Miss World 2014 Contestants (Batch A-D)

Miss World 2014 celebrating it's 64th edition will be held on December 14 at the ExCeL London in London, England where 124 international beauties vie for the coveted title.

The reigning Miss World 2013, Megan Young from the Philippines will crown her successor at the end of the event.

Meet Miss World 2014 Official Delegates:

Miss Albania Xhensila Pere Age: 25 Hometown: Pogradec	Miss Algeria Fatima Chouib Age: 21 Hometown: Kasbah
Miss Argentina Yoana Don Age: 23 Hometown: Santiago del Estero	Miss Aruba Joitza Henriquez Age: 21 Hometown: Oranjestad
Miss Australia Courtney Thorpe Age: 23 Hometown: Queensland	Miss Austria Julia Furdea Age: 20 Hometown: Austen
Miss Bahamas Rosetta Cartwright Age: 19 Hometown: Nassau	Miss Barbados Zoé Trotman Age: 22 Hometown: Bridgetown
Miss Belarus Viktoria Mihanovich Age: 21 Hometown: Smarhon	Miss Belgium Anissa Blondin Age: 22 Hometown: Brussels
Miss Belize Raquel Badillo Age: 21 Hometown: Belize City	Miss Bermuda Lillian Lightbourn Age: 24 Hometown: Hamilton
Miss Bolivia Andrea Forfori Age: 25 Hometown: Santa Cruz	Miss Bosnia & Herzegovina Isidora Borovčanin Age: 19 Hometown: Pale
Miss Brazil Julia Gama Age: 21 Hometown: Porto Alegre	Miss British Virgin Islands Rosanna Chichester Age: 25 Hometown: Road Town
Miss Cameroon Larissa Ngangoum Age: 24 Hometown: Yaounde	Miss Canada Annora Bourgeault Age: 21 Hometown: Regina
Miss Chad Sakadi Djivra Age: 21 Hometown: Abeche	Miss China Du Yang Age: 22 Hometown: Beijing
Miss Colombia Leandra García Age: 21 Hometown: Cali	Miss Costa Rica Natasha Sibaja Age: 23 Hometown: San Jose
Miss Cote d'Ivoire Yéo Jennifer Age: 18 Hometown: Aboisso	Miss Croatia Antonija Gogić Age: 19 Hometown: Zagreb
Miss Curacao Gayle Sulvaran Age: 19 Hometown: Willemstad	Miss Cyprus Ioánna Filíppou Age: 19 Hometown: Nicosia
Miss Czech Republic Tereza Skoumalová Age: 24 Hometown: Ostrava	Miss Denmark Pernille Sørensen Age: 23 Hometown: Aalborg
Miss Dominican Republic Dhío Moreno Age: 24 Hometown: Santo Domingo

Miss World 2014 Candidates: Batch A-D | Batch E-J | Batch K-P | Batch R-Z

See also Miss World 2014 Complete Coverage

Miss Earth 2014 Official Candidates

The Miss Earth 2014 celebrating it's 14th edition will be held on November 29, 2014 at the University of the Philippines Theater in Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. Alyz Henrich, Miss Earth 2013 from Venezuela will crown her successor at the end of the event.

The pageant´s theme will be promoting Eco-tourism which aims to raise awareness to the tourists and travelers regarding ecological conservation in order to directly benefit the economic development and to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights.

MISS EARTH 2014 OFFICIAL CONTESTANTS:

* Australia - Nadine Roberts
*Austria - Valerie Huber
* Belgium - Emily Vanhoutte
* Bolivia - Eloísa Gutiérrez
* Bosnia & Herzegovina - Bogdana Trifković
* Botswana - Nicole Gaelebale
* Brazil - Letícia Silva
* Canada - Cynthia Loewen
* Chile - Catalina Cáceres
* China - Shirley Sham Yen Yi
* Chinese Taipei - Kuan-Lien Chen
* Colombia - Alejandra Villafañe
* Croatia - Ana Batarelo
* Curaçao - Akisha Albert
* Czech Republic - Nikola Buranská
* Denmark - Aisha Isabella Hansen
* Dominican Republic - Mayté Brito
* Ecuador - María José Maza
* Egypt - Nancy Magdy
* El Salvador - Georgina Gonzalez
* England - Gabriella Gatehouse
* Fiji - Zoe McCracken
* France - Laëtizia Penmellen
* Gabon - Hulda Marilyne Ondo
* Germany - Arta Muja
* Ghana - Nana Ama Odame-Okyere
* Guam - Erin Marie Camacho Wong
* Guatemala - Thalia Raquel Carredano
* Guyana - Stacy Ramcharan
* Haiti - Fabiaula Dumas
* Hungary - Sydney Van De Bosch
* India - Alankrita Sahai
* Indonesia - Annisa Ananda Nusyirwan
* Israel - Tala Safadi
* Italy - Beatrice Valente
* Japan - Reina Nagata
* Kazakhstan - Assel Zholdassova
* Kenya - Lydiah Linah Manani
* Korea - Sumin Shin
* Latvia - Alise Feldmane
* Lebanon - Amina El Hassan
* Madagascar - Judie Jaomarina
* Malaysia - Renee Tan
* Mauritius - Anne Sophie Lalanne
* Mexico - Yareli Carillo
* Mongolia - Tugsuu Idersaikhan
* Myanmar - Ei Mon Khine
* Namibia - Paulina Malulu
* Nepal - Prinsha Shrestha
* Netherlands - Talisa Wolters
* New Zealand - Sheree Anderson
* Nigeria - Damola Akinsanya
* Northern Ireland - Justine McEleney
* Pakistan - Shanzay Hayat
* Panama - María Gallimore
* Paraguay - Sendy Cáceres
* Peru - Elba Fahsbender
* Philippines - Jamie Herrell
* Poland - Patrycja Dorywalska
* Portugal - Raquel Fontes
* Puerto Rico - Franceska Toro
* Réunion Island - Lolita Hoarau
* Romania Romania - Andreea Chiru
* Russia - Anastasia Trusova
* Samoa Samoa - Natasha Westropp
* Scotland - Romy McCahill
* Singapore - Silvia Lam
* Slovak Republic - Daria Frabici
* Slovenia - Patricia Peklar
* South Africa - Ilze Saunders
* Spain - Zaira Bas
* Sri Lanka - Imaya Liyanage
* St. Lucia - Francillia Austin
* Sweden - Frida Fornander
* Switzerland - Shayade Hug
* Tahiti - Hereata Ellard
* Tanzania - Nale Boniface
* Thailand - Sasi Sintawee
* Tonga - Sicilia Makisi
* Ukraine - Valeriia Poloz
* USA - Andrea Neu
* U.S. Virgin Islands - Esonica Veira
* Venezuela - Maira Alexandra Rodríguez
* Zambia - Cartier Zagorski
* Zimbabwe - Sandiswe Bhule

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See also Miss Earth 2014 Coverage

Miss Earth Beauty Pageant 2014

The Miss Earth Beauty Contest was the only international pageant for women who promotes environmental awareness.

Since it's early launched in 2001, Miss Earth was considered to be one of the "Big 4" international beauty competitions in the world. It was created and organized by Carousel Productions based in Manila, Philippines. The organization is headed by Ramon S. Monzon, President and Lorraine Espiridon Schuck, Executive Vice President and herself a former beauty queen (Mutya ng Pilipinas 1979 & 2nd run-up in Miss Asia Pacific 1979).

The pageant was held first in the Philippines since 2001 up to 2009. It was finally held outside the Philippines in 2010 (Nha Trang Vietnam).

Since the main theme of the pageant was Environmental Awareness, they are looking for young beautiful women who will stand for the protection, caring and preservation of our environment.

Each year, there are 4 finalists selected and all of them have titles and crowns named after the natural elements: Miss Fire (3rd run-up); Miss Water (2nd run-up); Miss Air (1st run-up); and the Miss Earth, who is the ultimate winner. It is the only pageant among the "Big Four" which have 4 titles and crowns.

MISS EARTH BEAUTY PAGEANT 2014:

Official Candidates

Schedule of Events

Eco-Beauty Videos

Philippines won Miss Earth 2014!

Valerie Hernandez of Puerto Rico wins Miss International 2014

Miss Puerto Rico, 21-year old Valerie Hernandez from Carolina, is the new Miss International! She is the 2nd titleholder from her country in this pageant,the first was Laurie Simpson, winner of 1987.

Miss Colombia, Zuleika Suárez placed 2nd, Miss Thailand, Punika Kulsoontornrut, was 3rd, Miss United Kingdom, Victoria Tooby, 4th and Miss Finland, Milla Romppanen, was 5th.

Argentina, Josefina José Herrero, Brazil, Deise Benicio, Indonesia, Elfin Pertiwi Rappa, Mexico, Vianey Vázquez, and Panama, Aileen Bernal, completed the Top 10.

Special prize winners were Miss Friendship, Colombia, Zuleika Suárez; Miss Internet, India, Jhataleka Malhotra; Best National Costume, Indonesia, Elfin Pertiwi Rappa; Miss Perfect Body, France, Aurianne Sinacola; Miss Best Dresser (Dressed),
Colombia, Zuleika Suárez.

Facts:

- Puerto Rico’s Valerie Hernandez placed 2nd on her national contest. When the actual winner, Patricia Quiñones, gave up the crown for “personal reasons”, Valerie took the challenge over and traveled to Japan. Now her life has changed forever!

– The winner is a ballet dancer from Carolina, 21 years old, 1.77 m-tall. She resides in the city of Toa Baja.

– The new Miss International competed in Miss Teen International a few years ago and won the title. She is described and being very polite and calm, qualities the Japanese truly appreciate in a beauty queen, which could explain her very surprising victory.

– She’s the third black woman to win the title, after Jeymmy Vargas of Colombia in 2004 and Elizabeth Mosquera of Venezuela in 2010. Accused of being racist by the specialized press, Miss International gave 1st and 2nd place spots to black women, both Latins.

– Maybe the pageant’s problem is with black women from Africa and English-speaking countries. Guyana and Gabon did not place and this year only Gabon and Zambia sent representatives from Africa. It could get worse in the future, as they are virtually ignored by the Japanese organization.

– On a positive note, countries with ‘sash power’, such as Venezuela, Philippines, Japan, Korea and Spain, did not place, regardless of the nations they were representing. Among those who deserved to place, but were left out, were the representatives of India, Guyana, Netherlands and Peru. Venezuela and Philippines could go both ways, as we said earlier.

– Puerto Rico and Panama were the big surprises in the Top 10, and Puerto Rico ended up winning the title.

– Production was very low-budget and the pageant was slow and long (over 3 hours!). After all 73 women paraded in national costumes, swimsuits and gowns, the semi-finalists were announced and went on to give their tradition speeches. Stage was very poor. The most positive aspect of Miss International is the amazing cultural experience the candidates have in the weeks before the final.

* See also Miss International 2014 Special Report

Miss International 2014 National Costume Competition

All the Miss International 2014 candidates paraded wearing their national costumes from their native land during a press conference in Tokyo.

One of the favorite costume by the fans was that of Miss Guyana, Ruqayyah Boyer, the stunning Goddess Of The Lost City Of Eldorado. Guyana had participated in Miss International in the early 1960’s, as British Guyana, and now it has its first ever representativa in this pageant as an independent nation.

Miss International’s final will happen on November 11th, live on the internet.

* View also Complete coverage of Miss International 2014

Miss International 2014 Welcome Dinner

As the candidates from around the world keep on arriving in Japan for Miss International 2014, they got together for the contest’s orientation and later had their welcome dinner.

The girls seem to be having a lot of fun!

Miss International 2014 will be crowned on November 11, in Tokyo, Japan.

* See also Miss International 2014 Complete Coverage

Catalina Morales wins Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2015

Catalina Morales, 23, the representative of Guaynabo, is Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2015 and is expected to represent her island in Miss Universe 2015, possibly in 2016. The event was marked by booing, protest and endless mistakes on the live telecast, reported El Nuevo Dia. Catalina is a law student at the University of Puerto Rico.

Miss Cayey, Nicole Colón, the 2nd runner-up, was the crowd favorite. Those watching the contest on location were furious with the judges’ decision.

Gabriela Berrios, elected in 2013, and who will represent Puerto Rico in Miss Universe 2014, in 2015, crowned her successor. When describing her year of reign on live television, Gabriela said: “It’s been mostly stressful!”. Berrios, a former Miss Supranational Puerto Rico (2012), will compete in Miss Universe 2014, on January 25th of 2015, in Miami, USA.

Mariana Jimenez of Guarico wins Miss Venezuela 2014

Mariana Jimenez, Miss Guarico, was the winner of Miss Venezuela 2014 contest, held in Caracas, and will represent her country in Miss Universe 2015, possibly in 2016. She is 20 years old and a student of social communication. Mariana was one of the favorites for the crown. She was crowned by Migbelis Castellanos, elected last year and her country’s representative in Miss Universe 2014, which will happen in January of 2015, in Miami, USA.

Edymar Martínez, Miss Anzoategui, won the title Miss Venezuela International 2015 and will compete in Japan next year. Miss Amazonas, Maira Rodríguez, is expected to compete in Miss Earth 2015.

The other two finalists were Lorena Santos, Miss Distrito Capital, and Erika Pinto, Miss Zulia.

Gabriela Isler, the current Miss Universe from Venezuela, attended the event.

The new Miss Venezuela competed in Miss Grand International 2013, in Thailand, having placed in the Top 10.

Valerie Weigmann wins Miss World Philippines 2014

The highly anticipated Miss World Philippines 2014 contest took place on October 12th SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Crowd favorite Valerie Clacio Weigmann won 10 special awards, in addition to the main title.

She is 24 years old and 1.72 m-tall.

Complete Results:
Miss World Philippines 2014: Valerie Clacio Weigmann
1st runner-up: Lorraine Kendrickson
2nd runner-up: Nelda Ibe
3rd Runner-up: Nicole Donesa
4th runner-up: Rachel Louise Peters

Special Awards:

Yahoo Philippines Readers’ Choice: Rachel Louise Peters
Best in Sports: Lorraine Kendrickson
Miss Camarines Sur: Valerie Weigmann
Miss Photogenic: Nelda Ibe
Best in Swimsuit: Valerie Weigmann
Miss Friendship: Kristine Estoque and ChristineBalaguer
Best in Fashion Runway: Valerie Weigmann
Miss Talent: Jean Marie Feliciano
Miss Sun Cellular: Kimberly Anne Sareal
Best in Long Gown: Valerie Weigmann
Miss Solaire: Valerie Weigmann
Miss Organique: Nelda Ibe
Miss Figlia: Valerie Weigmann
Jesi Mendez Salon Ambassador: Valerie Weigmann
Miss Bench: Valerie Weigmann
Miss Olay: Valerie Weigmann
Most Alluring: Rachel Louise Peters
Miss Hana: Valerie Weigmann

13 SEMI-FINALISTS:
Candidate No. 16 Ina Dominica Guerrero
Candidate No. 7 Rachel Louise Peters
Candidate No. 14 Nicole Donesa
Candidate No. 12 Christine Balaguer
Candidate No. 6 Kristine Angeli Estoque
Candidate No. 3 Alexa Kirby
Candidate No. 4 Priscilla Kimberley dela Cruz
Candidate No. 13 Kimberly Anne Sarreal
Candidate No. 17 Kimberly Pajares
Candidate No. 19 Valerie Weigmann
Candidate No. 20 Nelda Ibe
Candidate No. 1 Lorraine Kendrickson
Candidate No. 5 Gazini Christiana Ganados

Valerie Clacio Weigmann, or Val for short, is an actress, professional model and an entrepreneur. She is probably best known for her stint on Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition Plus, and as one of the host of the noontime show Eat Bulaga!

She succeeds Megan Young, the Philippines’ first Miss World, in her country, who was present at the event. Now she will try to conquer the back-to-back Miss World title in London, England, on December 14th.

Nora Xu Crowned Miss Universe China 2014

Nora Xu was crowned Miss Universe China 2014 in Shanghai, on September 13th. Nora is 19 years old, 1.78 m-tall, and comes from Luoyang, Henan province. Her hobbies include practicing sports, especially running.

China has reached Miss Universe’s final (Top 5) on two occasions, in 2002 (3rd place) and 2011 (5th place). Nora will try to become her country’s first Miss Universe.

Miss Universe 2014 will be held in Doral, USA, on January 25th.

Dalreena Poonam Gill wins Miss World Singapore 2014

20-year-old soccer referee Dalreena Poonam Gill was crowned Miss World Singapore 2014 at the One Farrer Hotel and Spa on September 13th.

Gill beat 19 other local contestants to clinch the coveted crown and the opportunity to represent Singapore at the Miss World 2014 pageant in London.

She will also receive about $8,000 in cash and prizes.

Gill, who stands at 1.71 m tall and boasts vital statistics of 32B-26-36, is the youngest of only three female soccer referees in Singapore and aspires to become a referee for global soccer body FIFA in the next two years.

“The reason why I’m here today is to represent the minority in Singapore. Pageantry is a doorway for those who want to be on stage, give back and of course learn more about themselves,” said Gill in a personal bio-sheet explaining her decision to join Miss World Singapore 2014.

The first runner-up was Kimberley Lam (details to come), followed by second runner-up Louissa Lavnea Thomas, 25.

Singapore started participating in Miss World in 1972 and its best historical result is a semi-final placement in 1976, with Pauline Poh Neo Cheong.

Miss World 2014 will be crowned on December 14th.

Lourdes de Guzman is Miss World Spain 2014

The city of Benicássim welcomed this year’s Miss Spain World candidates and the final event took place on September 13th. Miss Spain World 2014 is Lourdes Rodriguez de Guzman, 20 years old, 1.75 m-tall.

The winner hails from Daimiel, a small town of 17 thousand inhabitants, located in the province of Ciudad Real.

The 1st runner-up was Lorena Gonzales and the 2nd runner-up was Estafania Martinez.

Last year Spain placed in Miss World’s Top 6, finishing in 4th place. Spain has never won the title and Lourdes will try to change this scenario on December 14th, in London, England.

DR's Geisha Montes de Oca is Miss United Continents 2014

The city of Guayaquil served as host for the second edition of Miss United Continents. Thirty-one candidates competed and the winner was Miss Dominican Republic, Geisha Montes de Oca, 27 years old, from Santo Domingo. Geisha won USD 10,000 in cash, a crown worth USD 20,000, among other gifts, such as a trip to the Galapago Islands in company of the 1st and 2nd runner-ups.

First runner-up, or “virreina”, was Wi Mai Nava, Miss Venezuela, while the 2nd runner-up (1st princess) was Miss India, Gail Da’Silva.

In 4th place (2nd princess) was the crowd favorite Miss Colombia, Paola Ruiz; the 5th position (3rd princess) went to Miss Ukraine, Anna Sardyga; rounding out the Top 6, in 6th place (4th princess) was Miss Paraguay, Julia Frison.

Semi-finalists were the representatives of Brazil, Camila Nantes, Haiti, Marie Darline, Kazakhstan, Aygerim Kozhakanova, and Sweden, Felicia Aden.

Gama TV was in charge of the live telecast, which was seen in 9 different countries.

Julija Bizjak wins Miss Slovenije 2014

Julija Bizjak (20, 1.75m, Lesce) was crowned Miss Slovenije 2014 at the Atlantis Water Park in Ljubljana on September 11. She will represent Slovenia in Miss World 2014 in London, England on December 14.

Anja Mihelič and Anja Kragelj finished in second and third place, respectively.

Miss Universe 2014 to be held in Doral, Miami, Florida on January 25

The 63rd Edition of Miss Universe will happen in January 25. It is the first time since 1952 that the competition skips a year.

Luigi Boria, Mayor of the City of Doral, confirmed on Friday September 12th that the 64th Miss Universe Pageant will take place in Doral (Miami). The announcement had the presence of Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart, and the reigning titleholder Gabriela Isler, Miss Universe 2013 from Venezuela.

Boria confirmed via Twitter that the live telecast of Miss Universe 2014 will take place on Sunday, January 25th.

Members of the City’s Council voted three against one to approve the hosting of the Miss Universe Pageant.

The City will pay USD 2.5 million dollars, expecting a return on their investment via sponsorships and publicity.

Most of the activities will take place at the Trump National Hotel in Doral. Miami-Dade county and Miami Beach will also be involved in the organization of the event.

Isler said that she is extremely happy that the event will take place in Doral. “It is the home to many Venezuelans and it makes me feel like home” she added.

An official statement is yet to be issued by the Miss Universe Organization.

See also: Miss Universe 2014 Complete Coverage