "I want to take part because it is a unique opportunity to see and experience the Gay community working on an international stage to further the cause of equality.

    I hope that I might be considered suitable for the role of Mr Gay World, in part, for the experience I bring to the position.

    In my professional life, the qualities of patience, respect and steadfastness under pressure have become my ethos, and I hope these traits are sought-after qualities for Mr Gay World."
    He says.
    Complete results:
    Mr. Gay World 2009 - Mister Ireland, Max Krzyzanowski
    1st run- up - Mister Paraguay, Alexis Cespedes
    2nd run-up - Mister Mexico, Pico Velasco Michel
    3rd run-up - Mister Australia, Ben Edwards
    4th run-up - Mister New Zealand, Reece Karena
    5th run-up - Mister Canada, Darren Bruce

    Special Awards:
    Mr. Gay Photogenic - Mister Argentina, Victor Marcelo Benitez
    Mr. Gay Leadership - Mister Australia, Ben Edwards
    Mr. Gay Congeniality - Mister Colombia, Francisco Javier Ortega
    Mr. Gay Popularity - Mister Philippines, Wilbert Tolentino
    Best in National Costume - Mister Philippines, Wilbert Tolentino


    Official Contestants

    Official Universal Queen Site